Commitment

„In order to produce informed and valid knowledge without imposing specific theories and methods, joint cross-cultural research should be conducted on an equal footing between researchers.”Jassim M. Jaber & Carola Richter (2014), p.2.
The association’s goal is to strengthen and expand horizons among Arab and European scholars in the field of communication. In particular, it strives to facilitate communication research across Arab countries and between Arab and European scholars. Therefore, the AREACORE organizes conferences and research related activities and participates in the dissemination of research and studies, exchanging experience and training. Recognizing global hierarchies and inequalities in a postcolonial world, we commit to actively promote scientific cooperation to enhance dialogue and shed light on marginalized positions and positionalities in the field.

“No one has ever devised a method of detaching the scholar from the circumstances of life, from the fact of his involvement (conscious or unconscious) with a class, a set of beliefs, a social position or from the mere activity of being a member of a society”. (Edward Said, Orientalism, 1978)
The COVID-19 pandemic 2020 has accentuated global inequalities in access to resources structuring research globally. The consequences for the production and exchange of knowledge, also regarding gender are yet to be seen. We have tried to adapt our projects to the current situation and you can find out more here.In the upcoming three years (until 2022), AREACORE will focus on strengthening research and practice in Media and Information Literacy in Europe and the Arab World. The model on Access, Awareness, Assessment, Appreciation and Action by Paul Mihalidis constitutes one important commitment in our work.

The model on Access, Awareness, Assessment, Appreciation and Action by Paul Mihalidis

Media and digital literacy not only trains individuals to think critically about media messages, analyze propaganda and protect themselves from misleading communication, it also empowers citizens to use digital media tools to express their convictions and opinions and respond to those who have hijacked their beliefs and targeted their communities. The integrative nature of media and digital literacy education makes it flexible to tackle complex issues, including violent extremism, but also spanning sectarianism, racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia, and populism.