Faith-Based and Secular Experience on Rebuilding Engineering and Computer Science Higher Education in Iraq

About Faith-Based and Secular Experience on Rebuilding Engineering and Computer Science Higher Education in Iraq

Abstract

In December 2003, twenty Baylor University faculty members conducted a two-day on-site workshop for four different groups of Kurdish faculty (Colleges of Engineering, Medicine, Arts, and Law) from several Iraqi universities. The workshop was hosted by the University of Dohuk in Dohuk, Iraq. Four Baylor engineering and computer science (ECS) faculty members worked as a team to develop and prepare the engineering/computer science workshop. Because of limited and sporadic information about Iraqi engineering and computer science education, the team’s preparation was intent on flexibility. Suitcases full of books, syllabi, and educational materials taxed participants’ endurance. The reception by the Iraqi faculty, staff and students was warm and eager. The scope of exchanges and learning were often unexpected and illuminating, especially when the discourse involved students as well as faculty. Both the presenters and workshop participants welcomed the opportunity to learn from each other. Iraqi faculty learned about the curricular components, teaching elements, and assessment processes used by U.S. universities. Through frequent questions and exchanges the Baylor faculty learned of the unique challenges Iraqi engineering and computer science faculty face because of limited resources and the structure of their secondary education system. While this demonstration of outreach had definite Christian vocational origins, its outcomes were aimed at professional content. To help underpin the faculty’s commitment to this experience as vocational calling, daily scripture and reference readings were prepared for the trip. Although Kurdistan of Iraq is overwhelming Islamic, their government is intentionally secular and their ideas relating to faith tolerant. Impromptu occasions to share faith experiences were rich for the deliverer and recipient. Current opportunities for broad-scale follow-on efforts as a result of this project are limited. Funding for a program allowing Iraqi undergraduates to spend five weeks at Baylor to gain a deeper understanding of U.S. society, culture, values and institutions was reduced. Stranded Iraqi Ph.D. students have been offered the opportunity to continue at their studies at Baylor. Funding for an electrical engineering faculty member from the University of Mosul scheduled to spend six months at Baylor involved in the study and research of field programmable gate arrays did not materialize. Current difficulties and dangers faced by Americans in Iraq makes it difficult to execute on-site projects.