FARMINGTON — The University of Maine at Farmington will present a semester-long series called Encounters starting this month and continuing into May.

Topics include misconceptions and myths of what it means to be Muslim, the complexities of family histories in Northern New England, the nature of diversity of contemporary Acadian culture and language politics in the United States.

Forum events include public programs, performances, workshops, class visits and presentations on campus. They are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted.

The schedule this month is:

Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m., Performance Space in Emery Community Arts Center. Braving the Middle Ground: Stories of Pre-Revolutionary Northern New England.

Storyteller and historian Jo Radner will share Native American oral traditions and stories told by her New England ancestors to reveal a complex colonial ‘middle ground’ between English settlers and Native American peoples.

Feb. 12, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., North Dining Hall A & B, UMF Olsen Student Center. Who Are You? Why Family Stories Matter.

The workshop with Jo Radner on storytelling and family traditions is designed to get students thinking and telling stories about traditions that have importance in their families.

Feb. 13,  7:30 p.m., North Dining Hall A, UMF Olsen Student Center. Meet a Muslim.

UMF student Yusuf Iman will talk about images of Muslims in America, dispelling misconceptions and myths, read scripture verses and share his experience of growing up Muslim in Maine.

Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m., North Dining Hall A, UMF Olsen Student Center. Conflict Kitchen: Food, Culture and Politics of North Korea.

A Pittsburgh-based restaurant will prepare and present a meal of North Korean food. Seating is limited. First come, first served. Advanced tickets required, $20 per person. Discount tickets are available for UMF students.

Feb. 26,  7:30 p.m., Performance Space in Emery Community Arts Center.
Food, Culture, and Politics of North Korea: Presentation and Discussion.

An opportunity to expand the engagement the public has with the culture, politics, and issues at stake in North Korea and between North Korea and the United States.

The Forum is sponsored by the UMF University Culture Committee, the Office of the Provost, Mantor Library and the Laboratory for the Advancement of Critical Creative Diversity.

The entire schedule can be seen at http://umf.maine.libguides.com/encounters.