SEJ 301 Women and Scholarship in Islam
This course invites students to embark on a comprehensive exploration of Women and Scholarship in Islam, delving into the rich tapestry of diverse experiences, contributions, and achievements of women across different periods and regions of Islamic history. Students traverse the annals of time, starting from the era of the companions and extending to contemporary contexts, to unravel the multifaceted roles and impact of Muslim women as scholars and leaders. The journey unfolds with an insightful study of the portrayal of women in the Qurʾan and the Sunnah, offering a foundational understanding of the spiritual landscape. Students immerse themselves in the lives of female companions of Prophet Muhammad, exploring how their concerns and perspectives influenced the early Muslim community's spiritual development. As the course progresses, students engage in a nuanced examination of the pivotal roles played by Muslim women in shaping religious discourses and institutions. Delving into the complexities of diverse societies, they discuss the challenges faced by women in fulfilling their spiritual needs. Topics include Muslim women's profound insights into faith and spirituality, the dynamics of gender segregation, the symbolism of the hijab, spiritual empowerment, and the intricate spiritual dimensions of various life experiences such as marriage, celibacy, motherhood, childlessness, intimacy, and addressing issues like abuse. Throughout the course, students gain a holistic understanding of the multifaceted nature of Muslim women's contributions to scholarship and leadership, fostering a profound appreciation for their enduring impact on lives, minds, and society.
Learning Outcomes
Define the portrayal of women in the Qurʾan and the Sunnah, and explain hermeneutical approaches to the Qur’an and the Sunnah regarding women.
Explain key topics and theories related to Muslim women’s spirituality, roles, and challenges, and present and critique arguments related to them.
Summarize the impact of legal methodologies on women in Islamic societies, and explain how culture and social structures influence Muslim women’s spirituality.
Identify and analyze the contributions of prominent Muslim women religious leaders from history or contemporary society by focusing on their ideas and theories.
Assess their knowledge and scholars’ ideas, and apply knowledge of the Qurʾan and the Sunnah to understand gender dynamics in spirituality.
Analyze the challenges Muslim women have faced in diverse societies.
Analyze, and problematize diverse research findings, including gender segregation, and the hijab in Muslim women’s spirituality.
Evaluate and reflect critically upon Islamic principles and values on the spiritual dimensions of various life experiences within Islam, including but not limited to gender-related topics such as celibacy, motherhood, childlessness, intimacy, and abuse.
Demonstrate research skills by conducting independent inquiries into the lives and contributions of Muslim women scholars.
Develop presentation skills through the effective communication of findings and insights related to women and scholarship in Islam.
Critique and present arguments on scholarly interpretations and perspectives on Muslim women’s spiritual development, and assess the role of scholarship in shaping the lives and perspectives of Muslim women throughout history and in contemporary society.
Identify their learning needs and promote self-development by reflecting on personal perspectives and biases in understanding Muslim women’s spirituality.