Fall 2026
Islam, Gender, and Social Justice: Global Perspectives and Local Realities
Dates: September 01, 2026 – December 14, 2026Day/Time: Tuesday; Saturday 8:30 AM - 9:50 AM EDT
Level: 200-Level
Certificate: Global Studies, Human Rights
Global Studies certificate requirement: Elective.
Human Rights certificate requirement: Human rights as a transnational or global practice or phenomenon. Course taught from a perspective other than that of law or politics.
Instructor: Sayed Mohammad Mohaqqeq, American University of Afghanistan
This course examines the relationship between Islam, gender, and social justice in diverse global contexts, with particular attention to Afghanistan. Students explore how Islamic texts and traditions shape understandings of gender roles, rights, and ethical responsibility. The course provides theoretical and methodological tools to help students distinguish between religious teachings, cultural practices, and political interpretations, and to critically analyze debates about authority, law, and social norms. Students study both classical and contemporary interpretations of the Qur’an, including reformist and feminist perspectives, alongside current discussions on gender equality and human rights. They analyze how gender norms are understood, interpreted, and negotiated within Islamic frameworks, and how individuals and communities exercise ethical agency using moral, legal, and religious reasoning. The course engages classical scholarship, contemporary Muslim thinkers, and Afghan perspectives, with an emphasis on gender-justice approaches within Islamic discourse. Students also examine lived experiences and practical initiatives that address inequality and promote social justice. Through guided reflection, discussion, and applied projects, students develop strong analytical skills and the ability to propose context-sensitive and ethically grounded solutions.
Credits: 3 US / 6 ECTS