ISL454 Women, Gender and Family in Islam (8)

This subject critically addresses the modern paradigms concerning women and gender roles in contemporary society. Posing arguments from within an Islamic framework, it develops a fresh view of women, gender relationships in Islam and Muslim families. Considering the status and role of women in Islamic scripture, Prophetic tradition and Islamic law, this subject examines the women saints, scholars and rulers in the history of Muslim societies. The subject considers the modern historical backdrop (colonial and postcolonial) and socio-political conditions in the critical analysis of the current status of Muslim women and the rise of Islamic feminism in Muslim societies. Muslim womens conditions and development of their social and family status in the West is also examined with a specific focus on the Muslim womens agency, challenges and achievements in the Australian context. 

Availability

Session 2 (60)
Online
United Theological College

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: ISL454. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation

Enrolment Restrictions

Subject is not available to students who have completed subject ISL355 as it shares similar content. 

Subject Relationships

ISL355 Incompatible subject

Incompatible Subjects

ISL355

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to assess critically assess women's status in Islam;
  • be able to illustrate contemporary Muslim women's experience in Islam and social and religious activism;
  • be able to differentiate patriarchal and counter-patriarchal discourses regarding women's status and gender roles in Islam;
  • be able to identify non-Islamic factors contributing to women's status in Islamic cultures and societies;
  • be able to research interdisciplinary topics and apply critical reasoning while presenting arguments in oral and written (essay) forms; and
  • be able to perform and demonstrate independent research, organisation, written and oral communication skills through the presentation of substantial work.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Paradigms and terminology on Muslim women
  • Women in non-Islamic civilisations, Abrahamic religions and Islam
  • Women's rights, roles and responsibilities according to the Qur'an and Prophet Muhammed
  • Women, sexuality and family in Islam
  • Women saints, scholars and rulers in Islamic history
  • Muslim women's legal rights and women in Islamic courts
  • Muslim women in nation building: Veiling and unveiling women
  • The rise and development of Islamic feminism in the Muslim world and the West
  • Family dynamics and gender roles in Islam
  • Changing perceptions of Muslim women in the Western discourse: From being orientalist subjects to security threats
  • Muslim women in contemporary Islamic societies and the West
  • Muslim women's agency and resistance: Interfaith activities, professional life, community activism in Australia

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of ISL454 in Session 2 2020. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Reflective journal (3 submissions x 10%)
30
2
Online forum engagement
25
3
Preliminary findings and essay outline
5
4
Essay submission
40

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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