Title of Project: Al Farabi Café
Type: Leadership
Guide: Dr. Phil Vogt

In this project, Computer Science Graduate student Yasser Alwan, and Psychology major Christina Minta will coordinate a new LTU student organization called the Al Farabi Café. The group is inspired by the 10^th century Persian philosopher Muhammad Al Farabi and draws on the principals of the Socrates Café. Al Farabi Café may guide and shape opinions using methods of reasoning. The discussion group aims to stimulate critical thinking in the areas of History, Philosophy, Theology, Religion, Current Events and other such social regards; perhaps advocating social change. As an individual, Al Farabi's perceptions were shaped through his many travels and interactions with diverse people from different lands. In many ways that is the aim of the Café, to bring together people of varying backgrounds under one umbrella, encouraging reason and social change. Globalization played a role in organizing this group, hence the international student body is significantly evident in Al Farabi members. The café will be a threshold to diverse opinions coming from varying backgrounds. The students will gather in a friendly casual environment, without the pressures of a formalized classroom. They may share their ideas and apply what they choose to their personal philosophies. It will indirectly facilitate the learning process and introduce ideas that they may not encounter in their specialized field of study or general social environment.