RELS 254 Muslim Bodies: Islam, Gender, and Health
A course on gender and health in the history of Islam. The course begins with a study of the various dimensions, expressions, and status of what it has meant--and what it can mean--to be gendered a Muslim "man," "woman," or non-binary person: from the ideas found in scriptural sources, in later legal interpretations, through to historical transformations. Students will then study how legacies from the past are implicated in contemporary discourses and practices related to health and medical care. Students will explore issues related to bridging Muslim understandings of gender with best practices in health care, as well as the ethical reasoning behind gendered healthcare. Finally, students will explore a number of case studies on complicated and controversial issues such as abortion, sex reassignment surgeries, female genital mutilation, and sex positive movements.
Core Requirements Met
- Global Connections
- Pre-1800