To be offered for the first time at UNL!

Women in Quran

Spring 2016

3cr

Course description:

This class is an attempt to read Quran as literature to discover what the analytic, linguistic as well as critical study can reveal when it comes to feminism and gender issues in Islam. The instructional method is based on engaging students in discussions and encouraging them to use their analytic as well as their critical abilities in an academic environment free from ideological commitments.

Justification:

-The class provides a chance to explore some of the most controversial and debated topics in Arabic and Islamic culture. It brings to the table of dissuasion one of the most debatable topics in Media as well.

-The course makes a topic of remarkable interest, especially if we take into consideration the growing immigrant community in Nebraska.

- Introducing this course to UNL is needed for many reasons, including the many updated conflicts created by the radical Islamic movements;the updates makehighlighting ways to insure a better communication and mutual understanding a must, not only for effective international involvement, but also for national security as well.

-The course will develop students’comparative reading abilities,since students will be reading different interpretations of Quran and compare the similarities as well as the differences and even the contraditions.

- A historical approch to the history of the developmnet of feminin controversal issues will be considered.

-The course provides an option for students intersted in getting Minor in Arabic Studies.

- Only two courses taught in English about the Arabic culture are offered so far.

-The class is an introduction to Arabic Media and the way it has dealt with women issues since key Media debates will be disscused and evaluated.

-The course aims at enhansing students’ globale awarness.

-The course will develop students critical reading abilities.

- The course fulfils ACE 9.Quran is a globally used book. Reading Quran from an academic point of view provides the opportunity to discover the richness of the human diversity in its different approaches.

-The course forms a topic ofinterest to the followingstakeholders:

  • Classics and Religious Studies
  • Global Studies
  • Gender studies
  • HistoryDepartment
  • Political science
  • The Arabic program at UNL
  • Arabic and Islamic community at Lincoln
  • Islamic foundation of Lincoln
  • Nebraska Islamic foundation
  • Islamic center of Omaha
  • Muslim Student Association (MSA)
  • Afghan Renascent Youth Association (ARYA)
  • Afghan Student Association
  • Iranian Student Organization (IRSO)
  • Iraqi Student Union
  • Malaysian Student Association (NUMSA)
  • Pakistani Students Association (PSA)
  • Saudi Student Association
  • Turkish Student Association (TSA)
  • Eastern Women's Discussion group.
  • Arabic writing center at UNL

Cross list with:

  • Classics and Religious Studies
  • Gender studies
  • Global Studies