This course examines the concept, role, and status of women in the Islamic traditions and in Muslim societies, both historically and in our contemporary world. Gender and sexual ethics in Islam will be explored from the perspective of the study of religion and in relation to politics and international relations. Muslima theological perspectives will be engaged. It will emphasize the agency of Muslim women in assessing, challenging, changing, and/or preserving their roles in Muslim societies and relate discussions about women and gender issues in Islam to the larger field of women in religion(s), women’s studies, and theology.