Doha: Back by popular demand, Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) invites members of the public to enrol in its Community Classes programme starting this week for courses beginning on October 11.
The semester offers 16 unique non-credit bearing courses on a wide range of topics taught by prominent scholars and industry experts.
Designed to meet demand and busy schedules of Qataris and residents, courses will run in the evenings for six consecutive weeks with classes in Arabic, French and English.
“There are many people in Qatar who are interested in personal enrichment and critical skill development, or want to explore new career ideas.
“This is why we decided to extend Georgetown’s world-class educational resources to Doha community and in the evenings so people can fit courses into their busy lives,” said Dr Amira Sonbol, Professor of History, Faculty Chair, and Member of the committee tasked with developing Community Classes programme.
For this second instalment of the programme, GU-Q is offering courses such as Islamic Finance, providing insight into the development of the Islamic finance industry and its place in the modern economic system,
Understanding Digital Marketing will teach students how to utilise latest digital techniques to market a business or personal brand, and Great Philosophers and Contemporary World Events, a study of what the great philosophers of the West can teach about contemporary challenges facing the world today.
The varied selection of topics also includes Introduction to Critical Thinking & Logic, Questionnaire Design, Perspectives on Islam and Human Rights, Modern History of Sudan, Anthropological Film and Nuclear Weapons and International Security.
The Private-Public Dichotomy in Arab Culture will be taught in Arabic and new this semester is a course in French titled Masterpieces of French Literature.
Siroon Hanna, who took a course in Arabic Poetry in the first Community Classes offered in the spring, praised the programme.
“The curriculum is very advanced. We learned very important poetic texts based on analysis and discussion with colleagues... I have benefited by developing my talent in writing and learning new skills,” Hanna said.
“Our goal at Georgetown is to reach all members of Qatari society with our programmes and events,” said Renee Gallant, Associate Director, Outreach & External Engagement.
“Community Classes give people an opportunity to explore a topic of interest while either reliving their student experience or experiencing a taste of student life for the first time.”
Courses will run once a week on either Sunday, Tuesday or Wednesday from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
The programme commemorates Georgetown’s 10th anniversary of academic excellence and innovative thought in Qatar.
To enroll or find out more, visit https://qatar.sfs.georgetown.edu/cc
The Peninsula
