USJ-LB International Academy for Lebanese and Middle Eastern Studies
[ULIA-LMES]


Fostering In-Depth Knowledge and Diplomatic Expertise on Lebanon and the Middle East

In partnership with USJ

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USJ-LB International Academy
for Lebanese and Middle Eastern Studies

[ULIA-LMES]

 

Key Personnel and Their Roles 

1- Co-Founder & Chief Executive and Academic Officer (CEAO): Nada M. Salem

  • Responsibilities: Overall leadership, strategic planning, partnership development, ensuring the academy's mission and vision are achieved, overseeing the implementation and success of the academy, and working closely with faculty to ensure presentations are error-free and engaging for audiences. 

2- Operations Manager: (TBA) 

  • Responsibilities: Managing day-to-day operations, logistics, scheduling, and coordination of online courses. 

3- Marketing and Communications Manager: (TBA) 

  • Responsibilities: Developing and implementing marketing strategies, managing social media, public relations, and outreach activities. 

4- Student Services Coordinator: (TBA) 

  • Responsibilities: Providing support and services to students, including enrollment, academic advising, and addressing student inquiries and concerns. 

5- IT Manager: (AFEE & USJ) 

  • Responsibilities: Managing the technical aspects of the online platform, ensuring smooth operation of Zoom sessions, technical support, and cybersecurity. 

6- Administrative Assistant: (TBA)

  • Responsibilities: Administrative support for the executive team, scheduling, documentation, and correspondence. 

7- Faculty Members (Part-Time): 

  • Responsibilities: Developing and teaching courses, assessing student performance, and contributing to curriculum development. 

8- Finance Manager: (AFEE & USJ) Depends on where payment is made) 

  • Responsibilities: Managing budgets, financial planning, invoicing, and financial reporting. 

 

+ BOARD OF ADVISORS (Non-Operational): 

  • Responsibilities: Providing strategic guidance, supporting curriculum development, enhancing credibility, and leveraging professional networks. 
Let Us Discuss It

The USJ-LB International Academy (ULIA) is dedicated to fostering cultural understanding and appreciation through its diverse and comprehensive executive education course offerings. By bridging generations and promoting global connectivity, the academy aims to create a lasting impact on how Lebanese and Middle Eastern cultures, histories, and languages are perceived and engaged with worldwide. Our meticulously designed courses cater to a wide range of professionals, academics, and enthusiasts, equipping them with the knowledge, cultural sensitivity, and problem-solving skills needed to navigate and appreciate the rich heritage of Lebanon and the Middle East. By fostering in-depth knowledge and diplomatic expertise on Lebanon and the Middle East, ULIA ensures that participants gain invaluable insights through interactive and engaging online sessions, making it a premier institution for Lebanese and Middle Eastern studies.

Target Audience:

Professionals and Government Officials:

  • Professionals in the US State Department and various embassies
  • Government and Policy Makers formulating and implementing foreign policy focused on the Middle East
  • Military Personnel preparing for assignments or deployments in the Middle East

Academics and Researchers:

  • Academics and Researchers specializing in Middle Eastern studies, cultural studies, history, and religious studies
  • Graduate and Postgraduate Students pursuing degrees in international relations, Middle Eastern studies, cultural studies, and related fields
  • Scholars and enthusiasts of Middle Eastern studies

Business and Media:

  • International Business Professionals with interests or operations in the Middle East
  • Journalists and Media Professionals covering Middle Eastern affairs

NGO and Non-Profit Workers:

  • NGO and Non-Profit Workers involved in humanitarian aid, development projects, and cultural exchange programs

Tourism and Cultural Enthusiasts:

  • Tourism and Hospitality Industry Workers in tourism management, cultural tourism, and hospitality services related to the Middle East
  • Lebanese and Middle Eastern Diaspora Communities wishing to reconnect with their cultural roots
  • Cultural Enthusiasts interested in learning more about the rich cultural and historical tapestry of Lebanon and the Middle East

General Interest:

  • Americans and Canadians with an interest in Lebanon and the Middle East
  • Individuals preparing for assignments in the Middle East

Themes Covered 

1- Cultural and Historical Studies 

  • Lebanese and Middle Eastern Cultures 
  • Lebanese and Middle Eastern History 
  • Lebanese and Middle Eastern Civilization 
  • Cultures and Languages 
  • Diversities in the Middle East 

2- Ethnic and Racial Dynamics 

  • Ethnic and Racial Studies of the Middle East 
  • Populations of the Middle East 
  • Diversity in the Middle East 
  • Historic Heritage in Lebanon and the Middle East 

3- Religious Studies and Interreligious Dialogue 

  • Christianity in the Islamic World 
  • Christian Minorities within the Muslim Society 
  • Religious and/or Ethnic Minorities in the Middle East 
  • Culture beyond Islam in the Middle East 
  • Interreligious Dialogue and Understanding 

4- Artistic and Cultural Productions 

  • Arts in Lebanon and the Middle East 
  • Middle Eastern Cinema and Film Studies 
  • Traditional and Contemporary Middle Eastern Music 
  • Middle Eastern Visual Arts 
  • Arabic Calligraphy 
  • Middle Eastern Theatre and Performance Arts 
  • Media and Cultural Production in the Middle East 
  • Photography and Documentary Filmmaking in the Middle East 
  • Architecture and Urban Design in the Middle East 

5- Contemporary Issues 

  • Exploring Lebanon's Uniqueness and Challenges: Identifying Problems and Brainstorming Solutions  
  • Exploring the Middle East's Uniqueness and Challenges: Identifying Problems and Brainstorming Solutions 
  • Exploring political systems and geopolitics in the Middle East  
  • Exploring natural resources (mainly water) and geopolitics in the Middle East 

6- Arabic Language 

  • Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) 
  • Colloquial Arabic (Ammiya or Lebanese) 
  • Business Arabic 
  • Media Arabic 
  • Arabic for Diplomacy 
  • Arabic Literature 
  • Arabic for Specific Purposes 

7- Ancient Languages and Heritage 

  • Aramaic Heritage 
  • Phoenician Language and Heritage 
  • Classical Arabic and Its Literary Heritage 
  • Syriac Language and Christian Traditions 
  • Ancient Hebrew and Judaic Studies 
  • Egyptian Hieroglyphs and Ancient Egyptian Civilization 

These themes ensure a comprehensive understanding of the cultural, historical, linguistic, ethnic, religious, and contemporary issues of Lebanon and the broader Middle East. 

Course Offerings 

1- Under the Faculty of Humanities:  

A- Cultural and Historical Studies: These courses focus on the cultural and historical aspects of Lebanon and the Middle East, providing a deep understanding of the region's diverse heritage. 

  • Lebanese and Middle Eastern Cultures 
  • Lebanese and Middle Eastern History 
  • Lebanese and Middle Eastern Civilization 
  • Cultures and Languages 
  • Diversities in the Middle East 

B- Ethnic and Racial Dynamics: These courses focus on the ethnic and racial dynamics within the Middle East, providing a comprehensive view of the region's demographic landscape. 

  • Ethnic and Racial Studies of the Middle East 
  • Populations of the Middle East 
  • Diversity in the Middle East 
  • Historic Heritage in Lebanon and the Middle East 

2- Under the Faculty of Religious Studies:  

Religious Studies and Interreligious Dialogue: Courses under this category explore the interplay between religion and society in the Middle East, with a focus on Christianism and Islam, as well as promoting interreligious dialogue. 

  • Christianity in the Islamic World 
  • Christian Minorities within the Muslim Society 
  • Religious and/or Ethnic Minorities in the Middle East 
  • Culture beyond Islam in the Middle East 
  • Interreligious Dialogue and Understanding 
      • Exploring interfaith relations and dialogue 
      • Comparative religious studies in the Middle East 
      • Case studies of successful interfaith initiatives 

3- Under the Institute of Theater, Audiovisual, and Cinematic Studies:  

Artistic and Cultural Productions: These courses focus on the artistic contributions of Lebanon and the Middle East, highlighting the region's rich cultural output. 

  • Arts in Lebanon and the Middle East 
  • Middle Eastern Cinema and Film Studies 
      • History and analysis of cinema in the Middle East. 
      • Study of influential filmmakers and significant films. 
  • Traditional and Contemporary Middle Eastern Music 
      • Exploration of classical and modern music traditions in the region. 
      • Study of prominent musicians and musical styles. 
  • Middle Eastern Visual Arts 
      • Examination of painting, sculpture, and visual arts in the Middle East. 
      • Focus on both historical and contemporary art movements. 
  • Middle Eastern Theatre and Performance Arts 
      • Overview of traditional and contemporary theatre in the Middle East. 
      • Study of notable playwrights, actors, and performances. 
  • Media and Cultural Production in the Middle East 
      • Study of media production, television, and digital content in the region. 
      • Analysis of cultural impact and media trends. 
  • Photography and Documentary Filmmaking in the Middle East 
      • Exploration of photography as an art form and tool for social commentary. 
      • Study of documentary filmmaking techniques and notable works. 
  • Architecture and Urban Design in the Middle East 
      • Examination of architectural styles and urban planning in the region. 
      • Focus on historical and modern developments. 

4- Under the Institute of Political Science 

Contemporary Issues: These courses focus on identifying and analyzing the unique challenges faced by Lebanon and the Middle East, fostering strategic thinking and collaborative problem-solving. 

  • Exploring Lebanon's Uniqueness and Challenges: Identifying Problems and Brainstorming Solutions 
      • Examination of Lebanon's unique cultural, political, and economic landscape. 
      • Analysis of current problems such as political instability, economic challenges, and social issues. 
      • Brainstorming for solutions and strategies for sustainable development and stability. 
  • Exploring the Middle East's Uniqueness and Challenges: Identifying Problems and Brainstorming Solutions  
      • Overview of the Middle East's distinctive cultural, historical, and geopolitical characteristics. 
      • Analysis of regional challenges including conflicts, economic disparities, and governance issues. 
      • Strategic solutions for peacebuilding, economic development, and regional cooperation. 
  • Exploring political systems and geopolitics in the Middle East: This course provides an in-depth analysis of the political systems and geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East. It examines the historical development, structures, and functions of various political systems in the region, and how these systems interact with regional and global geopolitical forces. 
      • Historical and contemporary political systems in the Middle East. 
      • Impact of political systems on regional stability and international relations. 
      • Role of geopolitical factors in shaping the political landscape of the Middle East. 
      • Influence of external powers on Middle Eastern politics. 
  • Exploring natural resources (mainly water) and geopolitics in the Middle East: This course explores the critical role of natural resources, particularly water, in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. It examines the distribution, management, and geopolitical significance of natural resources, and the resulting conflicts and cooperation among Middle Eastern countries. 
      • Distribution and significance of natural resources in the Middle East. 
      • Geopolitical implications of natural resource management and distribution. 
      • Role of water resources in regional conflicts and cooperation. 
      • Strategies for sustainable management of natural resources. 

5- Under the Faculty of Languages and Translation:  

Arabic Language and Applications: These courses focus on the Arabic language and its various applications in different contexts. 

  • Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) 
      • Used in formal settings, media, literature, and official documents. 
      • Comprehensive coverage of grammar, vocabulary, reading, and writing. 
  • Colloquial Arabic (Ammiya or Lebanese) 
      • Everyday spoken Arabic used in various regions. 
      • Focus on practical conversation skills and regional dialects. 
          • Levantine Arabic: Spoken in Lebanon. 
  • Business Arabic 
      • Specialized vocabulary and phrases used in business and professional settings. 
      • Focus on formal communication, negotiation, and business etiquette. 
  • Media Arabic 
      • Language used in newspapers, television, and online media. 
      • Emphasis on understanding and producing news articles, reports, and broadcasts. 
  • Arabic for Diplomacy 
      • Language skills tailored for diplomats and international relations. 
      • Focus on formal communication, diplomatic terminology, and cultural sensitivity. 
  • Arabic Literature 
      • Study of classical and modern Arabic literature. 
      • Emphasis on literary analysis, themes, and historical context. 
  • Arabic for Specific Purposes 
      • Tailored courses for specific fields such as medicine, law, or engineering. 
      • Specialized vocabulary and phrases relevant to the chosen field. 

6- Under the Institute of Oriental Languages (Institut des langues orientales):  

Ancient Languages and Heritage: These courses delve into the ancient languages and heritage that have shaped the region. 

  • Study of the art of Arabic Calligraphy 
  • Aramaic Heritage 
  • Phoenician Language and Heritage 
  • Classical Arabic and Its Literary Heritage 
  • Syriac Language and Christian Traditions 
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