The University of Constantine the Philosopher in Nitra (UKF) has successfully developed continual international collaboration with Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco. This partnership is the result of the academic efforts of Assoc. Prof. Martina Pavlíková, Vice-Rector for International Relations, who emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of the cooperation, encompassing fields such as the journalism, translation studies, foreign languages, and the natural sciences. Her proactive engagement and strategic vision have significantly expanded mobility opportunities for both staff with partner institutions beyond the EU. Thanks to her dedication, UKF has established strong academic networks that foster cultural exchange and mutual academic enrichment. Her efforts continue to enhance the university's international profile and contribute to the successful implementation of Erasmus+ KA171 objectives. 

UKF has hosted several delegations from this prestigious Moroccan university since 2023.

As part of the Erasmus+ KA171 interinstitutional agreement between Hassan II University of Casablanca (UH2C) in Morocco and Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra (UKF), another a high-level academic delegation from UH2C led Prof. Khalidi, Director of the National Higher School of Art and Design, visited UKF from 27 April to 06 May 2025. The purpose of the visit was to strengthen academic and research cooperation between the two universities, explore joint initiatives, and expand mobility opportunities for staff and students.

The Moroccan delegation was composed of:

Expanding Scientific Networks
A significant highlight of the visit was a meeting with Prof. František Petrovič, Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Informatics, and Assoc. Prof. Henrich Grežo, the Head of Department of Ecology and Environmental Studies at UKF. The discussions reaffirmed the mutual commitment to ongoing partnership and focused on ways to enhance cooperation in the fields of common interests. Both parties agreed to exchange academic profiles, disciplinary maps, and research contacts to facilitate better visibility and alignment of future collaborative initiatives. The meeting demonstrated a strong intent to institutionalize shared knowledge and to foster interdisciplinary connections.

     
Meeting with the Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Informatics

Hybrid Learning Models in Focus
On Tuesday, April 29^th, 2025, Professor Khalid LAHLOU delivered, in Prof. Maria Hrickova’s class, an insightful lecture titled “Hybridization in Education: Opportunities and Limitations” during a session at the Department of English and American Studies.

Professor LAHLOU opened the discussion by emphasizing the profound impact of the recent pandemic on the field of education. He noted that this crisis has driven education specialists to (re)think and (re)view teaching methods, approaches, and strategies to meet the urgent needs of learners more effectively.

In his lecture, Professor LAHLOU highlighted hybridization as a promising option for education, while also recognizing that it is not the only approach available. He further examined the limitations of this learning method, taking into account perspectives from both learners and parents.

Rethinking Journalism in the Digital Age
On 29 April 2025, in his first lecture entitled “Media Literacy Today: Ecology, Challenges and Insights for Journalism Students”, Prof. Chalfaouat delved into the transformations human societies are undergoing due to new technologies. He described how the “appisation” of daily life has become the new normal, shaping a digital ecology where people increasingly “live in media.” He explored both the empowering and troubling aspects of digitalization, including the rise of artificial intelligence and human-machine communication, and concluded with an open question on whether journalists can still uphold their role in speaking truth to power.

Following the lecture, collaboration discussions took place with Dr. Andrea Chlebcová-Hečková, Head of the Department of Journalism and New Media, and Assoc. Prof. Marek Debnár, exploring possibilities for joint academic and research initiatives.

Shakespeare Revisited: Madness on Stage
On Wednesday, April 30^th, 2025, Professor Khalid LAHLOU presented his second lecture, titled “The Interplay between Theater & Madness: Focus on Shakespeare’s Play Hamlet,” to the Department of English and American Studies in Dr.  Martina Jurickova’s class.

The lecture began with Professor LAHLOU defining the concept of madness, contrasting its interpretations from the Elizabethan era with contemporary understandings. He highlighted that while madness can often be seen as a deviation from social norms, the madness depicted in Hamlet is unique. This idea was illustrated by Polonius's famous observation: “Though this be madness, yet there is method in it.”

In a dynamic and interactive presentation, Professor LAHLOU investigated the underlying motivations behind Hamlet’s madness, identifying three critical elements: action, reaction, and inaction. He concluded that these factors contribute to what the lecturer termed “Hamlet’s moral paralysis.”

Streaming Disruptions in the Arab and European Worlds
Prof. Chalfaouat’s second lecture, titled ‘VoD platforms today: Disruptions, practices and ramifications’, was addressed to students at the Department of Mass Media Communication and Advertising. The lecture revolved around the constantly-evolving meanings and practices of entertainment in the digital environment. More particularly, the session focused on the geographies, categories and types of Video-on-Demand (VoD) platforms. Equally important, Prof. Chalfaouat highlighted the geo-strategic, socio-economic and cultural disruptions that have resulted from the arrival of local, regional and transnational VoDs.

The last part of the session was devoted to comparisons between VoD landscapes in the Arab region, especially Morocco, and European ones, especially in the Slovak Republic and some neighbouring countries.

Innovation in Translation: Exploring AI Collaboration
On 30 April 2025, a dedicated meeting was held with the Department of Translation Studies at UKF, bringing together scholars from both universities to explore avenues for scientific collaboration, with a particular focus on Artificial Intelligence and Translation. The discussion aimed to establish the groundwork for joint research projects and potential curriculum development in AI-assisted translation. Participants from UH2C included Prof. Moulay Sadik Maliki (Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Ain Chock), Prof. Omar El Ghazi and Prof. Abderrahim Khalidi (National Higher School of Art and Design). On the UKF side, Dr. Soňa Hodáková, Head of the Department, and Dr. Ľuboš Török contributed actively to the exchange.

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to developing collaborative research frameworks, exchanging expertise, and identifying areas where innovation in translation technologies could be of shared benefit.

Acknowledgements
The Hassan II University of Casablanca delegation extends its sincere thanks to Assoc. Prof. Martina Pavlíková, Vice-Rector for International Relations at UKF, for her outstanding coordination and organization of the visit. Her support and attention to detail ensured the smooth running of all scheduled activities, greatly contributing to the success of the programme.

 

Text: Dr. Omar El Ghazi – International Relation Office Hassan II University of Casablanca, R – International Relation Office
Photogalery: Lubo Balko, Media Department, UKF in Nitra
Photos in texts: Courtesy of Dr. Omar El Ghazi

 

Published: May 28, 2025