On May 5th, students from the departments of English, IT, Chemistry, and biology at International University of Erbil went to the Royal Mall Cinema to watch an English film to improve their English language skills, which helped them become more familiar with the world of English art and literature.
The head of the department، staff and students of Erbil International University college of Languages and Humanities Studies، Department of English Language Translation visited book fair in the Erbil International Fair to be familiar with books classical and modern, also the role of translators in translation books.
The head of the department، staff and students of Erbil International University college of Languages and Humanities Studies، Department of English Language Translation، made a scientific trip to Akre University، Faculty of Education Department of English Language، during the trip students get acquainted with the approaches of learning، teaching methods، and communication between teachers and students
The Head of Department and staff of English Translation Department organized an activity for second year students in Tafsir Library, which aimed to introduce students to translating books into different languages.
Important discussions were also held on translations and international books.
Finally, move students from theoretical classes to practical lessons.
On November 11th – A captivating seminar was organized by English Language department titled “Beauty and Immortality in Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18”. Presented by Tafan Kamal Kareem (Assis. Lect.) the seminar discussed the timeless exploration of Beauty and Immortality through the lens of William Shakespeare’s most famous beautiful sonnet- sonnet 18 “Shall I compare thee to a Summer’s Day”,
The Seminar aimed at exploring Shakespeare’s language and imagery to portray the beloved’s beauty as timeless and everlasting image. It also discussed the use of metaphor and elaborated poetic devices used to emphasize on the contrast between the breathtaking nature of a simple summer’s day and the enduring beauty of the beloved.
It also Opened the floor for questions and further discussions by allowing the participants to share their thoughts and interpretations on the idea that art, in this case, poetry can act as a medium for preserving and perpetuating the beauty of the young woman (or a friend) loved by the poet, i.e. by Shakespeare during the Elizabethan era.
By the end of the seminar, Ms. Tafan presented an official guide and a short video as a reference to William Shakespeare’s birthplace which is now an international museum, dedicated to keep Shakespeare’s heritage a life located in Staford upon- Avon.
University of Cihan Sulaimaniyah/ English department have gathered scholars and enthusiasts from around the different academic and medical institutions on 16th, December, 2023 for an international workshop that explored the dangers associated with extreme tea consumption in Bram Stoker’s literary works. The key speakers were as follows:
It provided an opportunity to discuss the evolution of attitudes towards tea and health, comparing historical perceptive with contemporary medical knowledge. This exploration raises awareness about the potential health impacts of tea consumption, addressing issues like caffeine intake, mental health, or possible interactions with modern lifestyles. It also served as a unique lens to bridge literature, historical practices and current health concerns.
This event marked a unique intersection of literary analysis and health awareness, providing a fresh perspective on Stoker’s cultural influences and the impact of seemingly innocuous elements in his works.
In a bid to delve into the complex and multifaceted experiences of women around the globe, on 24th April the English Department hosted an international workshop titled “The Journey of Womanhood: Maternity, Early Marriage, and Resilience.” The workshop, brought together scholars, activists, and policymakers from various countries to discuss and analyze the challenges and triumphs of women navigating through maternity, early marriage, and the resilience they exhibit in the face of adversity.
The workshop aimed to foster dialogue and exchange ideas with the active participation of the following scholars:
Dr. Yousuf Alrawi- Public Health Specialist, United Nations
Tafan Kamal Kareem- English Department, Cihan University of Sulaimaniyah
Ms. Rama Dibeh, Head of Languages and social sciences- Tutoring Club in Dubai.
Dr. Roza Majid- Sulaimaniyah Maternity Teaching Hospital
Dr. Batoul Hassan Khoja ( Moderator)
The professionals focused on how to empower women, especially in regions where issues such as early marriage and lack of access to education are prevalent through the works of literature, facts, statistics, and medical insights. Keynote speakers highlighted the importance of understanding the diverse experiences of women and the need for inclusive policies that address their unique needs.
One of the focal points of the workshop was the discussion surrounding early marriage and its impact on women’s lives. Participants shared research findings and personal anecdotes, shedding light on the consequences of early marriage, including limited educational opportunities, increased health risks, and restricted economic independence. Strategies to combat early marriage were explored, with an emphasis on education, community engagement, and legal reforms.
Maternity was another significant aspect of the workshop’s discussions. Participants discussed the challenges women face during pregnancy, childbirth, and motherhood through example works from relevant pieces of literature selected.
The English Department successfully conducted a national workshop titled “Decoding Shakespeare: A Syntactic Journey Through His Iconic Quotes” on 5th June, 2024. The event, attended by the university president (Prof. Dr. Omed Rafiq Fatah), attracted a diverse audience of scholars and academics in various fields.
The workshop provided an in-depth analysis of Shakespeare’s use of syntax in his most famous quotes, revealing the linguistic intricacies that contribute to the timeless appeal of his works. Attendees were treated to insightful presentations from three esteemed speakers:
-Dr. Mokhalad Malik Yousif: Specializing in linguistics and an asst. prof. Dr. Mokhalad’s presentation from Cihan University, traced the evolution of English syntax from the Elizabethan and romantic era to the present day. He highlighted Shakespeare’s significant syntactic use and grammatical complexities, with its deep influence on the development of modern English language.
– *Dr. Akam Rasheed Mohammed: Specialized in literature and a lecturer at Charmoo University, Dr. Mohammed captivated the audience with his exploration of the in Shakespeare’s plays. His analysis demonstrated how Shakespeare’s literary choices enhance the contextual meaning and emotional impact of his language.
– Ms. Tafan Kamal Kareem: From English Department at Cihan University. Ms. Kareem offered a thematic analysis of Shakespeare’s quotes in relation to Emily Dickinson’s selected poems, examining the interplay between their literary decoding and thematic content. Her engaging talk provided a deeper understanding of the contextual relevance of Shakespeare’s language and heritage.
The workshop concluded with a lively Q&A session, where participants engaged with the speakers on various aspects of Shakespeare’s syntax and its broader implications. The event was hailed as an academic success, fostering a deeper appreciation for the fields of language and literature.
On October 5, 2024, Cihan University of Sulaimaniyah hosted an enlightening international workshop conducted via Google Meet, the event brought together educators and students to explore the vital intersection of language learning and literary studies.
The workshop featured distinguished speakers who shared their insights on leveraging literature to enhance language acquisition and cultural understanding. Dr. Mokhalad Malik kicked off the session with a compelling presentation on developing skills and competence through literary texts, emphasizing how stories and many literary terms can foster language development in diverse learners.
Dr. Batoul Hassan Khoja, the Special Cases Department Coordinator at Mar Qardakh International School and English Language Instructor at Catholic University in Erbil, focused on the importance of understanding culture through literature. Her discussion underscored how literature serves as a bridge to cross-cultural competence, enriching students’ perspectives and empathy.
Asst. Lect. Tafan Kamal Kareem highlighted the role of literature as a pedagogical tool, engaging learners through narratives and expressions that captivate and inspire. Her insights emphasized the potential of storytelling to create meaningful learning experiences in English language classrooms.
The workshop was facilitated by Asst. Lect. Shaimaa Muhammed Mahmood, who guided discussions and fostered interaction among participants.
The Workshop not only reinforced the significance of integrating literature into language acquisition strategies but also promoted a collaborative environment for educators to share effective teaching practices. By bridging the gap between language and literature, the event underscored the essential role of storytelling in cultivating linguistic skills and cultural awareness in students.
On October 15, 2024, the seminar hall at Cihan University Sulaimaniyah came alive with creativity and purpose as students from the English department, with support from their peers in the General Education department, presented a thought-provoking play titled “Say No to Violence!” The production featured two acts, each addressing the stark contrast between lives marked by violence and those filled with peace and happiness.
The script, penned and directed by Poshya Sttar, a sophomore from the English department, effectively conveyed the emotional weight of living in a violent environment in the first act, while the second act offered a hopeful vision of life free from such turmoil. This engaging performance aimed to raise awareness and foster dialogue about the importance of non-violence in our communities.
Complementing the play, seniors from the English department created informative posters that detailed various forms of violence—including physical, psychological, verbal abuse and domestic violence. These visuals reinforced the play’s central message: to stop violence wherever and whenever it occurs.
The event was attended by academic staff, as well as prominent university leaders, including Professor Dr. Omed Rafiq Fatah, the President of the University, and Assist. Professor Dr. Sadat Abdullah Aziz, the Vice President for Scientific Affairs. Their presence underscored the significance of the event and the university’s commitment to addressing social issues.
The day’s activities were supervised by Ms. Tafan Kamal Kareem from the English department, with overall management provided by Dr. Aras Abdalkarim, head of the department. Their guidance ensured that the event was not only a creative success but also an educational initiative that resonated with the audience.
This impactful performance exemplifies Cihan University’s commitment to student engagement and social responsibility, highlighting the vital role that students play in advocating for change within their community.
