Gender and Sexuality in Muslim Societies

3 credits · Undergraduate

(3 hrs Lecture) After considering the social context of the ancient Near East, the first part of the course explores gender in the Qur'an, considers the formative role women played in the early Islamic movement, and examines constructions of gender in medieval Muslim societies. In the second part of the course, students explore Islamic legal and ethical doctrines regarding gender and sexuality, focusing on marriage and divorce, veiling and segregation, and same- sex relationships. Students review scriptural texts on these issues, and critically examine how these texts have been interpreted and re-interpreted in premodern and modern contexts. Restrictions: Students may not hold credit for this course and REL-2702.