Annotation
This course aims to help students understand the historical, social, cultural and political background to the lives of women in Islam, namely their social and economic status, their cultural roles and human rights such as in marriage, inheritance, divorce, child custody, etc. as experienced across the Middle East and Turkey. The class will also address the issue of the Western perception and representation of Islam and Muslim women.
The following are some of the questions to be discussed in the class: How did women’s roles in Muslim societies change over time? What was the status of women in early Islam? How do Muslim feminists interpret the Qur’an? What is the meaning of the veil and hijab? How do Muslim women counter patriarchy and what kind of discrimination do they face in their countries? Discussion of these issues will be based on both theoretical and case studies.