Kennesaw State University's (KSU) Year of Country Study program uses a multidisciplinary approach in order to provide its audience with a richer, more complex sense of a place and community. For this purpose the academic year of 2008-2009 has been selected as the Year of Turkey. The aim of the Country Study program is, over the course of a full academic year, to take a wide-ranging look at a specific country or region under study from its earliest history right up to current events. It is KSU's belief that in order to understand and appreciate other countries and cultures, one needs to employ a broad lens and engage the “other” on a myriad of levels. The program allows faculty and student participants, and community guests to break down stereotypes and connect across cultures. All events are free and open to the public.