AP/RLST 3814 6.00

Gendering Islam

This course examines the representation and the construction of the gendered roles of “Muslim Woman” and “Muslim Man” in different Islamic societies. Interdisciplinary in approach, the course exposes the students to a variety of Muslim and non-Muslim sources, including works of historiography, jurisprudence and literature which provide a fertile ground for the analysis of the construction of the roles of Male and Female in different Muslim societies. During a critical examination of the source material, the students are asked to discuss the notion of alterity and its relevance for the development of the current myths about “Muslim woman and “Muslim man.” Moreover, students become familiar with the ideas of “male epistemology” and its relevance for the interpretation of the position of the Muslim woman and Muslim men in Islamic legal discourses.

RELIGIOUS TRADITION(S) COVERED: Islam

Course Category: Religion and Gender