For the sixth consecutive year, SFSU will join universities throughout the country for a weeklong celebration of international education, Nov. 14 to 19.

The primary focus of International Education Week is to increase knowledge and awareness of the world's cultures among students and the wider SFSU community, said Jennifer Wissink, SFSU International Education Week coordinator. "But it also highlights the vital role that international education and exchange programs play in promoting peace in the world."

The week's events, organized by the Office of International Programs, include film screenings, internationally themed meals, lectures, presentations, workshops and other activities.

All events will take place on campus and almost all are free to the public.

Highlights include:

• "Brown like dat: South Asians and Hip-Hop." Film screening and discussion with director Raeshem Nijhon. Noon to 1:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14. Rosa Parks Rooms, lower level, Cesar Chavez Student Center.
• "A Salary of Death: Badr Shakir al-Sayyâb's 'Haffar al Qubûr' (The Gravedigger) and the Crisis of Modern Iraq." Lecture by Mohammad Salama, assistant professor of Arabic. 4:10 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15. Room 473, Humanities building.
• "U.S. Strategy and Tactics in Afghanistan and Iraq." Lecture by Andrew Hanami, associate professor of international relations. 6:10 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15. Room 362, HSS building.
• Welcome reception for international students. 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16. Vista Room, fourth floor, Burk Hall.
• Diwali, the Festival of Lights (Indian New Year), celebrated. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16. Rigoberto Menchu Hall, terrace level, Cesar Chavez Student Center.
• "Globalization of the Wine Industry." Lecture by Susan Cholette, lecturer in Decision Sciences. 3 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17. Rosa Parks Room A, lower level, Cesar Chavez Student Center.
• Internationally themed lunches. Noon to 1:30 p.m., through Friday, Nov. 18. Vista Room, fourth floor, Burk Hall. Lunches cost $14. For reservations, call (415) 338-6087.

International Education Week is a joint initiative of the U.S. departments of State and Education. It promotes programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and that attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences in the United States.

For details and a complete list of campus events, call the Office of International Programs at (415) 338-1293 or visit the SFSU International Education Week Web site.

-- Matt Itelson