By Susanne Reynolds

Recently, a Bainbridge State College history professor has been invited to give a series of lectures at two Moroccan Universities.

Dr. Michael Kirkland of Iron City, Professor of History and Humanities at BSC since 2003, was recently invited to give a series of lectures to graduate students in the American Studies program at Hassan II University – Casablanca.

The primary focus of the visit will be to discuss American Cinema and modern American history.

During his February 27 to March 3 visit, the professor will meet with the members of the English department at the University. He will give two lectures on American Cinema intended exclusively for the Masters of Arts students, and a general talk on modern American history to undergraduate students in both the English and History departments.

Kirkland will also visit Chouaib Dukkali University in El Jadida and give a lecture to both faculty and students in the English department.

In the spring of 2009, Bainbridge State College hosted Dr. Karim Bejjit, Professor of American Studies and Director of the Moroccan American Studies research Laboratory at the University Hassan II- Casablanca.

With campus visits such as this, Bainbridge State College can make international relationships and create global education exchanges.

Bejjit said, “Dr. Kirkland’s visit to our College, I believe, will pave the way for more concrete forms of cooperation and exchange between our institutions.”

Kirkland is honored to have been invited to speak at two Moroccan Universities and believes it will benefit BSC student from a global perspective.

He said, “I am honored to have been invited to teach at these Moroccan universities. Dr. Bejjit is an eminent scholar, a Fulbright recipient, and a gracious host.  The opportunity to incorporate global perspectives into BSC’s classrooms will be a rich benefit to our students, and I hope one day to take a group of students to Morocco.  They have a long and rich history.”