The Master’s Program in Middle Eastern Cultural Studies, in collaboration with the Master’s Program in American Studies, hosted a guest lecture by Professor Carla Jones, Ph.D., from America on Thursday, April 25, 2024. She is a professor at the University of Colorado Boulder and an expert in globalization. The lecture was also attended by Professor Dr. Ida Rochani Adi, S.U., a professor of American Studies, as well as students from both programs.

Professor Carla addressed current issues related to the increasing strength of globalization. She mentioned that globalization has several impacts, including homogeneity and cultural chaos. Homogeneity refers to the similarity of social backgrounds that form the basis of group formation. This arises when cultures are influenced by shared ideas and media. The adverse effect of globalization is cultural chaos, which creates confusion and its own set of challenges. Therefore, as academics, we have an obligation to preserve our cultural identity so it is not eroded by the progress of civilization.

A student from the Master’s Program in Middle Eastern Cultural Studies at UGM, Rafika Fidlaty Zulfa, achieved the highest GPA in the Faculty of Cultural Sciences. This marks a new accomplishment for the Master’s Program in Middle Eastern Cultural Studies, which received direct appreciation from the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Gadjah Mada University, Dr. Nur Saktiningrum, M.Hum. As an outstanding student, Rafika was given the opportunity to deliver a speech at the graduation ceremony in the Faculty of Cultural Sciences held on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

In her speech, representing the graduates, she expressed gratitude to the lecturers and staff who have played a significant role in educating the students. She emphasized that becoming an alumnus is not a finish line but a starting gate for facing life in the real world. UGM alumni must uphold the values of Pancasila. Equipped with the knowledge from their studies, UGM alumni are sure to compete globally, both nationally and internationally.