Dr. Paul Sedra

Biography

Paul Sedra is a specialist in modern Egyptian history and Christian-Muslim relations. He has taught at Dalhousie University and the University of Toronto, and he received his doctorate from New York University in January 2006. His recent book, 'Mission Modernity: Evangelicals, Reformers, and Education in Nineteenth-Century Egypt,' published by I.B. Tauris, explores the connections between education and the rise of the modern state in nineteenth-century Egypt. Sedra's scholarly work includes a focus on the complexities of education, religious communities, and state formation, frequently addressing the dynamics between Anglican missionaries, Egyptian officials, and Coptic priests. In addition, he has a long-standing interest in popular culture during the Nasser era and is currently engaged in research on the history of Egyptian cinema, particularly examining the portrayal of village poverty, colonial violence, and family issues in films from the 1950s and 1960s. Sedra is also recognized as a prolific commentator on contemporary Egypt, contributing op-eds to various media outlets such as Al-Jazeera English and the Associated Press. His research interests predominantly lie in social and cultural history, with a specific focus on the modern Middle East.

Research Interests

Experience

Courses