Professor: Abusharaf Course format: Seminar	Number of respondents: 7 Total Enrollment: 7
Class Composition: Froshs: 2 Sophs: 1 Jrs: 1 Srs: 3 Concs: 1 Non-Concs: 4 Don't Know: 1

Instructor Average: 1.41 Course Average: 1.32

If you’ve wanted to learn more about development, anthropology, psychology, or just basic human nature, then “Perspectives on Gender and Culture in North Africa” might be the course for you. Based on a seminar format, the course explores the gender and culture dynamics within the various societies of Northern Africa. There are no prerequisites for the class, although some knowledge of the historical and cultural background of North Africa would be helpful.

All the respondents highly praised Professor Abusharaf for her intelligent and attentive teaching style. Students regarded her as being flexible, friendly, understanding, and always willing to explain things. Some students commented on how the professor adapted the readings around the interests of the class, and by doing so, gave them a genuine sense of involvement in their learning. Reviewers not only commented on Professor Abusharf’s extensive knowledge of the subject matter but also on her unique perspective, based on her own experiences growing up in the Sudan.

Course work involved handing in weekly two-page, single-spaced book responses, a take-home final essay, and a low-key presentation in class. Students found all of the readings engaging and interesting, especially the ones written by Nawal El Saadawi. However, they would have liked to have had their weekly responses returned more promptly. Students also noted a lack of emphasis on grades in class.

Most of the students spent three to four hours per week on work outside of class. Reviewers highly recommended the course, regarding it as a class with great material taught by a great professor.

View AF/0101 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.