Fall 2023 Global Commons Shares New Research, Poetry, and Visual Art by OSUN Students

The OSUN Global Commons has launched its Fall 2023 issue, amplifying the voices of 46 students working across multiple media formats. With contributions focused on a variety of themes, the fully student-produced digital publication has now released five issues since its inception in 2022, with one arriving each semester, plus a special summer issue in 2023 showcasing student civic engagement projects. 

The current issue demonstrates impressive growth in the range of media it features, with research, poetry, translation, and artwork in the mix. This time, submissions are in English, Arabic, and Bengali, coming from 12 OSUN institutions. Diyang Zhou, of Bard College, says publication of bilingual writings, such as his Chinese- and English-language poem, “Impression," fosters engagement with an increasingly diverse group of communities.

Kaung Myat Phyo, one of the first Parami University students to be published in Global Commons, says publication of student work, such as his research on “The Rise and Demise of Jamaica’s Battle with Neoliberalism," fosters more creative student academic engagement. “The opportunity to have my academic essays published in the Global Commons serves as an invaluable stepping stone in my academic and intellectual development,” she adds.

Adiba Amreen, a BRAC University student whose research on “The Aesthetics of Hydraulic Citizenship in Dhaka” is included in the current issue, says opportunities for the publication of undergraduate student work, such as her own, are slim. Thankfully, Global Commons gives her the chance to share her ideas beyond the confines of her physical university so she can reach a global network of students and faculties.

The Fall issue features many visual media submissions, including photography, drawing, digital illustration, painting, and video. It’s also the first time the platform presents the documentary format, a gripping short film by Darya Ildarovna Gusmanova, of the American University of Central Asia, about a Kyrgyz artist, called “Women in Art: Akjibek Beishebaeva, an Art Impresario.”

As the reach of this dynamic publication expands, students from across the globe are becoming more and more enthusiastic about the value of their work. Samia Rahman, a BRAC University student whose study “Struggle for Sustenance: An Inquiry into the Economic Marginalization of Transgender People,” says “Global Commons has enabled me to amplify my voice beyond borders while portraying the positive impacts of diverse perspectives on issues that need collective action to address inequalities, human rights, and global justice.” Reflecting on her research, she adds “This piece of work is particularly special to me because it merges my academic training with my values and stance on justice and humanity as a global citizen.” 

Global Commons will continue to focus on providing the largest domain of OSUN student work possible, giving 8,000 readers the means to easily access creative and academic content, as well as to contribute. Look for the Spring 2024 call for submissions soon on the OSUN website!

Post Date: 11-21-2023