Sadia Mir

Specialization

English

Education

• MFA in Documentary Media. Ryerson University, Canada
• BA in English and Art History. McGill University, Canada
• CELTA. Certificate of English Speakers of Other Languages. Cambridge University, UK
• Certificate. Teachers and Trainers of Adults. Algonquin College, Canada

Biography

Sadia is an associate professor of English who teaches undergraduate courses in English writing, composition and rhetoric. As a liberal arts faculty member, she explores the interdisciplinary connections between the English language, literature, art, and design practices. As a writer, she focuses on creative non-fiction. Her research interests also revolve around the use of personal narratives as a form of scholarly research. She is interested in documentary storytelling through visual and literary methods. Trained in documentary media, she is also interested in the teaching and use of digital storytelling as a tool for community development. Sadia’s educational background includes an MFA in Documentary Media Studies, a BA in English, and a Certificate to Teach English Language to Adults (CELTA). She has additional training in adult education.

Research Interests

• Use of personal narratives in scholarly research 
• Documentary media storytelling (visual and literary forms)

Publications

Mir, S. & Paschyn, C. “Qatar’s Hidden Women: Symbolic Annihilation and Documentary Media Practice.” Visual Communication Quarterly. 25 no 2. London: Taylor & Frances, in production.

Mir, S. & Mauer, I. “The Young Writers Program:  Critical and Creative Writing as a Vehicle for Civic Engagement among Youth in Qatar.” Civic Engagement in Global Contexts: International Education, Community Partnerships, and Higher Education. eds. James Bowman and Jennifer deWinter. Forthcoming.

Mitchel, J., Paschyn, C., Mir, S., Pike, K., Kane, T. In Majalis Al-Hareem: The Complex Professional and Personal Choices of Qatari Women. DIFI Family Research and Proceedings 2015:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.5339/difi.2015.4 , Received the Best Paper Award for the Role of State Policies on Family Formation and Stability pillar. 2015.

Presentations

1. Bateiha, S. & Mir, S. Teaching Math Through Culturally Relevant Storytelling. Liberal Arts International Conference, Doha, Qatar. February 2018.
2. Mir, S., “The Young Writers Program: Fostering English Writing Culture in Qatar." Presentation at TESOL International Convention, Seattle, USA, March 2017
3. Mir, S., & Paschyn, C. M. Women’s Symbolic Annihilation and Documentary Media Practice: A Qatari Case Study. International Institute of Social and Economic Studies Art and Humanities Conference. Venice. April 2016.
4. Mir, S., & Mauer, I. The National Annual Young Writers Competition: Experiences Learned from Fostering a Writing Culture among Qatar’s Youth. Annual Writers' Conference. Chiang Mai. December 2015. 
5. Kane, T., Mir, S., Mitchel, J. The Pedagogy Behind an Undergraduate Research Grant: Teaching, Research, Documentaries, and Exhibitions. Qatar Faculty Forum, Doha. October 2015.
6. Mitchel, J., Paschyn, C., Mir, S., Pike, K., Kane, T. Majalis Al-Hareem in Qatar. Qatar Faculty Forum, Doha. April 2015.
7. Paschyn, C., Mir S. Qatari Women and the Knowledge Economy: Complex Professional and Personal Choices” Gulf Studies Symposium. Kuwait. March 2015.

Funded Research Projects and Grants

• "Teaching Math Through Storytelling" [VCUarts Qatar] 2018.
• "Reclaiming Her Faith" [VCUarts Qatar] 2016. 
• Qatari Women: Engagement and Empowerment [UREP No.: 15 - 035 - 5 – 013] 2013 – 2015.
• Young Writers Program: Promoting a Creative Writing Culture in Qatar’s Elementary and Secondary School Education [U.S. Embassy Doha]. 2013 - present.

Honors

• Award: Distinguished Achievement in Teaching, VCUarts Qatar, 2017.
• Award: Distinguished Achievement in Service, VCUarts Qatar, 2016.
• MFA Pass with Distinction, Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada, 2009.
• Ryerson University Merit Award, Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada, 2008 & 2007.
• Quebecor Documentary Fellowship Award, Quebecor Fund, Toronto, Canada, 2007.