What motivates you to teach this course?

Students' interest in our Arabic language and culture courses stems from a desire to learn about Arab society because they know little about it through the lens of the media. By the end of the courses, witnessing the transformation of their knowledge to a more informed, in-depth one motivates me to create opportunities and activities that cultivate that desire.

How does what you do in the classroom reflect the impact that your field has on the world?

From films to literature to virtual sessions with Arab students overseas, my classroom activities hone students’ intercultural competence, which proves of utmost importance in today’s interconnected world, the rise of global challenges, and the need to create more equitable societies. My students are diverse and engage well with issues that embrace diversity. Designing curricular topics and activities that highlight minority voices fosters their belonging and helps them realize that the fight for social justice is universal.

What are your current research interests?

My research examines minorities, social justice, and diasporic memory in light of the intellectual, social, and political history of the Middle East and North Africa. My work investigates the complexity of identity politics, the entrapment of minorities in the hegemonic powers of religious and state authorities, and the role of the history of colonial legacy in maintaining power hierarchy and compromising minority rights.