Activities of the Social Sciences Department

June 24, 2004. During the academic year 2003/2004 the Social Sciences Department carried out many activities that strengthen ties between its students and local society, with the aim of creating a practical link between education and societal needs and to help alleviate social problems.

During an open Forum sponsored by the Department students and faculty members, participants addressed issues of interest in the academic and social fields, and communication channels between faculty and students. 90 students participated in small group discussion on employment opportunities, practical training in the field for social work students, and academic policy and University requirements.

Another Open Day was held for the Department's alumni. 141 persons returned to campus that day from among the graduates of 1995 until 2004. Reunions took place and the alumni recalled their “good old days” in Bethlehem University. A survey was carried out among the alumni, designed to provide details about them, where they are employed, and what they are doing in the field.

Off campus, students of the Social Sciences Department attended training in a variety of local community institutions addressing conflict resolution and decision making, the rights of the child, crisis intervention management, health awareness, and preventing violence against women.

Internationally, students visited the Catholic University of Applied Sciences, Koln, Germany, as part of a cooperation agreement now in its sixth year. Also a visiting professor will come to Bethlehem University for three years to teach in the Social Sciences Department, as part of international cooperation activities.

In October 2003 Dr. Norma Masriyeh-Hazboun attended the 5th UN World Assembly, held in Italy. Afterwards she was hosted by San Miniato Alto Municipality where she was recognized as a Woman of Peace and participated in 14 public lectures. In October 2004, ten Bethlehem University students from the Social Sciences Department will travel to San Miniato Alto to give presentations on international cooperation.

The Department is also cooperating with the World Bank, the University London, and Oslo University, addressing social and developmental issues in Palestinian society.