(downtempo piano music)
-: Hello, from University of Nebraska Lincoln.
Each spring, I teach Women in the Quran,
a junior level course dedicated to discussing,
learning about, and understanding one of the most basic,
yet one of the most misunderstood topics in Islam.
To show you how we do it here in Nebraska,
let's visit my classroom.
-: They were able to get over their religious selves,
Christians and Jews and Arabs and everything.
-: So we have religious freedom that allowed for
open debates, open discussions.
In my course, Women in the Quran,
I join my students each year
in a new academic adventure.
We explore some of the most challenging questions
on women's status and gender rights in Islam.
-: I would recommend this to other students because
you learn so much more than you think you're going to.
We delve into the history, the current,
the present, the future.
Abla: Our resource is the Quran,
and our analytic investigation leaves
no relevant question behind.
The class is student-centered, and my philosophy of teaching
prioritizes discussions, group work, and student engagement.
-: It was also interesting.
He mentions the possibility of peace.
-: Because he offered peace.
Whether you take the class in person
or via distance, there are many opportunities
to collaborate with your classmates
and me as your professor.
-: Abla is an amazing teacher.
-: She just really gives us the opportunity to discuss.
She gives us the chance to just talk about ideas.
Abla: You'll be part of a learning community
involving all of us collectively
to understand what the Quran really says about women.
-: And it's very easy for us to discuss
ideas and topics that come up.
Abla: Our investigation involves
not only the critical analysis of the Quranic text,
but also the history of interpreting that text,
both in the Islamic exegetical tradition
and in the Western academia.
We will answer questions of gender equality in Islam,
polygamy, women's right to prophethood,
women's right to public authority positions,
women's right to education and work,
whether the Quran really commends domestic violence,
and what does hijab really represent.
The class is your chance to have your questions answered
in a professional academic environment,
free from both ideological commitments
and media-created stereotypes.
-: I love this class because you never really realize
what you don't know about a culture until
you're learning about it.
There's so many different stereotypes that
we're delving into.
-: It just lets you have a different perspective
on a culture that we've never really been able to
look into or learn.
-: The course, Women in the Quran,
is cross-listed here at the University of Nebraska
with these departments and programs.
William Shakespeare once said,
"There is no darkness but ignorance."
Join me as we unfold a largely ignored face of the Quran,
and uncover the true story of women in the Quran.