MR557: Women in Islam (4 units)
Evelyne A. Reisacher,
Assistant Professor of Islamic Studies
Winter 2004 Pasadena
DESCRIPTION:
This course
examines the varieties of identities and roles of women in historic and contemporary
Islam as evidenced by the Qur'an, the Traditions, the Law, and current writings
and experience, and the implications of these for interacting with Muslims.
Some of the topics dealt with are the religious and social role and status of
Muslim women in various cultures, their place in the family, their
participation in Muslim societies, and the current debates about gender issues
in Islam. The course will also cover various Christian perspectives on Muslim
women.
LEARNING
OUTCOMES:
• Identify the essential
Qur’anic texts dealing with women, as well as some texts of the Hadith and
Shariah Law.
• Identify the issues that Muslim women
face and locate them in historical and cultural contexts.
• Develop an awareness of the variety
of interpretations concerning the status of Muslim women given by Muslims and
Christians.
• Gain new perspective on interactions
with Muslim women.
• Ability to reflect missiologically on
gender issues in Islam.
COURSE
FORMAT:
The class will
combine lectures, group discussions, interactive participation, and video and
audio presentations. The class meets in an intensive format.
REQUIRED
READING:
See
instructor for list of readings.
RECOMMENDED
READING:
See
instructor for list of readings.
ASSIGNMENTS:
1. A 1500 word interaction paper,
double-spaced, reflecting critically on how the 1500 pages of reading applies
to the student’s context.
2. A 3000 to 3750-word term paper,
double-spaced, on an approved topic related to the course.
3. Th.M. students will be
required to write an approximately 5000-word paper.
PREREQUISITES:
None.
RELATIONSHIP
TO CURRICULUM: Elective.
FINAL EXAM:
None.