AUK Students and Faculty Meet With a Student Delegation from the American University of Paris (AUP)

The International Relations program (IR) at AUK hosted a two-session event designed to acquaint a group of 25 visiting students and faculty, from the American University of Paris (AUP), with Kuwait. The purpose of the visit was to investigate and compare the states of Kuwait and Qatar, to which the AUP group will travel next.

In the first session of the event, IR faculty comprised a panel discussion by Professors Farah Al-Nakib, Hesham Al-Awadi, Roman Kulchitsky and George Irani. Each made short presentations on different aspects of Kuwait, including history, politics, political economy, and regional politics. In his presentation, Dr. Al-Awadi referred to the Kuwait's unique constitution and young population, which, he suggested, can be reasons for people to feel optimistic, despite current problems in Kuwait and the region.

Building on that sentiment, the second session of the evening brought 25 of AUK's IR students together with those from AUP for a roundtable discussion about various aspects of life in Kuwait. The IR students represented AUK's diverse population and included Kuwaitis as well as foreign nationals, who could provide their own perspectives of Kuwait and the region. Topics discussed included the welfare state, Iraqi Invasion, the environment, expatriates, employment, the future of oil, and Gulf weather. AUP students also discussed the issue of religion and politics in France and specific restrictions that affect Muslims in the country, including laws regarding the wearing of religious items, such as the headscarf (veil).

Like AUK, the American University of Paris follows the best elements of the American university model-small, discussion-based classes; a collaborative relationship between students and faculty; a special emphasis on critical thinking and clear communication. This visiting group was under the direction of Dr. Hall Gardner, AUP Professor of International and Comparative Politics.

AUK's Department of IR boasts some of the highest program admission standards at AUK and produces articulate and well-rounded global citizens. It's faculty are dedicated to teaching skills in critical and perspectival thinking, problem solving, communication, research and teamwork. Information about AUK's IR Program can be found at www.auk.edu.kw/academics/cas/internation_relations_main.jsp.

Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 6th March 2014