HS 397 - Women and Gender in the Middle East

(3.00 cr.)

Designed to provide a nuanced historical understanding of the history of women and gender in the Middle East. In the Western media, Middle Eastern women are routinely portrayed as oppressed, and Islam is frequently cited as the most significant source of such oppression. But precisely how and to what degree are women oppressed in the region? In the first part of the course, a broad chronological survey from pre-Islamic times to present day is conducted, paying special attention to different interpretations of the foundational texts of Islam (the Qur'an and Hadith), Western representations of the "Oriental woman," and the rise of women's movements in the region. The second part of the course is comprised of an in-depth exploration of some of today's most contested issues including Islamic law, honor crimes, female genital cutting, same-sex sexuality, the veil, and women's participation in politics.

Prerequisite: One HS 100-Level course.
Sessions Typically Offered: Fall/Spring
Years Typically Offered: Varies

Interdisciplinary Studies: GT/IG

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