The links between literature and history, and the interdisciplinary nature of human sciences were the highlighted issues dealt at the International Conference hosted by the Faculty of Arts at Beirut Arab University. The Conference was entitled “Histoire et Mémoire: La literature comme témoignage” and was organized in collaboration with l’université de la Sorbonne – Paris4 and l’université d’Anger. Over two days, it discussed the historical specificity of literary texts, and how the most prominent historical events are reflected in world literature. The impact of wars and their subsequent impact on the literary arena was highlighted, showing how writers are affected. Narrating experiences and memories bring literature to the fore as a testimonial on history and memory.
The conference was organized by the Department of French Language and Literature, and was attended by Prof. Dr. Essam Osman, Vice-President for Medical Sciences, Prof. Dr. Mayssah El Nayal, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Prof. Dr. Nadia Iskandarani, Head of the French Department, in addition to BAU Deans, staff-members and a large crowd of students and interested people. The event was also attended by Dr. Pascal Akyan, Vice-President of the Scientific Council of the Sorbonne, and Dr. Salwa Nacouzi, Regional Director of the Bureau Moyen-Orient -Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie.
Prof. Dr. Essam Osman delivered a speech on behalf of the President of BAU, indicating the importance of the conference in opening up to the world, consolidating ties, and exchanging expertise with Francophone and Anglophone universities to promote cultural dialogue in the age of globalization.
Prof. Dr. Mayssah El Nayal, Dean of the Faculty of Arts pointed out the importance of the conference in exploring the intersections between history, memory and literature, as well as the role of literature in constructing cultural and national identities.
Prof. Dr. Nadia Iskandarani, Head of the French Department, highlighted in her word the contribution made by the conference in accentuating the partnerships between BAU, l’université de la Sorbonne –Paris4 and l’université d’Anger, through the joint researches manifested at the event.
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