Poster project exhibit bridges academia and community-engaged learning

Thank you to Tasfia Ahmed, Criminology and Sociology student, for contributing to the story.

Community-Engaged Learning and Teaching (CELT) aims to integrate innovative, creative and transformational applied learning opportunities embedded in civic and public engagement into the Faculty of Arts’ courses and curriculum.

Women, Islam and Modernity, currently taught by Sociology Professor, Dr. Amina Jamal, is an interdisciplinary course that thoroughly examines the contemporary role of women and gender dynamics within Muslim societies and North American Muslim communities. Discussions within the course cover various complex issues within Islam, such as women's identity, veiling practices, family structures, experiences in conflict zones and activism in the United States and Canada. The poster exhibit is an outcome of this course’s integration of the CELT approach that showcases student learning.

CELT is a pedagogical approach led by Dr. Reena Tandon, linking theory and practice which has shaped learning outcomes and academic endeavours in the Faculty of Arts for over a decade, including Dr. Jamal's course. The poster exhibit Dr. Tandon designed for this course, promotes interactive learning, student insights, community engagement, enhancing understanding of course concepts, expanding student networks and fostering an appreciation for interdisciplinary connections. “[The exhibit] provides students a space to appreciate diverse perspectives, build confidence in public engagement on critical issues in their course and a sense of belonging”, Dr. Tandon said.

The poster project instills a greater ability in students to share their work with a broader audience. Madiha Anwari, a fifth-year Public Health student shared her experience of collaborating with her classmates and being a part of this exhibit, stating, “Seeing my work being displayed I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. Getting a chance to display our posters on something my group and I are proud and passionate about sets this course apart from the rest. Professor created an environment where all ideas and perspectives were welcomed and opened my eyes to Islam differently than traditional methods.” 

“The poster project is an opportunity for students to share their learning and knowledge from the course Women and Islam with a wider community,” said Dr. Jamal. “Groups of students research, learn and reflect critically on an issue or topic of their interest and become popular educators on this topic. It is a way to empower students by providing them a platform to speak back to misperceptions about Islam and Muslims and challenge Islamophobia.” The CELT project provides the opportunity for students from different faculties and disciplines to develop a sociological perspective in the course.

Faariah Adeni a third-year TRSM student enthused, “Exploring the topic of the veil, especially as a Muslim, added a personal dimension. The significance of the veil in both Western and Muslim communities made it a compelling subject.” Adeni continued, “What set this assignment apart was the exhibit, where our work was displayed, fostering a sense of pride. Unlike traditional assignments, this project encouraged active engagement and communication. Discussing our posters with classmates created a dynamic learning environment.” 

Dr. Tandon's CELT approach and Dr. Jamal's course, Women, Islam and Modernity, have collaborated to create a transformative educational experience. Their poster project not only disseminates knowledge but also sparks community dialogue and empowerment.

The Women, Islam, and Modernity course is available for the 2024/25 terms.