Spring 2008

ISL 372 • VEILING IN MUSLIM WORLD-W

Course Description

This course focuses on 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 and interpretations.

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 re-veiling on their own. In others, women resist the enforcement of such practices. We will examine the various perspectives, old and most recent interpretations and practices relating to Hijab (head and body veil), and the issue of Niqab (face veil) in the Muslim world with respect to politics, religion and women's issues.

Grading Policy

Class participation 20% Mid term exam 25% Final research paper 40% A book review 15%

Texts

Cours packet and other texts (to be announced)

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