ABOUT

Transdisciplinary Scholar

Dr. Jason Idriss Sparkes is a transdisciplinary scholar of Islamic humanities and poet. His research focuses on Islamic traditions of being, knowing, and behaving West of Mecca, especially in North and West Africa, Western Europe, and North America. His areas of expertise include Islam, Sufism, comparative religion, history, decolonial world-systems analysis, global studies, second language teaching, translation, and cultural studies. He has published several research articles and book chapters. Dr. Sparkes has been teaching for over three decades and has lived in several countries across three continents. He is fluent in English, French, and Arabic, and basically proficient in Spanish and Haitian Creole. In addition to his work in teaching and research, Dr. Sparkes has managed several language programs, and developed curricula and proficiency tests for governmental organizations and private corporations in Canada, Egypt, and Morocco.

Work Experience    

Currently Assistant Professor of Humanities and Social Sciences at Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Previously taught Global Studies as well as Religion and Culture at Wilfrid Laurier University, in Waterloo, Canada. Involved in the academic study of religion since 1990. 23 years experience in the language industry, specialized in teaching English and French to adult professionals (testing, curriculum development, management, consultation, etc.) Also freelance translation and revision in English and French. 

Main Studies

PHD, Religious Studies
(Wilfrid Laurier University)

MA, Religious Studies 
(Université de Montréal) 

BA with Distinction:
Major Religion,
Minor Modern Arabic Language and Culture
(Concordia University) 

Vocational Diploma in Second Language Teaching
(Caron Professional and Linguistic Training Centre)