WMST-3220 (3) Women in Islam

Examines the historical and contemporary relation between women, gender and Islamic cultures in different parts of the world. We will consider the role and rights of women in Islam, historical and literary representations of Muslim women, and the historically changing constructions of gender and sexuality in Muslim societies. In addition, we will critically explore the construction of Muslim women in western discourses, including liberal feminist discourse, and ask whether the representation of Muslim women in these discourses achieves or undermines ends that we might consider "Feminist". In attending to the wide range of Muslim women's lived experiences in Islamic communities and cultures, as well as the self-representations of Muslim women themselves, our readings will urge us to reexamine our presumptions about piety, secularism, modernity and feminism. Recommended prereq., WMST 2000 or WMST 2600.