Assignment

Each group will present the following information to the class on one of three world religions relevant to our study of women in the third world: Hinduism, Islam and Christianity. Below are the groups' assignments:

India Group: Hinduism
Middle East and Africa Groups: Islam
Latin and Central America Group: Christianity, with a focus on Catholicism
 

The questions each group should address--to the best of its ability considering resources and time constraints---are:

1. What are the basic teachings of the religion, especially regarding the role and status of women? What is the written scripture of the religion and what are some of its legal and/or religious prescriptions about women? Consider the following: marriage, divorce, child custody, the status of widows, sexuality, property, inheritance, women's role in religious institutions.

2. How, historically, has the religion you are studying affected women? Consider differences between the ideal and actual practice. How have both or either ideals or practices changed over time?

3. What kinds of unorthodox interpretations or popular religious practices have women engaged in that are perhaps related to or derivative of the orthodox religion?
 

Groups are also encouraged to explore other issues that may not be covered in these questions, and which occur in the course of your research.