Education, Languages, References
Degrees and Graduate Studies
Study Period Institution Discipline Degree
2000–2005 University of Toronto Near and Middle Ph.D.
Eastern Civilizations
1997–2000 University of Toronto Near and Middle MA
Eastern Civilizations
1992–1995 York University,Toronto Social Work BSW
1988–1992 York University, Toronto Sociology BA
Study Period Institution Discipline Degree
2000–2005 University of Toronto Near and Middle Ph.D.
Eastern Civilizations
1997–2000 University of Toronto Near and Middle MA
Eastern Civilizations
1992–1995 York University,Toronto Social Work BSW
1988–1992 York University, Toronto Sociology BA
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| Here are some words from students about my courses: But first let me say that i am very well aware of and truly appreciate the privilege of teaching in a wonderful university with amazing colleagues, especially teaching about a great religion, Islam, in this day and age. I have had great teachers myself who taught me the value of education as a practice of freedom and classroom as a practice of democracy. Now i am blessed with many great students who are my partners in creating transforming/transformative communities in our classrooms where we challenge, teach and learn from each other; where we transform concepts and ideas as we are transformed by them. In the process we enrich the lives of one another and celebrate the intellectual/spiritual growth of each other, ... perhaps even change the world around us for better. Those who love teaching know how hard it is to see a good class inevitably dissolve at the end of the course and everyone go their own way. But it is comforting to know that we have left life-long positive impressions on each other's lives, on some lives more than the others. I read the following notes written by some of my students to me with mutual gratitude and as a testimony to the value of "engaged pedagogy:" "Hi Mahdi, Just emailing to express my gratitude for an enriching year in all of your courses. Every course was academically and intellectually fulfilling, and I have you to thank for it. You are an amazing Professor (my favorite!) and I am very glad to have been one of your students. You've taught me more than you know and I will always be grateful for it. Out of the past four years at Western, this year has been by far the best one and it's because of all your courses. I enjoyed the Islamic studies program so much and hope to see it grow." ******************************************************** "Dear Mahdi, I cant thank you enough for the amazing learning experience that will stay with me for a very long time. I cant tell you how many movies I have seen where i start thinking about the concepts learned in class, I would be more then happy to write a letter in regards to as a reference in being your student where I can explain in detail how amazing and educational it has been. Thank you again, may Allah bless you." ********************************************************* "Salam Mahdi, I wanted to take some time to thank you for an excellent course this year. The topics covered in class were more than I expected. Each was unique, yet still relevant to the course as a whole. Moreover, I found that the way you put key words up on the board was very effective in sorting many issues for me. Most of all I was impressed by the different ways and levels that were taken in the discussion. The questions that you posed really helped me think about the readings in different ways. You brought a unique take to many of the issues in the course through various insights and anecdotes. I took this course initially becuase I felt a disconnect with Islam at the academic level for 3 years. I can honestly say that this course has allowed me to reconnect with Islamic topics and has expanded may knowledge of areas in Islam that I didn't even know existed ie. ijtihad (I really enjoyed the Ijtihad piece by Tariq Ramadan) Finally, I can say with sincereity that this was by far the best course for me this year! Once again, it was a pleasure to be in your class this year. All the best to you Mahdi," *********************************************************** "Dear Prof Mahdi Tourage I would lik eto personally thank you so much for your efforts in making this class as well as the other class I have been privilaged to be in a great learning and fun experience which will never be forgotten. You have no idea how much of a different perspective I have established on life and all of its ability to change someone as an individual. You are by far without a doubt a great teacher, mentor, and above all else a great friend. thank you again for all your help." ************************************************************* "Hello, Regrettably I couldn't stick around yesterday, but I just wanted to say that this year has been nothing short of amazing. I know I rarely talk in class, but I have taken so much away from all the classes I have taken with you. It may sound cliche but being in your classes has really changed the way I think about a lot of things. As a professor you have really exceeded my expectations of what King's has to offer. I guess the whole point of this is just to say thanks for being such a cool prof! *********************************************************** "Hey sir just letting you know i .... And your course is one of the best things that happened to me just letting you know. Im not saying that to get on your good side and gain better marks but really this course helped me become alot more religious and forced me to learn so much about islam. Ive always gone in and out of periods of strong faith but this is the longest ive been close to God, because this course is like a friday khutba twice a week lol" |
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Dissertation
“Phallocentric Esotericism in Jalal al-Din Rumi’s Masnavi-i Ma‘navi.”
By using relevant features of postmodern theories of gender and semiotics as strategic conceptual tools, this
thesis examines the esoteric significance of virtually unexplored bawdy tales and explicit sexual images in
Rumi’s Masnavi. It argues that contrary to the common conceptions these passages are used primarily to
communicate esoteric knowledge. It adds theoretical sophistication to the multi-disciplinary approach that
foregrounds communication between the discourses of postmodern textual criticism and Perso-Islamic
mystical hermeneutics. Drawing on a theoretical framework that has been utilized in the studies of the
medieval Jewish Kabbalistic texts, particularly the works of Elliot R. Wolfson. It also compares the esoteric
concerns of these texts, particularly the Zohar with the Masnavi.
Advisor: Maria E. Subtelny.
Outside Examiner: Elliot R. Wolfson
“Phallocentric Esotericism in Jalal al-Din Rumi’s Masnavi-i Ma‘navi.”
By using relevant features of postmodern theories of gender and semiotics as strategic conceptual tools, this
thesis examines the esoteric significance of virtually unexplored bawdy tales and explicit sexual images in
Rumi’s Masnavi. It argues that contrary to the common conceptions these passages are used primarily to
communicate esoteric knowledge. It adds theoretical sophistication to the multi-disciplinary approach that
foregrounds communication between the discourses of postmodern textual criticism and Perso-Islamic
mystical hermeneutics. Drawing on a theoretical framework that has been utilized in the studies of the
medieval Jewish Kabbalistic texts, particularly the works of Elliot R. Wolfson. It also compares the esoteric
concerns of these texts, particularly the Zohar with the Masnavi.
Advisor: Maria E. Subtelny.
Outside Examiner: Elliot R. Wolfson
Languages
* Persian and English: Native fluency
* Classical Arabic: Strong command, reading, writing, some speaking
(a bit of swearing :)
* French and German: Reading knowledge
* Zabane Ishq (language of Love), still learning the alphabet
* Persian and English: Native fluency
* Classical Arabic: Strong command, reading, writing, some speaking
(a bit of swearing :)
* French and German: Reading knowledge
* Zabane Ishq (language of Love), still learning the alphabet
