Spring 2025
MELC 145 001 - LEC 001
Women in Islam
Azza M Ahmad
Class #:33239
Units: 4
Instruction Mode:
In-Person Instruction
Offered through
Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures
Current Enrollment
Total Open Seats:
5
Enrolled: 30
Waitlisted: 0
Capacity: 35
Waitlist Max: 10
No Reserved Seats
Hours & Workload
3 hours of instructor presentation of course materials per week, and 9 hours of outside work hours per week.
Final Exam
TUE, MAY 13TH
11:30 am - 02:30 pm
Dwinelle 229
Course Catalog Description
This course explores the status of women in Islam by examining how the most authentic Islamic sources, the Qur’an, and Hadith, have addressed the role of women in society. We will critically discuss the different interpretations of these texts and their instructions towards women. In addition, the course will examine other academic writings to investigate questions, such as whether the resistance to modernity in Muslim societies is due to Islam or patriarchal laws. Did Islam dictate the patriarchal order in Muslim societies? What are the difficulties that Muslim women face in their societies? Also, the course will include biographies of many great Muslim women whose names are enshrined in the ancient and modern history of Islam.
Class Description
This course explores the status of women in Islam by examining how the most authentic Islamic sources, the Qur’an, and Hadith, have addressed the role of women in society. We will critically discuss the different interpretations of these texts and their instructions towards women. In addition, the course will examine other academic writings to investigate questions, such as whether the resistance to modernity in Muslim societies is due to Islam or patriarchal laws. Did Islam dictate the patriarchal order in Muslim societies? What are the difficulties that Muslim women face in their societies? Also, the course will include biographies of many great Muslim women whose names are enshrined in the ancient and modern history of Islam.
Rules & Requirements
Repeat Rules
Course is not repeatable for credit.
Requirements class fulfills
Meets the Human Rights Course Thread
Meets the Law & Humanities Course Thread
Meets Philosophy & Values, L&S Breadth
Meets Social & Behavioral Sciences, L&S Breadth
Reserved Seats
Current Enrollment
No Reserved Seats
Textbooks & Materials
See class syllabus or https://calstudentstore.berkeley.edu/textbooks for the most current information.
Guide to Open, Free, & Affordable Course Materials
Associated Sections
None