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         Masters of Arts
                                                   Eastern Civilizations  

1992–1995        York University,Toronto  Social Work                Honours
                                                                                     Bachelor of
                                                                                     Social Work

1988–1992          York University, Toronto      Sociology            Bachelor of Arts
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
Ph.D. Program

Major:
Classical Persian Literature and Mysticism—with Prof. Maria E. Subtelny

First Minor:
Islamic Philosophy and Religious Thought—with Prof. Michael Marmura

Second Minor:
Modern Persian Literature and Society—with Prof. Rivanne Sandler
Languages

*         Persian and English: Native fluency
*         Classical Arabic: Strong command, reading, writing, some speaking
*         French and German: Reading knowledge