Dr. Shabana Mir鈥檚 fall courses on Islam & Gender, Cultural Anthropology, and Research Methods all relate to her extensive travels. Over the winter break, for example, she traveled to Pakistan, where she spoke at Lahore College for Women University on 鈥淭he Religious Politics of Domination and Control in Marriage: Qualitative and Textual Analysis.鈥� Reflecting now on the subsequent audience discussion she remarks, 鈥淭hings are changing. Women (in Pakistan) are essential members of the economy and are in touch with the global discourse.鈥� Women鈥檚 disempowerment is still a cultural issue, but she finds hope in the younger generation of men, such as those who choose to shut down jokes about polygamy.
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Shabana Mir
Dr. Shabana Mir at Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, December 2024.
Her spring courses at AIC couldn鈥檛 be more timely in the light of current events in the United States. They include, Introduction to Political Science, Islam in America, and, at the graduate level, Special Topics: Islam in World Cinema. The film course focuses on the representation of Islam and Muslims in popular media. While we are well aware of overt Islamophobic patterns in Hollywood, Dr. Mir points out that seemingly benign Islamophilic films can be subversive as well. She gives the example of Victoria and Abdul (2017), the British biographical historical film in which Abdul, a Muslim from India, piques Queen Victoria鈥檚 interest. As Dr. Mir points out, however fondly the Queen regards Abdul, his place is always that of a servant. In addition to the lineup of movies on the Muslim experience she selects for the class, Dr. Mir solicits suggestions from the students at the beginning of the term for possible inclusion in the syllabus. When it comes to teaching political science and Islam in America, she goes beyond the textbook approach to bring in critical readings to understand not just the theory, but the reality on the ground. She invites leaders of non-profit organizations , such as Muslims for Just Futures and CAIR, to talk to the class about their grassroots work to combat Islamophobia.
One of the first things you learn about Dr. Shabana Mir is her care and concern for students. Her keen observation picks up when a student is struggling, or when they鈥檙e having that lightbulb moment. When asked what activity makes her lose track of time, she replies instantly, 鈥淕ardening. I can work 10 hours in the garden and still feel energized.鈥� She loves the coneflowers and cupped roses, yet when she describes them you get the sense she could be talking about her students. 鈥淲hen you鈥檙e a gardener, you notice, 鈥榯hat plant has a new leaf today鈥� – it鈥檚 so exciting.鈥�
