University lectures may never be the same.
Angelina Jolie – Oscar winning actress, filmmaker, mother-of-six, wife, and political campaigner – has added another professional title to her CV: university academic.
The Hollywood star has been awarded the role of visiting professor at the London School of Economics.
The prestigious uni has a specific Centre for Women, Peace and Security, where Jolie will help to teach students studying for a one–year MSc in Women, Peace and Security. The LSE website states: “As part of the programme, students will conduct independent research, each student examining an unexplored area within the fields of preventing sexual violence in conflict and women, peace and security.”
In a statement, Jolie expressed her excitement at being appointed her role:
“I am very encouraged by the creation of this master’s programme. I hope other academic institutions will follow this example, as it is vital that we broaden the discussion on how to advance women’s rights and end impunity for crimes that disproportionately affect women, such as sexual violence in conflict.
“I am looking forward to teaching and to learning from the students as well as to sharing my own experiences of working alongside governments and the United Nations.”
She has been appointed alongside three other high-profile people: Jane Connors, Director of International Advocacy at Amnesty International Geneva, Madeleine Rees, Secretary General of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, and former Foreign Secretary William Hague.
Jolie and Hague have worked a lot together in the past on the issue of preventing sexual violence in conflict.
Hague said of his appointment:
“I am delighted to become a visiting professor at the LSE with Angelina Jolie Pitt, Jane Connors and Madeleine Rees. This course will help underpin our work in preventing sexual violence in conflict, developing expertise and research to assist us in tackling the culture of impunity. I look forward to working with the LSE students and my fellow visiting professors.”
It’s totally understandable if this Twitter user’s reaction sums up your own feelings right now:
https://twitter.com/sophwilkinson/status/734846825576992768
