In this episode, the Dean of Northwestern University in Qatar, Marwan M Kraidy, discusses his philosophy of education as well as his unique insights into the field of communication—and how it has never been more relevant than today. He delves deep into his interdisciplinary background—at the nexus of research, media, and politics—and discusses how his studies have informed his understanding of “what is hidden in society.” He reflects upon his earliest work in media production in Beirut, Lebanon as a cameraman; some of his early screenwriting ventures; and how he ultimately found his calling in academic writing whereupon he has pursued knowledge not as something abstract—but as something actionable, tangible, and real. Having lived, worked, and traveled in nations across the globe, Dean Marwan recounts how moving around the world during his long career as an educator has shaped his family and personal life, and how newness of experience can add meaning and wonder to life. In this wide-ranging, authentic discussion with the new Dean of Northwestern Qatar, Marwan Kraidy provides insights into the challenges of leading an institution through a global pandemic, while offering a hopeful, inspiring vision of the future. Don’t miss this world exclusive interview with one of academia’s brightest stars—and a highlight of Doha, Qatar’s Education City.
Episode Credits
Special Guest: Marwan M Kraidy, PhD
Producer: Samson Mbogo
Hosts: Natasha Das, Hind Abuaker Thani Al Thani
Sound Designer, Recordist & Editor: Ayah Mohamedain
Project Manager: Arya Mainali
Artwork: Ahmed Jassim and Thani AlThani
Executive Producer: Spencer Striker, PhD
Music and Sound Effects: Courtesy of Epidemic Music
About the Qandid Qatar Podcast
The newly launched Qandid Qatar Podcast features inspirational people from in and around the fascinating, multicultural nation that is Qatar. Produced by Northwestern University in Qatar students in a class called Digital Podcast Production, designed and taught by Digital Media Design Professor, Spencer Striker, PhD.
About Dean Marwan M. Kraidy
As dean and CEO of NU-Q, Marwan. M Kraidy oversees academic programs in communication, journalism, and the liberal arts. An interdisciplinary scholar, Kraidy’s research focuses on the relationships between culture and geopolitics, theories of identity and modernity, and global media systems and industries. Kraidy has been the Edward W. Said Chair of American Studies at the American University of Beirut, the Albert Bonnier Jr. Professor of Media Studies at Stockholm University, the Chaire Dupront at Sorbonne-Universités in Paris, and visiting professor at universities in China, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Turkey, and the USA. Kraidy earned his bachelor’s degree in communication arts from Notre-Dame University in Louaizé, Lebanon, and his Lebanese baccalaureate in humanities at Saint Joseph College in Antoura, Lebanon. He holds a Ph.D. in mass communication from Ohio University, where he also earned his master’s degree.
Official website and social media links for Dean Marwan Kraidy
https://www.qatar.northwestern.edu/directory/profiles/kraidy-marwan.html
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marwan-m-kraidy-80452b26/
https://twitter.com/mkraidy
Official website and social media links for the Qandid Qatar Podcast
https://www.qatarpodcasts.com/qandid-qatar
https://www.facebook.com/qandidqatar
https://instagram.com/qandidqatar
https://twitter.com/qandidqatar
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