LUMS Cohort 5, Day 3: Exploring Professional Networks, Urban Conservation, and Legal Theory – A Day of Insight and Discovery
Day 3 of the Research Methodology & Capacity Building Workshop of Humanities & Social Sciences Faculty – Cohort 5 brought new perspectives on how research intersects with professional networks, material culture, and legal theory. Participants continued to deepen their academic skills while engaging with leading scholars in their respective fields. The day concluded with a memorable trip to Anarkali, a vibrant historical market in Lahore, adding a cultural dimension to the academic rigor of the workshop.
Session 1: Building Scholarly Networks in the Digital Age
Session Lead: Dr. Furrukh Khan
Reading: Ali Al Aufi and Crystal Fulton: Impact of Social Networking Tools for Scholarly Communication
Dr. Furrukh Khan, who leads the Pakistan Hub and is a distinguished scholar, facilitated an insightful session on the impact of social networking tools in academic settings. He highlighted the importance of using digital platforms for networking, disseminating scholarly work, and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations. The session gave participants strategies to enhance visibility and connect with global academic communities in an increasingly digitalized world.
Session 2: Uncovering the Material Reality of Lahore’s Urban and Architectural Heritage
Session Lead: Dr. Nadhra Shahbaz Khan
Readings:
- Nadhra Khan: The Picture Wall’s Iconography and Aesthetic Analysis
- Nadhra Khan: Sikh Period Architectural Ornament in Punjab: A Synthesis of Tradition & Innovation
In this session, Dr. Nadhra Shahbaz Khan, a renowned scholar of art history and urban conservation, delved into Lahore’s rich architectural heritage. Drawing on her extensive research, she discussed the conservation efforts necessary to preserve Lahore’s historical urban landscape, with a particular focus on the Sikh period’s architectural innovations. Participants were encouraged to think about how material culture can inform research and contribute to broader discussions about heritage and conservation.
Session 3: Bridging Legal Theory and Empirical Research
Session Lead: Dr. Sadaf Aziz
Reading: Denis Galigan: Legal Theory and Empirical Research
In the final session of the day, Dr. Sadaf Aziz, a specialist in legal studies, guided participants through the intersection of legal theory and empirical research. Drawing on Galigan’s work, she demonstrated how empirical methods can be applied to test and refine legal theories, offering participants valuable insights into how they might integrate legal frameworks into their research methodologies.
An Evening in Anarkali: A Journey to Lahore’s Historic Heart
After a day of academic rigor, the participants were treated to a cultural experience with a trip to Anarkali Bazaar, one of Lahore’s oldest and most vibrant markets. Named after the legendary courtesan Anarkali, the market is known for its bustling streets, rich history, and a wide array of traditional goods. As participants strolled through the lively bazaar, they witnessed firsthand the living heritage of Lahore, with its colorful shops, street food vendors, and historic architecture. This visit provided a refreshing break and a chance to connect with the cultural roots that underpin much of the region’s scholarly works.
