The University of Birzeit

Following her return home Hanan Ashrawi became involved in the foundation of the English department at the University of Birzeit in 1973. At this time, the school was expanding to become a school that provided four years of study. The Faculty of Arts, which includes the department of English Language and Literature, offers many different courses including fine arts, cultural studies, and political science. She served as a faculty member at this University until 1995.

During this period, she wrote several works that incorporated Palestinian culture and recurring issues. Her works urged the critical consideration of current events. She also founded and for some time led the Birzeit University Legal Aid Committee/ Human Rights Action Project. This organization provided legal representation for students who were charged with crimes by Israeli forces.