In a Climate of Self-Censorship, Social Research Suffers
A new book argues that Arab social scientists limit their teaching and research through self-censorship, producing a “knowledge void.”
When Self-Censorship Means Self-Protection
An Egyptian professor explains the complex motives behind her decision to limit her own freedom of expression.
Academic Self-Censorship Is a ‘Brain Drag’ on Arab Universities and Societies
Academic self-censorship not only hinders individuals’ intellectual output and creativity but comes at a cost to whole societies.
How Much Academic Freedom Should Students Have?
A history professor at an American university in Qatar explains how his students have free choice of media for their assignments.
A Student About to Graduate Ponders the Question, What’s Next?
While travel restrictions close some doors, online courses open others. For a student about to complete her B.A., a routine question prompts some serious thinking.
How International Relations, an ‘American’ Discipline, Is Taught in the Arab World
International relations theories do not travel seamlessly across borders. A forum of Arab scholars examines how the discipline is studied in their world.
The Pros and Cons of Online University Learning
A Saudi woman student of English Literature who does not like cameras finds some unexpected benefits to online learning as well as some drawbacks
For Scientists, Failure Is a Motivating Force
A panel of Arab scientists recently discussed why failure should be embraced, not feared, as a necessary step on the path to success.
Crime Fiction From the Maghreb: Not So Hidden After All
Who says the genre barely exists in the region? A little detective work turns up plenty of fictional bodies in the libraries of western North Africa.
Why the World Urgently Needs Interdisciplinary Research and Policy Making
Covid-19 is the perfect example of a complex, global problem that requires scientists and policy makers to build bridges through collaborative interdisciplinary research.