Education

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.

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

References

Prof. Maria Eva Subtelny, (Thesis Supervisor)
Department of Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations
Room 216, 4 Bancroft Avenue, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
(416) 978-5245
m.subtelny@utoronto.ca

Prof. James DiCenso, (Thesis Committee member)
Chair, Department and Centre for the Study of Religion
123 St. George Street, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
(416) 978-2676
james.dicenso@utoronto.ca

Prof. Mohammad Tavakoli-Targhi, (Thesis Committee member)
Chair, Department of Historical Studies, University of Toronto at Mississauga
North Building, 3359 Mississauga Road North, Mississauga, Ontario, L5L 1C6
Phone: 905-569-4959
Professor of History & Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations, University of Toronto
Room 329, 4 Bancroft Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1C1
(416) 978-5039
m.tavakoli@utoronto.ca