ASIA/WGST 471: Gender & Sexuality in Middle Eastern Literature

In this course, we will examine literary works examining gender and sexuality written by various authors from the Middle East. To contextualize these literary works, we will also read articles and essays on the historical, cultural, social, political and economic backgrounds. In order to approach these literary works in a more effective, useful, and nuanced manner, we will also be reading various secondary materials on topics such as, “the significance of sexuality,” “harems and exoticization of harem women in the West,” “same-sex desire and homosexuality,” “female body and construction of female sexuality,” “Masculinity and male sexuality,” “contraception and abortion,” “the institution of marriage and importance of virginity,” “the question of hijab and veiling,” “gay/lesbian underground subcultures,” and “social media as a sexual outlet” in the Middle East. All readings will be in English. LA, CI, GL.