Oakland University's School of Education and Human Services is offering "Middle Eastern American Cultures," a workshop for educators and school personnel. The course will be held on Saturday, April 24, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will continue on Sunday, April 25, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Cranbrook Institute of Science in Bloomfield Hills.

Participants will be introduced to the culture of Middle Eastern Americans, specifically those living in the Detroit area. Issues faced by schools, such as effective teaching, curricular accommodations and communication with parents of Middle Eastern American students will be discussed. Middle Eastern religions, Christian, Jewish and Muslim; awareness of stereotypes; and ethnic American customs also will be addressed.

Sharon Pray-Muir, a social studies specialist who has lived and traveled in the Middle East, will lead the workshop. She also teaches a graduate course in multicultural education.

The cost of the workshop is $195 if enrolled for continuing education units (CEUs). Participants have the option to take the course for one university graduate credit. 

For more information about the workshop and earning credit, visit the Department of Professional Development and Education Outreach Web site. To enroll, contact Professional Development at (248) 370-3033 or pro-development@oakland.edu. The registration deadline is Thursday, April 1.