Teaching
My pedagogy emphasizes marginalized voices who have been systemically silenced by historically privileged figures of power. That is, my classes center works by writers of color, women, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
I believe the learning environment is strongest when comprised of a choir of voices who can democratically share their aspirations, joys, and ideas— as well as their needs and fears. By centering community and equality in the classroom, my purposefully affective pedagogical approach deflates students’ anxieties about the college classroom and forges bonds of interactive charity and empathy.
I have taught a number of classes including War on Terror Literature, Postcolonial Literature, 9/11 and the Novel, Contemporary Political Fiction, the American Short Story, Graphic Narratives, Methods in Literary Studies.
These courses are politically attuned and address structural violence. Oftentimes, students are introduced to such systemic inequalities for the first time, and I reiterate that to be uncomfortable with new ideas and with newfound understandings about such inequalities can be generative. To sit with discomfort in the face of new ideas and thoughts is not the same as to be threatened.
I find teaching to be the most valuable currency in academia. My classes foster a communal environment where the hierarchy between student and teacher collapses and where my students and I learn with each other.
What Students Are Saying
- “Dr. Shelat is very passionate and enthusiastic about teaching and literature. He is always prepared, and class time is utilized effectively. Dr. Shelat is always available outside of class for any help or questions. Although some of the material can be difficult to analyze, he eases the stress by creating such an inclusive and open classroom environment where students can feel comfortable contributing.”
— Methods in Literary Studies, Spring 2023
-”Very fun classroom environment, holds students’ attention very well, includes more relevant topics and ideas that students can relate to to keep our interest, very understanding when it comes to personal struggles and also a fair/reasonable grader.”
— 9/11 and the Novel, Fall 2022
-”Very willing to go in–depth about topics that were not originally in the lesson plan but that tie closely into what we are learning. Overall created a great environment to learn in and pushed me to keep learning/getting better at writing. Kept energy throughout the semester and never could be described as anything other than passionate about his craft. Made learning the materials fun and lead discussions in a way that prompted me to form new ideas/challenge my preexisting ones.”
— Graphic Narratives, Spring 2023
-I never understood how to deconstruct poetry until taking this course. He did an amazing job facilitating discussion in a way that guided us through breaking down difficult concepts.
— Literature of Global Conflict(s), Spring 2021