SOAS, University of London (The School of Oriental and African Studies)

Gender and Identity in Muslim Contexts

Course Description

War and occupation, political activism, sexuality, marriage (by choice and arranged) and honour crimes are examples of topics that will be explored. Specific case studies, stemming from the Middle East, North Africa, UK and North America will allow us to identify and assess socio-economic, religious, and political circumstances that inform gender roles and relations. The first half of the day will focus specifically on gendered dimensions of the ‘Arab Spring’. The second half of the day will begin with a documentary film and lecture about honour crimes in the Middle East, followed by a session on sexualities in the Muslim world.

The course will explore the complex ways in which religion can be used both to restrict women’s roles and to serve as a tool for empowerment and independence. We will look at ways that Muslim women and men have transgressed, reproduced and challenged gender hierarchies by engaging in scholarship, activism and the creative arts.

The course is taught by top specialists in the field:

• Professor Nadje Al-Ali (SOAS)
• Dr Kathryn Spellman-Poots (AKU-ISMC)
• Professor Deniz Kandiyoti (SOAS)
• Ms Marta Pietrobelli (CGS, SOAS, PhD Candidate)
• Professor Sami Zubaida (Birkbeck College)

Course fees and application form.