Fall 2025, students in Intermediate Modern Standard Arabic II had the unique opportunity to take a private tour of the “Taught by the Pen (علّم بالقلم)” World Islamic Manuscript Exhibit at the Beinecke Library.
Led by Robin Dougherty, Yale Librarian for Middle Eastern Studies, the students were treated to an insightful exploration of the exhibit’s treasures. Robin had thoughtfully prepared comprehensive handouts, complete with glossaries, historical context, and detailed information about the various displayed items.
The tour provided a rich, immersive experience, introducing students to a diverse collection of manuscripts and artifacts. Engaging in lively discussions, students eagerly asked questions and received detailed answers, deepening their understanding of Islamic cultural and intellectual heritage.
By the end of the tour, students were encouraged to revisit the exhibit and were urged to spend more time exploring its fascinating contents and further enriching their learning experience. This private tour proved to be an invaluable opportunity for the students to connect their classroom studies with tangible historical artifacts.
