Fall 2005

MES 322K • 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 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

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

Texts

Faegheh Shirazi, The Veil Unveiled : Hijab in Modern Cultures. University of Florida Press, 2001. Fatima Mernissi, The Veil and the Male Elite, A Feminist Interpretation of Womens Right in Islam, Addison Wesley Publishing Company, New York, 1991. A readers packet

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