Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - HIST 441 D100

Women and Law in the Mediterranean (4)

Class Number: 5812

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines the relationship between women and law from the ancient world to the modem period and through a comprehensive examination of the Roman, Judaic, Christian, Islamic as well as modem legal traditions. Students with credit for HS 441 may not take HIST 441 for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This Course will examine the broad question of women and law in the Mediterranean world over the centuries. Starting with ancient Greece and Rome the course will work its way to the present and cover Byzantine law, Judaic law, Canon law, customary law, Islamic law, up to the development of modern Civil (and Criminal) codes. The course will examine both the theoretical aspects of law as they pertain to women with a slight emphasis on family and property including such questions as inheritance, control of property, marital rights over property, divorce, and so on, and move on to a comparative examination of how women fared in the various courts of the Mediterranean over the centuries. The course will not require particular knowledge in Law or gender history. A broad knowledge of the history of the Mediterranean world will be useful but not necessary.

Schedule of Classes

  1. Introduction: Women and Law
  2. Women and Law in Ancient Times
  3. Law and Religion: Judaism and early Christianity.
  4. Justinian and Roman Law.
  5. A new Law: the rise of Islam
  6. The Law in Medieval Times
  7. Did Women have a Renaissance?
  8. The Ottoman Legal Pluralism
  9. Enlightenment and Revolution
  10. The Napoleonic Code: Patriarchy Reinforced
  11. The Debates of the 19th Century
  12. Law, Nationalism, and Modernity – the 20th century

Grading

  • Class attendance and participation 20%
  • Weekly Responses 25%
  • Presentation/Podcast 20%
  • Final Paper 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All required readings are available on Canvas.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.