Fall 2009

MES 381 • WOMEN IN SCRIPTURE

Course Description

This is a graduate seminar course dealing with issues related to the representations of gender in sacred sources rooted in the Eastern religions. "Sacred texts" includes: divinely revealed scriptures, sayings of religious leaders, selected writings and oral traditions. The course will begin with a brief survey of Indo-Iranian religions with special attention being paid to Zoroastrianism. This will be followed by a more in-depth treatment of Abrahamic religions including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Hinduism and Zoroastrianism, which were originally rooted in related traditions, slowly evolved in separate directions, especially with regard to their differing conception of the worship 'god'. Zoroastrianism as the primary monotheistic religion of ancient Iran influenced later monotheistic religious traditions of the region, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, which are the most common religions practiced in the Middle East today, have common laws and regulations that are central to their beliefs and practices. Gender is a fundamentally important component of these laws and regulations. This course explores issues related to gender, such as restriction on clothing, etc.

Grading Policy

Two papers: Mid term 35% Final 40% In Class Assignments: Weekly summaries/presentations 15% Attendance and active participation 10%

Texts

Readers' packets Texts will be announced later

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