Crossing Borders Seminar

This comparative and transnational course examines the history of gender constructions in Africa and Southwest Asia (the Middle East). We will highlight the diversity and nuances of such conceptions, as well as deconstruct common assumptions of gender identities and relations in these regions. For example, how useful is it to use Islam as a category of analysis for understanding gender relations in Africa and Southwest Asia? To what extent does religion, and particularly “Islam”, define male and female sexuality? Can we thus conclude that “Islam” discriminates against women? We will first explore theories of gender and sexuality, before looking into examples drawn from African and Southwest Asian societies to grasp their historical and cultural diversity. Students will gain a better understanding of changing perceptions of gender and sexuality across time and space, as well as question commonly accepted cultural categories.  This course will use a variety of sources, both secondary and primary, such as scholarly works, literature, and audiovisual materials (films and music).