Program Overview

Academics

The American University in Cairo offers a wide range of academic programs for undergraduate and graduate students.

Undergraduate Studies

The university provides various undergraduate programs, but specific details are not provided in the given context.

Graduate Studies

Similarly, the university offers graduate programs, but the context does not specify the details of these programs.

Common Reading Experience

The Common Reading Experience is a program that aims to start a conversation among students, faculty, and staff by reading and discussing selected texts.

About Common Reading Experience

Each semester, the program features pieces that inspire and challenge the readers. These may include chapters from novels, essays, or poems that bring the world and emotions into sharper focus.

Spring 2024

The theme for Spring 2024 is "Storytelling: The Palestinian Experience." The readings offer a place to start listening to the stories of the Palestinian people, conveying the beauty and difficult history of the region.

Selected Readings

• "Minor Detail" by Adania Shibli
• "Men in the Sun" by Ghassan Kanafani
• "I Saw Ramallah" by Mourid Barghouti
• "Wondrous Journeys in Strange Lands" by Sonia Nimr
• "Palestinian Walks: Forays into a Vanishing Landscape" by Raja Shehadeh

Selected Poems

Poetry is used to convey the beauty and heartache of the Palestinian experience. Featured poets include:

• Mahmoud Darwish, known for the power of his language and resistance to oppression
• Naomi Shihab Nye, who draws attention to the importance of cultural heritage and daily life

History of the Common Reading Experience

The program began in 2013, focusing on freshman students to introduce them to university life by reading a common book. It has since expanded to promote reading among the entire AUC community, including students, faculty, administration, and staff. Over the years, the community has read several incredible books, including "Candygirl," "Big Data," "Between the World and Me," and "Fahrenheit 451."