AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF BEIRUT, JUNE 7, 1969
Sir William Dale Gives Lecture On International Law Sir William Dale KCM.G., LL.B. Barrister-at-Law and presently General Counsel to UNRWA, was invited by Prof. Farid Hanania to lecture on the Law of Treaties to his International Law class on Friday, May 30. Sir William Dale was formerly Chief Legal Adviser, to Commonwealth Office, London until 1967; to Government of Libya (1951-53); and to Ministry of Education London (1953-60).
Prof. Wadi' Haddad Studies Area's Scientific Illiteracy The initial stage of a research project on scientific literacy in the Middle East, by Prof. Wadi' Haddad of the education department, has just been completed. Analysis of magazines and newspapers involved travel to Sudan, E.gypt, Jordan, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Ministries of information and otrer document sources v.j/;'re consulted to obtain the sampling of scientific articles required for the study. The purpose of the study, which is supported by an AUB-MEAP grant, is to determine the degree of scientific literacy that exists in the Middle East as a function of time as well as level of formal education, Although science is now heavily involved in many contemporary social and political problems, ex·
1969 Commencement Week Events Tuesday, June 17, 5:00-6:30 p.m.
Dean & Mrs. Lichtenwalner's Reception for graduating classes of Faculties of Medical Sciences. Terrace of Nicely Hall. By invitation.
Thursday, June 19, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Miss Mary Robinson's Reception for women graduates and their mothers. Mary Dodge Hall. By invitation.
Saturday, June 21
Alumni Reunion and Induction of the 1969 Graduating Classes. A special announcement will be circulated.
Sunday, June 22,
Dean & Mrs. Swenson's Reception for members of Agriculture graduating class and their parents. Ada Dodge Hall, AUB campus. By invitation.
5:00-6:15 p.m.
5:00-6:15 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
Dean & Mrs. Prothro's Reception for members of the A&S graduating class. The terrace of Nicely Hall. By invitation. Dean Ghosn's Reception for members of Engineering & Architecture graduating classes and their parents. East Terrace, Bechtel Engineering Bldg., AUB Campus. By invitation. Baccalaureate Service University Athletic Field Open to all.
8:30 p.m.
President & Mrs. Kirkwood's Reception for members of 1969 graduating classes and their parents. Marquand House Gardens. By invitation.
Monday, June 23, 6:30 p.m.
University Commencement Exercises University Athletic Field Admission by tickets issued by Commencement Committee.
plains Prof. Haddad, it is usually asserted that there is a "disasterous gap" between scientific thought and the attJtudes of the general pubhc. This study is, therefore, geared to reveal the changing patterns in Middle East society in terms of scientific literacy. As such Prof. Haddad hopes that it can enlighten curriculum planners in providing a background in science for an education program preparing the individual for effective citizenship. One problem of the project is to determine the trend in the nature of science-and technology. oriented articles over the past 50 years. This is done by isolating relevant articles from a random sample of issues among selected newspapers and magazines from the Middle East. Each article is classified according to its theme and according to its social implications. Then a list of technical terms necessary for comprehending it is made. Another problem is to determine the relationship between levels of formal education and of scientific literacy. Next year Prof. Haddad plans to administer a battery of tests which will establish a scientific literacy profile of a cross section of the population in Lebanon and the countries above. One test will be derived from the article analysis now being completed. The others will be in the methodology of science and in the relation of science and society.
Sigma Xi Club Elects New Cabinet The Sigma Xi Club at AUB recently elected its new Cabinet for 1969-70. Profs. Landry Slade and Mostafa Mameesh were elected Vice President/President-Elect and Secretary-Treasurer respectively. Prof. Nasr! S. Kawar, currently Vice President/President-Elect will be the new President Prof. Frederick Heineken was elected to membership of the Admissions Committee to replace Prof. Peter yff whose three-years' term expires this year. The new Officers will be ins· tailed at the annual banquet on June 14. Newly elected members of the Club will also be initiated at the Banquet and awards of the Masters Thesis Excellence Competition will be distributed to the winners.
PAGE THREE
Irish Government Thanks Prof. Bushrui For W.B. Yeat's Book The Irish government has expressed its appreciation for the publication of Prof. Suheil Bushrui's book on W.B. Yeats, by the Department of English at AUB. In a letter of thanks received by Prof. Bushrui last week, the Assistant Secretary of the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs stated: "I should like to congratulate you on the publication of your book and on the valuable contribution you are making towards ensuring that the work of our leading writers becomes available to the Arabic-speaking public. Your diligence and success are greatly appreciated in Ireland." The book, the first of its kind in Arabic, was published earlier this year at a time when an exhibition on the life and work of this celebrated Irish poet was shown at the Jafet Library.
Philosophy Society Issues 2nd Discourse The second issue of "Discourse," published by the Philosophy Students Society, will appear in the first week of June, announced Dr. David Makinson, faculty advisor to the magazine. "Discourse," whose first issue appeared in March of this year, provides a forum for the discussion, by both students and faculty, of ideas and problems related to philosophy, and questions of general intellectual interest. Among the contributions to this issue are articles on such subjects as Dionysian and Apollonian elements of culture, a world without war, the meaning of Bergman's "Persona," existential anguish, the present situation in the theory of knowledge, miracles, the intellectual atmosphere on campus, modern logic and its algebra, together, with a report on brain transplantation and personal identity, an allegory, and poetry in both English and Arabic.
Aggies Hold 1969 Traditional Dinner The traditional International Dinner of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences was held on May 24, 1969 in Ada Dodge Hall. Typical dishes from various countries were prepared and served by FAS students. The proceeds of the dinner which amounted to approximately 1,300 L1. went to the Dean's Loan Fund for Agriculture students. The dinner was attended by Dean and Mrs. S.P. Swenson, faculty mem· bers and their wives.