Spring 2006

MES 322K • Gender Politics in the Islam World -W

Course Description

The course is designed to help students gain a better knowledge of gender politics in the Islamic world and, at the same time, enhance their understanding of major sociological concepts such as gender, social organization, culture, and power. The course shows how culture is mediated by politics, resulting in diverse interpretations of the cultural tradition and in different policies with respect to gender. We start by examining the themes and issues that are part of the common denominator of the Islamic tradition. We then consider how the diversity in interpretations can be explained and what factors contribute to it. The focus is on women's rights, which have been a key political issue in several countries and internationally.

back