1. Where in the world were you?
I was at the Rockefeller Center in Bellagio, Italy, on Lake Como, from Feb. 21 to March 21.
2. What work were you doing there?
I went there to write a book, "Interpreting Islam, Modernity and Women's Rights in Pakistan." I brought a suitcase of clothes for the month, and another suitcase of books and notes. Plus, of course, my laptop for access to the Internet.
3. What does this work mean for your students, peers, the public and/or the university?
The book is about the reality of how different Muslim communities are interpreting -- in this case within Pakistan, but it is a phenomenon occurring worldwide -- the intersections of Islam and modernity, and where women's roles and rights fit into that equation. There are a lot of misunderstandings and stereotypes about women's positions in Pakistan. In the book, I try to capture the cacophony of views that exist regarding women's rights in that country, but also understand how people interpret what these are through the lens of Islam. Indeed, what is understood through their interpretations vary dramatically. This is how I can share my expertise with the UO community and the wider public, to promote understanding.
4. Tell our readers something they should do if they ever visit this locale.
The Rockefeller Center in Bellagio was truly inspirational. The Residency Program is for a month to work on a project. Other residents who were there with me included a Ugandan short story writer, a Brazilian installation artist, a South African judge of the Constitutional Court, a woman who runs her own modern dance company who was working on a cross-cultural choreography, and a journalist with Al-Jazeera in Doha. So if you go, be prepared for some stimulating, invigorating conversation, traversing the quaint city of Bellagio's numerous steps, enjoying outings on the ferries on Lake Como -- and recapturing the joy of working on your own research project.
5. What was the most memorable experience on your trip?
When I first sat down in front of my laptop in my 'studio' -- the study, or second room assigned to each resident -- and realized I had no other responsibilities or obligations except to start typing my book. The words just started to flow out. I started a pretty rigorous exercise regimen every morning, but that really was to prepare myself for the writing I would do afterwards every day. When we get caught up in teaching, administration and living our lives in Eugene, I think we often forget what motivated us to become professors: seeing the outcome of research. I frequently conduct field research in Pakistan, but I don't set time aside just to write. So while I enjoyed the occasional expedition to Varenna, Como and Menaggio, enjoyed the delectable, healthy food our cheery waiters served us every meal, and became captivated by views of Lake Como, the actual act of writing -- and especially the first time I started to do it -- is the most memorable experience.
UO Abroad is a recurring feature in AroundtheO that spotlights UO professors, staff and GTFs whose work takes them overseas. If you or someone you know is traveling abroad, contact Communications Specialist Matt Cooper at mattc@uoregon.edu.