The AUS Library, in collaboration with the Emirates Literature Foundation, recently hosted a series of compelling Author Talks, bringing together acclaimed international voices and the AUS academic community. These sessions offered a deep dive into the creative processes, scholarly contributions, and personal narratives of two distinguished guests: Professor Tarek El-Ariss and Michael Pedersen.
Exploring Modernity with Professor Tarek El-Ariss
In an insightful session moderated by Dr. Maya Aghasi (Department of English), Professor Tarek El-Ariss discussed the intersection of life and literature. As the James Wright Professor and Chair of Middle Eastern Studies at Dartmouth College, Professor El-Ariss shared how his multifaceted experiences as a scholar and author have influenced his writing.
The AUS Library invites students and faculty to explore his significant contributions to Middle Eastern studies. The following titles are available in our collection:
- Trials of Arab Modernity: Literary Affects and the New Political
- The Arab Renaissance: A Bilingual Anthology of the Nahda
Poetic Versatility with Michael Pedersen
The library also welcomed Michael Pedersen, the current Poet Laureate (Makar) of Edinburgh and former Writer in Residence at the University of Edinburgh. In conversation with Dr. Brian McAllister (Department of English), the prize-winning Scottish author discussed his expansive career across fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.
A highlight of the event included Pedersen’s live recitation of his poetry and a reading from his recent publication, Muckle Flugga, providing the audience with a firsthand look at his celebrated versatility.
The library thanks the Department of English and the Writing Center for their support for these special events.
