REL 342 - Women and Gender in Islam

Through the categories of gender and sexuality, an examination of the tension that exists between an Islamic textual tradition and the everyday lives of Muslims. The contrast between the social lives of Muslims and the Islamic tradition and the way in which Muslim societies have negotiated these tensions will be a recurring theme in the course. Broadly speaking, the course will take a chronological approach to the study of women. The first part of the course will provide an overview of Islamic history - with an emphasis on women - as well as an introduction to important Islamic sources. We will then take a thematic treatment of issues regarding law, sexuality, politics and feminist reinterpretations of the Islamic tradition. We will also read literature and watch films that address the issues we cover in class. No prior study of Islam is necessary. (Group III) (Diversity)