The Lifestyles & Social Issues program includes workshops, lectures, and courses. They are open to individuals 18 years or older. Classes may be given in English, Arabic, Armenian, or French. Format, number of hours, and fees will be announced when the workshop, lecture, or course is offered. (HU is under no obligation to offer the listed courses at all times.)
Overview
The term ‘Interfaith Coexistence’ refers to the constructive and cooperative interaction between people of different religions, faiths or spiritual beliefs, with the aim of promoting understanding between different religions to increase mutual respect and acceptance. This course will explore recent articles and major documents on Christian-Muslim dialogue which are critical in defining the religious climate in the wider Middle East and beyond and will give you a deeper understanding on where interfaith dialogue stands today.
Who Should Attend?
This Arabic language (English translation available) free of charge online course delivered by experts in the field is designed for participants who have prior experience in interfaith dialogue and religious/theological discussions. The course is comprised of ten online sessions on a once per week basis scheduled at 6:00pm in Beirut time. Certificates of participation will be issued to those who attend all the sessions fully.
Topics Covered
| Date | Subject | Speaker/s |
| 18 June | General introduction about the program or the scientific material about the documents.
|
Reverend Dr. Riad Jarjour
Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian |
| 21 June | Fratelli Tutti Encycle
Nostra Aetate |
Judge A’abbas Al Halabi TBA |
| 28 June | The Marrakesh Declaration | Dr. Mohammad Al Sammak |
| 5 July | Al-Azhar Document | Dr. Nayla Tabbara |
| 12 July | The Arab Group documents for the Islamic-Christian Dialogue | Sheikh Dr. Sami Abu Al-Muna |
| 26 July | The Arab-European Dialogue | Mrs. Samira Luka
Dr. Andrea Zaki |
| 2 August | The Amman Message | Dr. A’ammar Al-Haafi |
| 9 August | The Human Fraternity Document | Father Khaled A’akashi
Sheikh Mohammad A’abd Al-Salam |
| 16 August | Concluding Session | Reverend Dr. Riad Jarjour
Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian |
Make decorations and gifts for yourself and others; work with different materials such as fabrics, paper, wood, and clay.
Have fun! Learn the fundamental principles of acting; develop your self-expression and self-confidence.
Common problems of child rearing and topics of interest to the participants. Possible factors; possible solutions.
Legal, social, and moral issues; models of civil marriage in various countries.
Learn to speak the Arabic commonly used in Lebanon at a basic level.
Learn to converse at a basic level with your Armenian friends and business associates.
Enjoy conversations about a variety of topics while increasing your vocabulary and fluency.
What is depression? Case studies; everyday strategies for dealing with depression, including physical health, exercise, and psychological strategies.
Basic principles of drawing and plastic elements in art (line, form, volume, color, etc.); develop your creativity.
Lebanon’s environmental problems (pollution, desertification, quarries, etc.); action taken here and elsewhere; how you can make a difference.
Enhance your understanding and enjoyment of films; with guidance from an expert, watch and discuss films by different directors.
Common health problems and topics of interest to the participants. How to avoid these health problems; how to improve your life if you have them.
Music Appreciation courses are designed to enhance understanding and appreciation of music. Courses given in different sessions cover different eras, composers, types of music, etc. Participants learn the tools for intelligent listening through brief lectures, listening, viewing, and discussion.
Factors that contribute to stress, both personal and social; everyday techniques for stress reduction and coping.
Workshops on a variety of painting topics are offered. They cover different types of paints and different subjects.
Concerns of women in Lebanon and elsewhere, e.g. marriage and divorce, harassment and abuse, self-esteem; topics of interest to the participants.
