Spring 2010

MES 322K • VEILING IN 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 womens 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

Attendance /Participation 10% Weekly assignment 20% Midterm 25% Final Research paper 30% Oral Final presentation 15%

Texts

Reading Packets Additional information regarding textbooks will be provided by the instructor.

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