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 make highlighting 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 of interest to the following stakeholders:
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Classics and Religious Studies
Global Studies
Gender studies
History Department
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:
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Classics and Religious Studies
Gender studies
Global Studies