Emerging Themes in Social Sciences
(7th – 8th May 2024)
The Sixth Annual Conference of the Department of Social Sciences commenced at the Lahore School of Economics showcasing an array of insightful discussions and research presentations under the theme "Emerging Themes in Social Sciences." The conference brought together distinguished scholars and researchers to explore diverse topics ranging from linguistics to digital imperialism.
The first day of the conference began with the opening remarks by Dr. Shahid Amjad Chaudhry, the Rector of Lahore School of Economics.
Giving out the objectives of the conference, Dr. Shahid Siddiqui, Dean, Department of Social Sciences, Art and Design at Lahore School of Economics underscored the significance of research at Lahore School and announced plans for new academic programs, including an MPhil in Political Science and Literature. He emphasized the institution's commitment to fostering scholarly endeavors and encouraging faculty participation in national and international conferences.
The conference featured keynote addresses by renowned scholars; Dr. Tariq Rahman delved into the politics of naming, highlighting the significance of names in shaping social identities, particularly in Muslim societies. He explored the impact of caste and social standing on individuals and discussed strategies for upward mobility.
The second keynote address was delivered by Dr. Nasir Abbas Nayyar, who examined the concept of the city as text in Urdu poetry, offering fresh insights into the multifaceted nature of urban experiences. His analysis shed light on the socio-cultural dynamics of cities and their influence on literature.
The first session of the conference was chaired by Dr. Shahid Siddiqui. In this session, Dr. Shahzeb Khan discussed the importance of digital imperialism in the modern age, emphasizing the need for critical awareness of surveillance capitalism and its implications for society. He also highlighted the role of discourse and scholarly engagement in addressing these challenges.
Dr. Mariam Zia offered a unique perspective on storytelling through painting, focusing on the narrative tradition depicted in the Hamzanama miniature paintings. Her presentation explored the cultural significance of visual narratives and emphasized the importance of preserving oral traditions and historical narratives.
Dr. Tehseen Zahra introduced the PakGenText project, highlighting its potential applications in research, teaching, and policy-making. She discussed the challenges and implications of corpus linguistics in the Pakistani context.
Dr. Amara Khan analyzed the portrayal of race and gender stereotypes in literature, focusing on "The Secret Life of Bees" as a case study. Her research examined the perpetuation of racial tropes and their impact on marginalized communities.
The second session of the conference was chaired by Dr. Amra Raza. The session began with Dr. Azra Naseem’s presentation on exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and language learning and highlighting the potential of AI models in education. She discussed the ethical and social implications of AI literacy and its relevance in contemporary pedagogy.
Dr. Fatima Syeda examined the digital shift in humanities, questioning the impact of technology on literary analysis and human cognition. Her research addressed the challenges and opportunities posed by digital connectivity in the study of literature.
Ms. Nabiha Shahram was the last speaker of the session whose study shed light on the experiences of women in the media industry and the structural barriers they face.
Both the sessions were followed by interactive Q&A sessions with the audience. AI remained a popular topic throughout these sessions. Most participants expressed a wish to develop modules that could be compatible with modern-day learning structures.
The Sixth Annual Conference of the Department of Social Sciences at Lahore School of Economics provided a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration, furthering the understanding of contemporary social issues and their implications for society. Dr. Shahid Siddiqui concluded Day 1 of the conference by presenting tokens to the presenters and thanking each member of the staff responsible for organizing the conference.
Sixth Annual Conference on “Emerging Themes in Social Sciences”
Day 2: Wednesday, 8th May 2024
The second day of the Sixth Annual Conference on “Emerging Themes in Social Sciences” at Lahore School of Economics featured discussions by distinguished Pakistani scholars and researchers on contemporary concerns in Political Science and International Relations.
The conference commenced with an address by Dr. Shahid Amjad Chaudhry, Rector, Lahore School of Economics. Dr. Chaudhry began by extending his warm congratulations to all attendees and emphasized the significance of stability for national prosperity. He highlighted Pakistan's diverse societal fabric as a platform for robust debate and discussion, underscoring the importance of informed dialogue in advancing societal progress. Dr. Shahid Siddiqui followed by expressing gratitude to attendees and announced forthcoming academic programs, including an MPhil in Political Science and English Literature. He underscored the importance of such conferences in facilitating learning and professional networking, emphasizing their significance for both students and research scholars.
The keynote speaker of the day was the renowned scholar and academician Dr. Mohammad Waseem, who scrutinized post-colonial identity dynamics and migration trends. He reflected on the erosion of national identity and the resurgence of border demarcations. His analysis explored the impact of social media on contemporary discourse and migration patterns, highlighting the role of memory in shaping societal narratives.
Dr. Sadia Khanum dissected the nexus between toxic masculinity, extremism, and gender dynamics, emphasizing the need for a broader perspective in addressing societal challenges. Drawing on case studies from Pakistan's history and contemporary society, she underscored the societal ramifications of gendered violence and proposed solutions to foster positive masculinity.
Dr. Rizwan Zeb delved into the political concept of the state and its relation to Islam, offering insights into the historical roots of Islamic governance and its implications for contemporary Muslim societies. He juxtaposed the perspectives of scholars like Maududi and Farahi, examining divergent approaches to the establishment of an Islamic state.
Dr. Rabia Akhtar elucidated the concept of geo-economics and its significance in shaping Pakistan's national security policy. Her analysis underscored the need for structural reforms to transition Pakistan from an aid-dependent model to a trade-based economy, emphasizing the role of the elite in steering the country towards sustainable growth.
Dr. Faisal Yaqoob explored the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on individual identity and societal norms, discussing the disruption of ontological beliefs and the reconstitution of identity in the wake of the pandemic. His analysis underscored the transformative effects of global crises on human consciousness and social dynamics.
The second session chaired by Dr. Faisal Yaqoob began with Dr. Rabia Kamal’s research on the role of social media in shaping women's engagement with politics. Her study built on case studies from movements such as #MeToo and the Aurat March in Pakistan to highlight the potential of digital platforms in amplifying marginalized voices and catalyzing social change.
Dr. Murad Ali, discussed China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its implications for global geopolitics. He examined China's institutionalization of the BRI and its strategic objectives while shedding light on the emerging dynamics of global power competition.
The last speaker of the day, Dr. Muhammad Shareh Qazi, explored the ethical dimensions of warfare and the concept of jus post bellum. His analysis delved into the challenges of transitional justice and the ethical considerations surrounding the conduct of war, providing valuable insights into contemporary issues of conflict resolution.
These discussions were followed by a Q/A session where young scholars from the Lahore School of Economics asked critical questions, offered their alternative perspectives, and sought clarity on their ideas of interest. The conference concluded with a note of thanks to the conference organizers and participants.
Labels: Lahore School, Research, Social Sciences
posted by S A J Shirazi @ 5/06/2024 11:29:00 AM,
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