The University of Sciences and Arts in Lebanon -USAL – Faculty of Education, in cooperation with the Lebanese Writers Union, organized an intellectual seminar on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, to discuss the book “Between the Lines: Critical Readings in the Art of Narrative” by Dr. Doria Farhat.
The event was held in the university’s main auditorium and was attended by a distinguished academic and cultural audience, including professors, researchers, students, and literature enthusiasts, in addition to representatives of several cultural forums.
The event was hosted by Rahaf Sayed Ahmad, and opened with a welcoming speech on behalf of USAL and the Faculty of Education delivered by Dr. Mohammad Tarraf, Coordinator of the Arabic Language Education Program. He emphasized that celebrating a book is a celebration of culture when it becomes dialogue, of narrative when it turns into a bridge between minds, and of language when it regains its role in building human values.
He also reaffirmed the university’s commitment to hosting scientific and intellectual forums, promoting Arabic language and its sciences, and striving to remain a home for responsible words, a platform for free thought, and a space for sincere dialogue and open awareness. He further highlighted the academic, literary, and critical achievements of Dr. Farhat, praising the balance in her work between methodological rigor, analytical precision, creative sensitivity, and depth of vision.
Following this, Dr. Ahmad Nazzal, President of the Lebanese Writers Union, delivered a speech congratulating Dr. Farhat on her continuous cultural contributions and commending her prominent role in literary and critical work, as well as her participation in the Union’s administrative board and cultural associations. He also thanked USAL for hosting this intellectual event.
Critical interventions were then presented by:
- Dr. Abdul Majid Zaraket
- Dr. Maha Jarjoura
- Dr. Abdullah Fadlallah
The speakers offered in-depth readings of the book, discussing its methodology and critical value, and highlighting Dr. Farhat’s significant contribution to enriching contemporary literary and critical movements.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Doria Farhat expressed her gratitude to USAL—represented by the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Dr. Walid Hammoud—to the Lebanese Writers Union, the organizers, the speakers, and the audience. She affirmed that this book would not have reached this moment without this shared human and cultural collaboration, and without the belief that narrative and criticism remain capable of questioning reality and engaging with it sincerely.
The seminar was moderated by Dr. Abbas Hawi, and concluded with a book signing and distribution to attendees.
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