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