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Byron D. Augustin
Department of Geography
Texas State University
San Marcos, Texas 78666
512.245.3208
ba04@txstate.edu
Byron D. Augustin is the Piper Professor of Geography and professor of international studies at Texas State University. He has received four Joseph J. Malone Fellowships to study Arab and Islamic culture in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. He is the author of books on Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bolivia, and Texas, and has published articles in The Geographical Bulletin, Social Studies Texan, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and Texas Highways, among others.
Presentations
Islam for Beginners
Islam is the world’s fastest-growing religion, with more than 1.2 billion members. This presentation will cover the history of Islam, the basic teaching of Islam, and the links among Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. Slides will give a visual dimension to the presentation.
Understanding the Arabs
Some of the world’s greatest scientific achievements, literature, and history evolved in the Arab world. Yet many Americans view the Arabs with a sense of caution and an established set of stereotypes and misperceptions. What cultural generalizations can be made about the Arabs? Who are they and what do they think of the United States?
The Role of Women on the Arabian Peninsula
The role of women in Arabia is changing rapidly. Most Arabian universities enroll far more women than men and they are better students. Women are moving into occupations that have been reserved for men in the past. For many women the transition is not happening fast enough. However, some cultural traditions are difficult to change and the growing strength of Islamic conservatism could slow the reform movement.
Cultural Change Along the U.S.-Mexico Border
The maquiladora program along the U.S.-Mexico border was created in 1966. Currently, more than one million workers are employed in maquiladoras, with Ciudad Juarez and Tijuana serving as the major centers of manufacturing. Almost sixty percent of employees are female and the social impact of this job-creation program on the border region has been substantial.
Agrarian Reform and Social Change in Mexico
The 1910 Mexican Revolution led to a major change in land tenure from large haciendas to small ejido farms. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has helped make the ejido system obsolete. As a result, Mexico’s population is rapidly shifting in a traditional rural to urban migration. This population shift is changing the dynamics of social structure in Mexican cities.