Spring 2008

ANS 372 • Muslim Women: Past and Present: II

Course Description

This upper-division, undergraduate course will examine the lives and contributions of Muslim women, both in the past and in the contemporary era. In general, women's contributions in their respective societies have not been fully recognized or appreciated. The majority of these women may not be famous either in their homelands or abroad. However, their work and efforts have contributed substantially to culture and society. The focus of this course is the following: 1) to identify and study about important Muslim women 2) to learn about the contributions of women in various areas 3) to study the diverse roles women have played in Muslim societies 4) to understand the dynamics of interaction between men and women in Muslim societies 5) to understand the ways in which women are symbolically represented in Muslim societies

In terms of approach, the course will address ways in which women are represented in the Qur'an and Hadith, religious laws and various forms of symbolism. Students will learn how a variety of factors, including economic and political forces, as well as social pressures and cultural understandings have affected the lives of Muslim women. The geographic focus of this course will be the entire Muslim world, including, but not restricted to, the Middle East. The following areas will be studied: theology, art, economics, literature, science, medicine, and politics from both historical and contemporary perspectives.

Grading Policy

Attendance/class participation 15% Midterm 40% Final 45%

Texts

A reader's packet

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