Spring 2008

ANS 372 • 14-Veiling in the Muslim World-W

Course Description

This course will deal with the cultural significance and historical practices of veiling, "Hijab", in the Muslim world. The issue of veiling as it relates to women has been subject to different interpretations and viewed from various perspectives, and with recent political developments and the resurgence of Islam, the debate over it and over women's roles in Muslim countries has taken various shapes. A number of Muslim countries are going back to their Islamic traditions and implementing a code of behavior that involves some form of veiling in public and/or segregation to various degrees for women. In some Muslim nations women are reveiling on their own. In others, women resist the enforcement of such practices. We will examine the various perspectives, interpretations and practices relating to Hijab in the Muslim world with respect to politics, religion and womens issues.

Grading Policy

Research paper 30% Oral presentation on research paper 20% Mid-term essay 30% Weekly summaries 10% Weekly oral presentations 10%

Texts

F. Mernissi, The Veil and the Male Elite, A Feminist Interpretation of Women's Rights in Islam. New York, Addison Wesley Publishing Company, 1991. Bodman, Herbert and Tohidi, Nayereh. (eds.). Women in Muslim Society, Diversity within Unity. (Boulder: Lynne Rienner Publisher, 1998). Additionally, there will be a number of assigned articles kept on reserve at the PCL.

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