Quran: Feminist Readings

This synchronous online course will be conducted via zoom and Moodle platforms.
It will examine the worldview, language, narratives and teachings of the Quran to begin to understand the implications of the Quranic texts on the lives of women, on gender construction and gender relations. In the process we shall examine feminist writings on the Quran or on issues pertaining to Muslim and the Quran. The course will involve an extensive and intensive critical engagement with the texts. Students will submit weekly assignments 24 hours before the course meeting time and their questions and observations from their weekly journals will help the instructor frame the weekly class lecture and discussion. The insights of historical-critical method, form criticism, modernist interpretations and sufi praxis will inform our deliberations. Students will be expected to come to class having an introductory level knowledge of Quranic studies otherwise they will need to do some extra reading as indicated in the course syllabus. Students will be evaluated based on their weekly assignments, class attendance and participation and a final essay. The final essay for Phd students will be at least 5000 words long. This course is suitable for any graduate student with some preliminary knowledge of the Quran and an interest in feminist issues. The first class shall meet on Monday from 6:10 – 9 pm. At that time students will have the option of changing the class time through a poll. If no alternative suitable time is found at which the entire registered student body can meet then we shall continue to meet on Monday evenings from 6:10-9 pm.
Relates to SKSM Thresholds: Sacred Text and Interpretation, History of Dissenting Traditions and the Thea/ological Quest, Life in Religious Community and Interfaith Engagement and MFC Comps: Serves the larger UU Faith