CGS - News & Announcements
Welcome to the RUW Centre for General Studies. We are looking forward to working with you over the next year to ensure your success.
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9th Edition of the Week of the Italian Cuisine in the World, entitled "Mediterranean Diet and Recipes from our Roots: Health and Tradition
On November 20, 2024, the Royal University for Women, in collaboration with the Embassy of Italy, hosted a remarkable event dedicated to the Italian language “L’Italiano in cucina” as part of the 9th Edition of the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World. The event was featured by the Michelin-starred Chef @iavaronedomenico, who shared with the participants the essence of the #MediterraneanDiet and Ms. Marilina Pellegrini, who highlighted the cultural ties between the cuisine and the Italian language.
Held at the “Grazia Deledda” Centre for Italian Language and Culture, the event was focused on Italy's rich culinary heritage and its deep connection to healthy food and traditions. The evening underscored the Royal University for Women's dedication to fostering cross-cultural appreciation and provided participants with the chance to explore the language and culture of Italy.
24th Edition of the Week of the Italian Language, The role of literature as a vehicle of the Italian culture and its identity heritage
On October 14, 2024, the Royal University for Women in collaboration with the Embassy of Italy in Bahrain hosted a special lecture, "The Role of Literature as a Vehicle of Italian Culture and Its Identity Heritage," as part of the 24th Edition of the Week of the Italian Language.
The Royal University for Women was honored to welcome H.E. Andrea Catalano, Ambassador of Italy to Bahrain.
The lecture was presented by Ms. Marilina Pellegrini, who captivated the audience with insights into Italy's rich literary heritage.
Held at the Grazia Deledda Centre for Italian Language and Culture, this event emphasized the significance of the Italian language in enhancing communication, cultural understanding, and career opportunities for our students. Learning Italian opens doors to global networks, especially in the fields of design and business.
This event highlighted the lasting influence of Italian literature and celebrated cultural exchange between Bahrain and Italy.
Centre for General Studies (CGS) Holds English for Academic Success Student Orientation
The Center for General Studies (CGS) held its specific Student Orientation in September 2024. More than 20 new students attended a formative orientation session led by the CGS Acting Manager Ms. Hager Faisal Amer. She delivered a brief presentation about the nature of the English for Academic Success (EAS) programme and introduced the students to CGS faculty members. The orientation covered several themes including programmes, requirements, academic advising, attendance, external collaborations, field trips, and educational trips.
Mount Mary Voices of Leadership
The Centre for General Studies at the Royal University for Women (RUW) and the Women's Leadership Institute at Mount Mary University collaborated for the first time to involve students in projects related to the Voices of Leadership initiative. Throughout the fall semester of 2023, RUW faculty integrated the core themes of leadership and embracing authenticity into various courses, including Listening, Speaking and Critical Thinking, Women Across Cultures, and Corporate Social Responsibility and Business Ethics.
A highlight of the event was a panel discussion featuring accomplished women leaders from different institutions, including Ms. Hager Faisal of RUW. This panel provided an opportunity for students to gain valuable insights from experienced leaders and engage in meaningful conversations about the concepts of leadership and authenticity. Understanding the importance of authenticity can help students to build strong relationships and be successful in their personal and professional lives. By being authentic, students can make genuine connections with others, be more effective leaders, and have a greater sense of well-being.
1st Intercollegiate Debate Event
Royal University for Women’s Centre for General Studies proudly hosted its inaugural Intercollegiate Debate Event, welcoming a group of distinguished students from four prestigious universities: the Royal University for Women (RUW), the University of Bahrain (UOB), the Arab Open University (AOU), and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland-Bahrain (RCSI-Bahrain). The first debate topic delved into the profound impact of artificial intelligence on human intellect and power. The second debate topic explored the enduring concepts of the metaphorical glass-ceiling and sticky floors in the workplace, particularly as they pertain to women.
Head Start Injaz
The Centre for General Studies (CGS) at the Royal University for Women (RUW), in cooperation with INJAZ Bahrain, hosted the INJAZ Head Start Programme titled, Boosting Your Employability, on Sunday, November 5, 2023. INJAZ Head Start is a programme which meets the needs of a diverse group of university students by providing engaging and academically enriching experiential learning sessions focused on work-readiness education and career perspectives. 70 students from the Centre's Liberal Arts Requirement (LAR) Courses attended the Head Start Programme.
Guest Lecture by Youth Pioneer Society to LAR Students
As part of the collaboration between the Youth Pioneer Society and RUW, a guest lecture was organized for LAR students. The lecture aimed to inspire and motivate the students by sharing the success stories and experiences of the Youth Pioneer Society in empowering young individuals. The guest speakers from the Youth Pioneer Society provided valuable insights into various aspects of youth engagement, skill development, and community engagement.
Arabic Language Day
The Center for General Studies at the Royal University for Women celebrated World Arabic Language Day, observed annually on December 18. This date marks the adoption of Arabic as one of the official and working languages of the United Nations by the UN General Assembly.
As part of the celebration, the university hosted Dr. Abdulqader Al-Marzooq, Professor of Arabic Language at the University of Bahrain, who delivered an in-depth lecture on the beauty of the Arabic language. His presentation was titled The Arabic Language and Visual Arts.
Dr. Humam Al-Agha, Director of the Center for General Studies, welcomed the attendees and emphasized that the university's celebration of World Arabic Language Day underscores its commitment to promoting and enhancing the presence of the Arabic language at all levels and in various forums. He highlighted that the importance of Arabic extends beyond its role as a tool for communication; it is a cornerstone of identity and a vessel of culture.
Project-based field trip to Bahrain National Charter Monument
Centre for General Studies at the Royal University for Women organized a project-based field trip to Bahrain National Charter Monument. The purpose of the trip was to learn about the history of Bahrain and to foster a sense of national belonging.
Guest lecture on Human Rights
Centre for General Studies organized a guest lecture on Human Rights to RUW students enrolled in the Human Rights course. The lecture was delivered by Dr. Noora Alshamlan from University of Bahrain.
Project-based field trip Bahrain National Museum
Centre for General Studies at the Royal University for Women organized a project-based field trip to Bahrain National Museum. The purpose of the trip was to learn about the history of Bahrain and to foster a sense of national belonging.
Celebration of the 23rd Edition of the Week of Italian Language in the World
The Centre for General Studies (CGS) at the Royal University for Women (RUW) in cooperation with the Italian Embassy in Bahrain, celebrated the 23rd Edition of the Week of Italian Language in the World on the 18th of October 2023, at the Grazia Deledda Centre for Italian Language and Culture located at the Royal University for Women. RUW was delighted to welcome Mr. Marco Millarte, Deputy Head of Mission of the Italian Embassy in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Mr. Millarte
praised the University's efforts in providing a multi-cultural environment where the people of Bahrain have the opportunity to learn about the Italian language and its rich cultural context through the Centre.
8th Week of Italian Cuisine in the World
Under the patronage of the Embassy of the Italian Republic to the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Centre for General Studies (CGS) at the Royal University for Women (RUW), celebrated the 8th Edition of the Italian Cuisine Week in the World. The celebration took place on November 13, 2023, at the Grazia Deledda Centre for Italian Language and Culture located at the Royal University for Women.
RUW was delighted to welcome Mr. Marco Millarte, Deputy Head of Mission of the Italian Embassy in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Mr. Millarte praised the University's efforts in providing a multi-cultural environment where the people of Bahrain can learn about the Italian language and its rich cultural context through the Grazia Deledda Centre for Italian Language and Culture.
This year marks the 8th edition of La Settimana Cucina Italiana nel Mondo (the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World), an initiative by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote fine Italian cuisine and agri-food products. This year’s theme is “Dining with the Italian cuisine: well-being with taste.” On this occasion, Ms. Mariangela Pellegrini, Italian language lecturer in the CGS, delivered a lecture titled: "Dining with the Italian cuisine: well-being with taste".
The Grazia Deledda Centre for Italian Language and Culture offers several Italian language courses to the community at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, as well as some specific courses for teenagers, business-use, vocabulary, and the use of the Italian language in diplomacy.
CGS Launches Cross-Cultural Virtual Collaboration Program with Kobe Women's University CGS launched Cross-Cultural Virtual Collaboration Program with Kobe Women's University. CGS students participated in two sessions of the Cross-cultural Virtual program with their Japanese counterparts as part of the partnership between Royal University for Women and Kobe Women's University, Japan. The RUW-KWU Cross-cultural virtual program aims at giving students the opportunity to understand key concepts discussed in classes through dialogue with their peers. Students had the opportunity to engage in facilitated and substantive dialogue and build meaningful relationships across national and cultural boundaries. Through a Zoom video conference, students met with their peers in break-out rooms while instructors acted as facilitators. Students discussed gender roles in both cultures. They also examined various stereotypes examples. The discussion helped students understand gender differences across cultures. This experience helps students arrive at a better understanding of different cultures, with the goal of developing global competence essential to thriving in an interconnected world.
Report on LSC 101 Educational Field trip to Alareen Park
The Centre for General Studies took the EAS orientation students of the LSC101 course for an Educational Field trip to Alareen Park on the 1st of December, as a part of their English project work. Approximately 20 students and their lecturer with a chaperone spent quality time learning about the rare and beautiful species living in the sanctuary. The students were taken on a guided and informative tour. All of the students expressed their appreciation of such an educational and fun- filled field trip. It was a part of their project work, an oral presentation. The Accompanying Lecturer was Ms. Rama Nair (Organizer & Lecturer in charge) who was accompanied by CGS Secretary Ms. Asma Fouad.
Formation of the Reading Club
Under the aegis of CGS, the Reading Club was established on 15 November 2015 with 19 members. It is initiated and mentored by Ms. Rama Nair and supported by CGS. This endeavor is to create awareness about the benefits of reading and to encourage RUW students to become members, which will enhance the reading culture at our University and develop the language skills of our students in the long run. The President of the Club is Ms. Rania Abed, Vice President is Ms. Zainab Al Ghuloom and the Treasurer is Ms. Radhia Hassan Haji and the club activities are hosted in the new student Al Majlis room.
Ethnographic Research Workshop
An Ethnographic Research seminar on the 15th of December was held by Dr. Eugenie A. Samier as part of the CGS/Research Centre’s activities, designed to cover the origins, scope and forms of ethnographic research as well as a broad range of topics it can be applied to. A list of e-resources that have been compiled for conducting ethnographic research generally and in a number of fields was distributed.
Arabic Language Day
The Centre for General Studies held an Arabic Language Day event on the 22nd of December hosting authors of Arabic language study and literature to highlight the importance of and continuing support for Arabic language at RUW. There were four guests presenting: Dr. Abdul Marzouki, a professor of Arabic language at the University of Bahrain, who is also one of the authors of the LAR 101 Arabic text; Dr. Ali Hilal, a former specialist in the management of Arabic language curricula and author of various publications in a number of academic levels in Bahrain; Ms. Fawzia Rasheed, a published literary author and journalist; and the poet Dr. Nabila Zubari.
Project-Based Learning
English for Academic Success Level Two students went on a trip to the movies as part of their Listening, Speaking, and Critical Thinking class. Twenty-nine students actively watched the movie “Inside Out” that was the basis for their movie review project. Ms. Norhan A. Rahman stated that this sort of trip not only enhances students’ linguistic skills through direct exposure to authentic language, but it also builds a strong relationship among lecturers and students.
CGS Writing Clinic Launch
On the 29th of November, the Centre for General Studies successfully launched one of the most significant academic services to RUW. The aim of this service is to guide the students through their writing assignments. Ms. Norhan A. Rahman and Ms Mariam Alsada provide RUW students with strategies and tools needed to accomplish their written assignments. They catered to their needs in all of the writing process stages: brainstorming, drafting, proofreading and editing. RUW students showed their interest in the service and they started signing up for their appointments and visiting the clinic.
RUW Conference on Women and Society
The major event for CGS in the month of April was the RUW Women and Society conference in which there was a high level of participation by CGS staff and a large numbers of papers for its parallel sessions, ranging from literary and language analysis, to women’s history, women and violence, and women’s empowerment to cultural comparisons. The chairs of the three sessions in order of appearance were Mr. Parsa (with rapportage by Dr. E. A. Samier), Dr. Chitra (rapportage by Ms. Rama Nair), and Dr. Jennifer Orlikoff from West Virginia University (rapportage by Ms. Norhan Rahman). CGS staff who presented papers include Ms. Norhan on ‘The effectiveness of recasts in second language acquisition,’ Ms. Rama on ‘Women across cultures: A comparative study of the South Asian and Eastern Arabian countries,’ Dr. Chitra on ‘Social construction of the “feminine” in independent India: A historical perspective,’ and Dr. Eugenie A. Samier, co-presenting with Ms. Amal Al-Gallaf on ‘Constructing modern women’s leadership identities in the Arabian Gulf: Synthesising roles from culture, tradition and modernisation,’ the last presented in a College of Business and Financial Services parallel session.
Listen, Comprehend and Present
The young ladies of Speaking courses 101 and 201 enjoyed a delightful experience of watching a new release movie of 2016, entitled ‘Zootropolis’. They were required to critique various aspects of the storyline and present their views in front of the class for their project assessment. The icing on the cake was that the RUW students were offered a special package by Cineco: a concession priced ticket with a popcorn pack, a drink and a chocolate bar. It was indeed in a splendid manner that the students enhanced their listening and speaking skills in the English language.
Strategies for Learning a Second Language
Dr. Jennifer Orlikoff, Chair, Director of the Center for Women's and Gender Studies at West Virginia University, gave the Orientation Programme students a lecture on strategies and techniques to enhance their second language learning. She shared with them her experience in being a second language learner herself. RUW girls were engaged and excited to apply all what they have learned.
Women across Cultures Guest Lecture
Dr. Jennifer Orlikoff, Chair, Director of the Center for Women's and Gender Studies at West Virginia University elaborated on the status of women in U.S. and how their reproductive rights are perceived. Students were engaged in a discussion led by Dr. Chitra Sinha, a women studies specialist at the Royal University for women. Not only LAR 133 students enjoyed that interactive section but also other LAR students were invited and actively participated.
History of Bahrain Students visited “Bahrain National Charter
Dr. Abdul Raheem Shaheen accompanied 19 students from the History of Bahrain course in a field trip to the National Charter. The students were engaged in very informative activities and were very enthusiastic to share what they learned through their projects.
Physical Education Horse Back Riding
The LAR 143 Physical Education Class visited the Rashid Equestrian and Horse Club on March the 7th to visit the facilities, learn about how horses are raised and trained for racing and pleasure riding, as well as have an opportunity to have a few minutes ride in the paddock area. Students were chaperoned by Drs. Fatema and Eugenie, who also enjoyed the visit to the club.