Islam and Feminism

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

What is Islam? What is Feminism? On their own, these two terms are debated enough. But what about their intersections? This interdisciplinary seminar will explore the complex, contested, and evolving relationship between Islam and Feminism through an intersectional, historically grounded, and power-conscious approach. We will trace historical shifts in gender norms within Muslim-majority societies, examine how diverse Muslim beliefs and practices intersect with contemporary rights debates, and study the important roles Muslim women have played in the history of transnational feminism. We will learn about contested readings of Islam’s key religious texts, the impact of colonialism and imperialism, and cultural hybridization on the so-called "Muslim woman question" This will be our opportunity to read pioneering works by Muslim women and queer authors and watch and discuss the coolest Muslim- and POC-led TV series in recent memory, _This is Lady Parts_.