Latest news with #GeorgetownUniversityinQatar
Qatar Tribune
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
Bringing history to life: GU-Q students create graphic novels from interviews
Tribune News Network Doha This summer, the Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) library is home to a compelling collection of graphic novels that delve into historical events such as war, migration, and political upheaval—offering powerful insights into how these moments have shaped the lives of individuals and communities across generations. But these works are not part of a newly acquired collection—they are the creative outcome of an innovative course offered on campus: History and the Graphic Novel. Taught by Dr. Karine Walther, Associate Professor of History, the course studies graphic novels as secondary history resources. 'Graphic novels can show history, not just describe it. There's a unique emotional weight when you see history unfold through art, it feels more personal and real than just reading facts or dates,' said Mohamed Jaski, a culture and politics major with a minor in history, who was one of 12 students enrolled in the class. Teaching history in novel and interesting ways is not new to Dr. Walther, who was voted 'Faculty Member of the Year' by the graduating class at this year's Tropaia senior award ceremony.'I first took Professor Walther during my freshman year for proseminar, and since then, she's remained my absolute favourite professor,' said Jaski, who took a total of four classes with Walther, culminating in this course in spring of his senior year. Another cornerstone of the class was a technical workshop on how to use Canva, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, and Artificial Intelligence to generate images and develop storyboards for their graphic novel, taught by Associate Director of the Library Robert Laws. 'The course introduced us to so many diverse graphic styles, which inspired me to blend techniques in my own way,' said Jaski. His graphic novel, titled 'Maryam,' which explores the loss and grief of war, blends Marvel-style design with a transition to stark black-and-white visuals for a dramatic, immersive feel. 'Seeing the students take ownership of the history-making process is always the best part of a class,' said Dr. Walther. 'In this class, they interviewed a member of their family or a community member, and translated those memories into a graphic novel. Although I guided them through the process of creatively engaging with their own history in conversation with historical texts, they were the ones who made this class all that it could be.' 'We taught each other, shared resources, and pushed each other to improve. There was a beautiful sense of collaboration,' shared Jaski, who was also able to offer his peers support through his role as an assistant in the Innovation Lab, a library-based technology lab with specialized software and equipment. 'Many students booked sessions with me to brainstorm, finalize their edits, and polish their visuals,' he added. The course culminated in an exhibit of student work in the Library, which, due to its essential role in supporting the class, had become an extension of the classroom. 'It played a key role in this course, both in terms of accessing graphic novels and providing space for collaboration,' Jaski explained. 'A lot of students used the library as a creative space for drafting, scanning, and editing their graphic novels.' 'The class was made possible through the ongoing support of the library staff, who helped the students at every stage of the process,' said Dr. Walther. In addition to advice provided by Laws and Jaski, Library Coordinator Mirta Lendić organised the display space, printed and bound the novels, and created materials to help promote the display campus-wide. The graphic novels produced were also printed professionally by the GU-Q bookstore and gifted to the students as a tangible reminder of the power of creative expression in academic settings. 'The course transformed my understanding of historical storytelling,' recalled Jaski, who saw the class as an important culmination to his time at GU-Q. The sentiment, he said, was shared by his classmates. 'We all showed up to the exhibition during the madness of graduation week, which I think speaks volumes about how much we loved the course and our professor.'
Qatar Tribune
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
In pioneering trip, GU-Q students experience The Hague firsthand
Tribune News Network Doha In a pioneering experiential learning course offered by Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q), 12 students recently travelled to The Hague, Netherlands, known as a hub of global law, to explore international justice up close. The new course, 'The Hague, International Law, and Justice: Institutions, Civil Society and Academia,' was developed and led by Dr. Noha Aboueldahab, assistant professor of International Law, and brought students face-to-face with institutions at the core of global law and accountability. For rising senior Bayan Kayali, who is majoring in International Politics, the trip was an important chance to see the inner workings of the international legal system in action. 'I gained invaluable insights about international law and justice that went far beyond what can be taught in a lecture hall,' she shared. Aspiring lawyer Justin Pacer, from the Class of 2026, agreed, saying:'It was truly one of the most formative academic experiences I've had.' Over the span of seven days, the students visited 13 institutions and engaged with nearly 25 professionals and academics from bodies such as the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, and the UN Residual Mechanism for Criminal course also included meetings with Dutch diplomats, legal advocates, and faculty from partner universities. For several students, the trip was their last chance to gain real-world experience before graduation. 'I'm so grateful for the chance to learn from so many amazing practitioners, it was the perfect way to wrap up my undergrad journey,' shared International History major Natali Fanik. 'What this trip gave me was a deeply human connection to the material. Studying human rights litigation in theory doesn't capture what sitting with someone who spends every day trying to make it work in impossible circumstances.' Her classmate Areesha Fatima, who studied International Economics with a minor in Justice and Peace Studies reiterated how meaningful this experience was, saying: 'It was easily one of the most enriching experiences I have had at Georgetown. Standing inside the institutions I have studied for years and speaking with the people who run them made me realise that a career in international justice is not just a distant dream. It helped me to envision my own place in these institutions and I can't think of a better way to end my undergraduate degree.' The students' thoughtful engagement left a lasting impression on their hosts, including Senior Public Prosecutor Jolanda de Boer from the Netherlands National Public Prosecutors' Office, who said, 'The questions the students asked… were proof of their great commitment to and knowledge of international law. I was genuinely impressed.' The Embassy of the Netherlands to Qatar also played a critical role in the success of the trip, providing suggestions and connections on the ground, including Ambassador Ferdinand Lahnstein, and Ilyaas Sherally, former head of political affairs at the embassy. 'It was a pleasure to support such a meaningful visit and a privilege to engage with such driven and sharp students. In times as unsettling and troubling as these, not least with the man-made catastrophe in Gaza, the importance of International Law and Justice cannot be overstated,' commented Sherally. 'No words can adequately describe the thrill of teaching this new experiential learning course,' said Dr. Aboueldahab, thanking her colleagues and trip co-organisers Angela Marongiu and Dr. Rowan Ellis. 'I'm deeply grateful to all those who took the time out of their busy schedules to engage, and especially to the amazing students who made this course special with their critical and constructive reflections.' The students shared those reflections in final assignments submitted at the end of class, such as this excerpt from Justin Pacer's ePortfolio. 'I leave this trip with a much deeper sense of responsibility, empathy, and understanding. A responsibility to not just critique from a distance, but to engage. A responsibility to carry forward the labour of those who are working, often unseen, to move justice forward. And most of all, a responsibility to give back. To use what I've learned not just to write better papers, but to stand for something.' Now celebrating two decades in Qatar, this course is a powerful example of GU-Q's commitment to bridging classroom theory with real-world insight—equipping students with firsthand exposure to the complexities of global justice.
Qatar Tribune
10-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
GU-Q's 20th anniv: Dean Safwan Masri looks ahead on expanding global impact and regional relevance
Hanane Djoua Doha As Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) celebrates its 20th anniversary, Dean Safwan Masri reflects on a journey marked by academic excellence, deep regional engagement, and a forward-looking vision that positions the institution at the nexus of global scholarship and local impact. In an exclusive interview with Qatar Tribune, Dean Masri underscored how GU-Q has evolved from its initial offerings into a dynamic academic institution, grounded in the Georgetown tradition while being responsive to the shifting needs of Qatar and the broader region. 'Over the past decade, Georgetown University in Qatar has grown in both depth and breadth,' said Masri. 'Our academic offerings have remained anchored in Georgetown's tradition of excellence in international affairs, while becoming more interdisciplinary and responsive to the needs of our region.' Expanding Academic Horizons Since launching its Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service (BSFS) degree in 2005, GU-Q has significantly diversified its programmes. Originally offering majors in Culture and Politics and International Politics, along with a Minor in Arabic and a Certificate in American Studies, the university has since introduced majors in International Economics and International History, and a Certificate in Arab and Regional Studies. 'We created a Certificate in Media and Politics with Northwestern Qatar a decade ago and recently launched a joint minor in Africana Studies,' Masri noted. 'We also introduced minors in Indian Ocean Studies and French, and a joint Certificate in Energy Studies with CMU-Q and TAMU-Q, with more programmes to come.' These academic developments reflect GU-Q's commitment to providing a globally relevant, comprehensive education that equips students with both intellectual rigor and real-world applicability. Scholarship with Purpose The university's growing portfolio of impactful research is another point of pride. 'I'm especially proud of the rise in impactful scholarship produced by our faculty—ranging from books and journal articles to policy-relevant research that speaks to global and regional issues,' Masri said. This academic output is matched by the university's efforts to bridge theory and practice. Experiential learning opportunities, such as the Community Engagement and Academic Internship programmes, allow students to confront real-world challenges. 'Our Innovation Lab is a great example,' Masri said. 'It transforms traditional academic breaks into immersive, hands-on career development experiences. This evolution reflects our mission to develop students who are not only academically strong but also socially conscious and globally minded.' A Synergy, Not a Balancing Act Masri rejected the notion that GU-Q must choose between maintaining global standards and serving local priorities. 'Maintaining Georgetown's global academic standards while contributing to Qatar's development is not a balancing act—it's a synergy,' he emphasised. He pointed to GU-Q's role in aligning with Qatar National Vision, particularly through research and partnerships that speak to local and regional needs. From public policy and migration to the legacy of the FIFA World Cup, GU-Q faculty and students are engaged in scholarship that matters. Strategic collaborations, such as the one with Education Above All, further highlight the university's commitment to accessibility and social impact. Vision for the Future Looking ahead, Masri envisions GU-Q building on its current momentum to deepen its contributions to the region and the world. 'One of my aspirations is to strengthen our research ecosystem further and create more interdisciplinary spaces where faculty and students can explore the challenges of our time,' he said. 'Another is to deepen our engagement with the Global South, ensuring that our students see themselves as part of global conversations that matter.' He emphasised GU-Q's unique positioning 'at the intersection of global scholarship and regional relevance,' calling for a continued focus on cultivating ethical leaders and critical thinkers who are prepared to shape their communities and the broader world. A Community of Purpose For Dean Masri, the 20-year milestone is not only institutional—it is also deeply personal. 'To lead an institution like GU-Q—where students, faculty, and staff are genuinely committed to the pursuit of knowledge and service—has been one of the greatest honors of my career,' he said. 'What I'm most proud of is the community we've built. Our graduates are shaping policy, leading organizations, and giving back to their communities in meaningful ways. We have become a home for dialogue, inquiry, and innovation.' As GU-Q marks two decades of transformative education, the institution stands as a testament to what is possible when global excellence meets local commitment. And if Dean Masri's vision is any indication, the next chapter promises even greater impact—rooted in purpose, driven by values, and inspired by the enduring Georgetown mission of service to others.
Al Bawaba
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Bawaba
Georgetown Qatar Closes 'Qalam' Author Series with Powerful Reflections on Grief, Memory, and Love
Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) concluded its year-long Qalam literary series with a moving conversation featuring acclaimed author and academic Sonali Deraniyagala. The event marked a rare public appearance by Deraniyagala, whose searing memoir Wave has been hailed as one of the most powerful accounts of grief and survival in contemporary literature. Deraniyagala was joined in conversation by GU-Q's Writer-in-Residence, the award-winning novelist Kamila Shamsie. Together, they explored the devastating loss at the heart of Wave, the writing process that allowed Deraniyagala to confront memory, and the enduring presence of love in the aftermath of unimaginable tragedy. Wave, which won the PEN Ackerley Prize and was shortlisted for the National Book Critics Circle Award, begins in the immediate aftermath of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami which engulfed Deraniyagala's family while they were vacationing in Sri Lanka, causing the deaths of her parents, husband, and sons. Speaking to a captivated audience, Deraniyagala reflected on how the book began not as a literary project but as a private exercise in making sense of the incomprehensible. 'It was important for me to learn to hold my nerve with the remembering,' she shared. 'What I learned–of course you are terrified of memory–but most of my memories were actually full of joy, so once you get through that pain, you are in a very good place.' Born and raised in Sri Lanka, Deraniyagala holds a PhD in economics from the University of Oxford and currently teaches at both SOAS University of London and Columbia University. In recent years her work has turned to the economics of disasters. Her rare appearance at GU-Q offered students, faculty, and members of the public an intimate glimpse into the relationship between storytelling and moving past trauma. Kamila Shamsie guided the conversation with empathy and insight, drawing connections between memory, survival, and how language can both shield and expose writers and their readers. A Year of Fostering Love of Literature In his introduction, Dean Safwan Masri, who established the Writer-in-Residence program in 2024, thanked Shamsie for her service as the program's inaugural author. 'Over the past year, Qalam has brought us together with some of the most celebrated voices in literature from the Global South,' he said, adding: 'It has been a privilege to share these evenings of literature and dialogue with you.' As GU-Q celebrates its 20th anniversary in Qatar, the evening was a poignant reminder of literature's power to bear witness and to connect. Past Qalam Series Events Abdulrazaq Gurnah Hisham Matar Ahdaf Soueif Omar El Akkad Kamila Shamsie
Al Bawaba
17-03-2025
- Politics
- Al Bawaba
GU-Q Students Witness Global Shifts Firsthand Through Immersive Learning in Washington, DC
Now more than ever, students are witnessing major global shifts, with the United States at the heart of these changes. Against this backdrop, during Spring Break, two groups of students from Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) traveled to Washington, DC, during a pivotal moment in history. Women as Changemakers For the third consecutive year, students in the Women as Change Makers course embarked on a capacity-building trip designed to empower women and foster camaraderie within the unique environment of Georgetown. In collaboration with the GU-Q Women's Center and the Office of Student Life, the course and trip highlighted the diverse and intersectional experiences of women, connecting GU-Q students with networks on the DC campus and introducing them to women leaders and changemakers in the U.S. capital. From meetings with Rosemary Kilkenny, JD, Vice President for Institutional Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, to visits to the Center for Social Justice Research, Teaching, and Service, and classroom discussions, students explored the role of women in politics and religious sectors. For Mariana Pereira de Souza (GU-Q '26), meeting with female leaders and learning about the political history of the United States through their eyes was a transformative experience. 'Learning this from a woman's perspective was very empowering because we don't tend to see ourselves represented in a lot of important spheres,' she said, adding: 'They encouraged us to be our truest selves.' Bridging Two CapitalsFor students in cross-campus Bridging Two Capitals course, the trip offered an immersive learning experience in international affairs, engaging them with local experts, policymakers, and cultural leaders with their classmates studying in Washington, DC, followed by hosting their classmates in Doha. Through academic discussions, field visits, and collaborative projects, students examined how governance, religion, and global diplomacy shape daily life in each capital. Pre-trip coursework provided students with foundational knowledge about the capital cities, enabling them to critically compare both cities. During Spring Break, GU-Q students explored Washington, DC through monument and museum visits and spent time at Georgetown's Hilltop campus.
