Faegheh Shirazi

Sacred and Ceremonial Textiles:

A Study of Various Rites of Passage

& Cultural Objects in Muslim Societies

Fall 2020

Instructor: Professor Faegheh Shirazi

Office Location: Calhoun Hall # 502

Email Address: fshirazi@Austin.utexas.edu

Office hours: MW 10:15-10:45. And 12:0-12:45, Or by appointment

Course Description:

From the birth to death textiles, clothing, and other material culture affects our daily lives. The communicative power of textiles and other types of material objects reflects both the everyday and ceremonial lives of people in a society. Although this course focuses on textiles and material objects indigenous to the Islamic world, some examples of non-Muslim communities will be included to draw a comparison. An attempt will be made to shed light on the culture of various Islamic societies. The study of the social and historical background of a community is essential for the interpretation of meanings and symbolism associated with textiles and other elements of material objects. Such a study will be combined in the course with topics like ceremonial gatherings; ceremonial textiles; adornment (jewelry, tattoos, body painting); body modifications (piercing and body-reshaping); and the role of material objects in public and private celebrations. One of the areas which material objects represent relates to practices of rituals, taboos, and rotes of passage in the societies, which can be traced to the pre-Islamic era. Muslim communities in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East will be the primary focus of the course, and an attempt will be made to trace the common origins of ritual practices and their representation as a result to of diffusion and contact with other regional practices. Course presentations will be supported by videos, slide show and various material objects.

Prerequisite:  Upper Division Standing

Requirements:  Regular class attendance, active class participation, in class presentations, and contribution to class discussions, two in class exams, and 3 quizzes.

Attendance Policy: Attendance is mandatory and counts towards student’s final grade. Undocumented absence will affect the attendance grade.

Texts and Readings:  Reader Packet (Available at: Jenn’s Copy and Binding) 218 Guadalupe -512-4820779

 2200@jennscopies.com

Grading:

Attendance                                                                                    5%

Active Participation, and in class article presentation            5%     

One article  summary & presentation                                          10%

3 Quizzes (Lowest will be dropped)                                            20%

First Exam                                                                                   30%                       

Second Exam 

Please check back for updates.

There has been a religious resurgence since the 1970s, and Islam has come to play a significant role in the world. Despite the restrictions placed on women by the religious authorities, the most unexpected effect of this religious renaissance is the overwhelming political participation of many Muslim women at different levels in their respective cultures. While a large number of Muslim women are winning elections in many countries, in general, women's rights are still an issue in the Muslim world.

Since the beginning of recorded Islamic history, Muslim women with political influence have held political offices and positions of leadership. At the same time, we know that in some Muslim nations the rights of women are limited, and their participation as public servants is almost impossible. In both of these cases, Islam is given as the key rationale for participation or lack of participation of women in their society. Both Quranic and hadith commentators vary as to whether women's political participation is a correct interpretation of religious imperatives.

Debate about the religious legitimacy of Muslim women and their participation in politics are the themes of this course. We will study and discuss the historical developments and debates about both religious and cultural perspectives that affect the role of Muslim women in politics. We will study important Muslim women who have held or hold important political positions or influential positions in NGOs or as political activists and grassroot leaders. In addition, we also will study issues on gender, ethnicity, culture, and faith that impact Muslim women's political participation and how Muslim women constitute themselves as social and political actors as a result of their interactions within the structural frameworks and political cultures.

Please check back for updates.

Please check back for updates.

Although issues about sexuality are assumed to be personal, private, and intimate, they are a significant part of the public and political fabric of our society, particularly those nations that are ruled by the religious constitutions or in which religion plays an important role within the culture of the society. Sexuality is related to our status and rights as citizens. For the most part sexual jurisprudence and the issue of sexuality in Islam are covered in the Qur`an (Holy scripture), and in the sayings of prophet Muhammad (hadith), and in the rulings of religious leaders (fatwa). However, there are multiple “Islamic” views on sexuality. The schools of law vary, for instance, in the rulings about the permissibility of the use of contraceptives, abortion, fertility treatment, and acceptance of homosexuality, lesbianism, transsexuality, bisexuality, cross-dressing, and gender re-assignment. In addition, numerous cultural interventions could be responsible for interpretation of sexual behavior of a given society.

In general permissible sexual relationships as described in Islamic sources speak about the pleasure of sex as a normal human desire and explain that sex is a great way for the couples involved to show their love and caring for each other. At the same time there are prohibitions against extra marital sexual relations, and any other form of sexual relationship that is outside the legal and religious binds of marriage between a man and a woman is strictly forbidden.  

This course will introduce students to readings on sexual behavior in several Islamic countries and among Muslims by examining Islamic Sharia (religious law) in literature, scientific biological, psychological, sociological, anthropological studies as well as in the arena of art, and film industry.

Textiles and material objects indigenous to the Islamic world, and what they reveal about the culture of various Islamic societies.

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 /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, interpretations and practices relating to Hijab in the Muslim world with respect to politics, religion, feminism, culture, new wave of women converts and the phenomenon of “Islamic fashion” as a marketing tool.    

 Texts

 Reader Packet.

Will be announced where the Packet is sold

 Book:

Faegheh Shirazi. The Veil Unveiled: Hijab in Modern Culture. University Press of Florida, 2001, and 2003

Grading:

Active participation (assigned article with discussion questions/ is a group activity) 10%

Regular Class Attendance 5%

3 quizzes (Lowest grade will be dropped) 20%

Midterm Exam 30%

Final Research Paper (20%), and Oral Presentation %15 (This is a group activity)

Please check back for updates.

Course Description

Intensive Persian II is an elementary-level course that is designed to help you continue to expand upon what you have learned during its prerequisite Intensive Persian I course. This course also, following the example set by its prerequisite, puts emphasis on speaking and using the language for communication. Therefore, as it can be expected, using any other language than Persian in the classroom will be very restricted. The four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) as well as pronunciation and vocabulary are incorporated into the course. Learning a language requires daily practice. For each hour the student spends in the classroom a minimum of two hours review is required outside the class. Students should have fulfilled the prerequisite Intensive Persian I with a letter grade of at least C to be able to take this course. Not open to native speakers or heritage learners of Persian.

By the end of this course you will:

1. Read and understand simple authentic passages on familiar topics.

2. Initiate social interactions, ask for information, and show awareness of cultural aspects of social interaction in Persian.

3. Be able to talk about yourself, your education, and your family background, travel plans, dining at a restaurant, etc., with native speakers of Persian;

4. Comprehend simple audio/video texts on familiar topics;

5. Be able to compose simple essays about yourself and your family and write them informal notes, and letters/emails

6. Know the difference between written and spoken Persian, recognize both registers, and be able to use basic expressions.

Course Description

Intensive Persian II is an elementary-level course that is designed to help you continue to expand upon what you have learned during its prerequisite Intensive Persian I course. This course also, following the example set by its prerequisite, puts emphasis on speaking and using the language for communication. Therefore, as it can be expected, using any other language than Persian in the classroom will be very restricted. The four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) as well as pronunciation and vocabulary are incorporated into the course. Learning a language requires daily practice. For each hour the student spends in the classroom a minimum of two hours review is required outside the class. Students should have fulfilled the prerequisite Intensive Persian I with a letter grade of at least C to be able to take this course. Not open to native speakers or heritage learners of Persian.

By the end of this course you will:

1. Read and understand simple authentic passages on familiar topics.

2. Initiate social interactions, ask for information, and show awareness of cultural aspects of social interaction in Persian.

3. Be able to talk about yourself, your education, and your family background, travel plans, dining at a restaurant, etc., with native speakers of Persian;

4. Comprehend simple audio/video texts on familiar topics;

5. Be able to compose simple essays about yourself and your family and write them informal notes, and letters/emails

6. Know the difference between written and spoken Persian, recognize both registers, and be able to use basic expressions.

There has been a religious resurgence since the 1970s, and Islam has come to play a significant role in the world. Despite the restrictions placed on women by the religious authorities, the most unexpected effect of this religious renaissance is the overwhelming political participation of many Muslim women at different levels in their respective cultures. While a large number of Muslim women are winning elections in many countries, in general, women’s rights are still an issue in the Muslim world. Since the beginning of recorded Islamic history, Muslim women with political influence have held political offices and positions of leadership. At the same time, we know that in some Muslim nations the rights of women are limited, and their participation as public servants is almost impossible. In both of these cases, Islam is given as the key rationale for participation or lack of participation of women in their society. Both Quranic and hadith commentators vary as to whether women’s political participation is a correct interpretation of religious imperatives.

Debate about the religious legitimacy of Muslim women and their participation in politics are the themes of this course. We will study and discuss the historical developments and debates about both religious and cultural perspectives that affect the role of Muslim women in politics. We will study important Muslim women who have held or hold important political positions or influential positions in NGOs or as political activists and grassroot leaders. In addition, we also will study issues on gender, ethnicity, culture, and faith that impact Muslim women’s political participation and how Muslim women constitute themselves as social and political actors as a result of their interactions within the structural frameworks and political cultures. 

Too many portrayals of Islamic societies are treated as superficially as the issues involving the hijab and veiling. Among the hip and the fashionable, the religious fronts and political systems in contemporary Muslim societies (particularly in the Middle East and North Africa), a complex and complicated phenomenon has been developing for decades:  the “art of the wall,” namely, graffiti and poster art.

Poster art and graffiti are employed by various groups within the Islamic world to project their ideas through the mediums of photography, video, the film of documentary makers, the paint and ink of professionals, anonymous or amateur designers and artists to record the political and social events within urban areas. Such visual records depicting aspects of everyday life give voice to the people living and working within the Muslim world. An observer can see acts of rebellion as the anonymous young population in Muslim societies experiments with ways to test the limits of freedom. This is done with creativity and often with courage, which may cause concern to the political systems ruling over people whose freedom of speech and action are limited.

In this course, the students are introduced to a common and general principle of Islam, followed by a study of differences in culture and linguistic background of the people in lands of a Muslim majority. The major part of the semester is devoted to analysis and studying graffiti and poster art as it relates to social and political events unfolding. It is expected that the students become interested and learn that the interpretation of today’s Muslim youth through popular culture, expressed in the art and work of talented people manifesting their identities and personal expression about the world around them, provides a valuable access to learning and getting closer to the cultures that may seem strange, illogical, or somewhat hostile to the principles of “Western democracy.” This is an opportunity for us to look at the body and soul of people of ancient civilizations and of a recent troubled history with high hopes for a bright future from the perspective of those from the inside looking out.

Course Description PRS 601C or Intensive Persian I is an elementary-level course that is designed to help you start learning Persian and to give you the tools to keep going. This course first introduces the Persian alphabet. The emphasis is on speaking and using the language for communication. The four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) as well as pronunciation and vocabulary are incorporated into the course. Learning a language requires daily practice. For each hour the student spends in the classroom a minimum of two hours review is required outside the class. There is no prerequisite for this course. Not open to native speakers or Heritage learners of Persian.

By the end of this course you will:

1.  Have mastered the Persian alphabet and sound system, be able to recognize and pronounce correctly all Persian sounds, and write accurately from dictation;

2.  Be able to initiate social interactions, ask for basic information, and be aware of basic cultural aspects of social interaction in Persian;

3.  Be able to talk about yourself, your education, and your family with native speakers of Persian accustomed to interacting with learners;

4.  Comprehend simple print texts on familiar topics;

5.  Comprehend simple audio/video texts on familiar topics;

6.  Be able to compose simple paragraphs about yourself and your family and friends;

7.  Know about the difference between written and spoken Persian, recognize both registers, and be able to use basic expressions.

Texts

Persian of Iran Today

Grading

Attendance and Participation: 20%

Homework: 20%

Homework Corrections: 5%

Tests: 25%

Culture Portfolio: 5%

Course Description PRS 601C or Intensive Persian I is an elementary-level course that is designed to help you start learning Persian and to give you the tools to keep going. This course first introduces the Persian alphabet. The emphasis is on speaking and using the language for communication. The four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) as well as pronunciation and vocabulary are incorporated into the course. Learning a language requires daily practice. For each hour the student spends in the classroom a minimum of two hours review is required outside the class. There is no prerequisite for this course. Not open to native speakers or Heritage learners of Persian.

By the end of this course you will:

1.  Have mastered the Persian alphabet and sound system, be able to recognize and pronounce correctly all Persian sounds, and write accurately from dictation;

2.  Be able to initiate social interactions, ask for basic information, and be aware of basic cultural aspects of social interaction in Persian;

3.  Be able to talk about yourself, your education, and your family with native speakers of Persian accustomed to interacting with learners;

4.  Comprehend simple print texts on familiar topics;

5.  Comprehend simple audio/video texts on familiar topics;

6.  Be able to compose simple paragraphs about yourself and your family and friends;

7.  Know about the difference between written and spoken Persian, recognize both registers, and be able to use basic expressions.

Texts

Persian of Iran Today

Grading

Attendance and Participation: 20%

Homework: 20%

Homework Corrections: 5%

Tests: 25%

Culture Portfolio: 5%

 Description:

Although issues about sexuality are assumed to be personal, private, and intimate, they are a significant part of the public and political fabric of our society, particularly those nations that are ruled by the religious constitutions or in which religion plays an important role within the culture of the society. Sexuality is related to our status and rights as citizens. For the most part sexual jurisprudence and the issue of sexuality in Islam are covered in the Qur`an (Holy scripture), and in the sayings of prophet Muhammad (hadith), and in the rulings of religious leaders (fatwa). However, there are multiple “Islamic” views on sexuality. The schools of law vary, for instance, in the rulings about the permissibility of the use of contraceptives, abortion, fertility treatment, and acceptance of homosexuality, lesbianism, transsexuality, bisexuality, cross-dressing, and gender re-assignment. In addition, numerous cultural interventions could be responsible for interpretation of sexual behavior of a given society.

In general permissible sexual relationships as described in Islamic sources speak about the pleasure of sex as a normal human desire and explain that sex is a great way for the couples involved to show their love and caring for each other. At the same time there are prohibitions against extra marital sexual relations, and any other form of sexual relationship that is outside the legal and religious binds of marriage between a man and a woman is strictly forbidden.  

This course will introduce students to readings on sexual behavior in several Islamic countries and among Muslims by examining Islamic Sharia (religious law) in literature, scientific biological, psychological, sociological, anthropological studies as well as in the arena of art, and film industry.

Text:

Two-volume reader packet prepared by the instructor

Grading:

Regular Attendance 5%

One time in Class presentation from assigned readings 10%

Four quizzes = 15% (lowest grade will be dropped)

Midterm Exam= 35%

Exam Two= 35%

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 /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, interpretations and practices relating to Hijab in the Muslim world with respect to politics, religion, feminism, culture, new wave of women converts and the phenomenon of “Islamic fashion” as a marketing tool.    

Prerequisites:  Upper Division Standing

Grading:

Active participation (assigned article with discussion questions/ is a group activity) 10%

Regular Class Attendance 5%

3 quizzes (Lowest grade will be dropped) 20%

Midterm Exam 30%

Final Research Paper (20%), and Oral Presentation %15 (This is a group activity)

Texts**

1- Reader Packet. 

Book:

 Faegheh Shirazi. The Veil Unveiled: Hijab in Modern Culture. University Press of Florida, 2001, 2003 

 ** I suggest that you to order this book as soon as possible on line from any vender that you normally purchase your books. I have been pleased with amazon.com since I am always able to find used books in good conditions. Another good book store with discount prices will be Half Price Books.

I will announce when the Reader Packet is ready for purchase. We will start with the text first.

From the birth to death textiles, clothing, and other material culture affects our daily lives. The communicative power of textiles and other types of material objects reflects both the everyday and ceremonial lives of people in a society. Although this course focuses on textiles and material objects indigenous to the Islamic world, some examples of non-Muslim communities will be included to draw a comparison. An attempt will be made to shed light on the culture of various Islamic societies. The study of the social and historical background of a community is essential for the interpretation of meanings and symbolism associated with textiles and other elements of material objects. Such a study will be combined in the course with topics like ceremonial gatherings; ceremonial textiles; adornment (jewelry, tattoos, body-painting); body modifications (piercing and body-reshaping); and the role of material objects in public and private celebrations. One of the areas which material objects represent relates to practices of rituals, taboos, and rotes of passage in the societies, which can be traced to the pre Islamic era. Muslim communities in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East will be the primary focus of the course, and an attempt will be made to trace the common origins of ritual practices and their representation as a result to of diffusion and contact with other regional practices. Course presentations will be supported by videos, slide show and various material objects.

Texts

Reader packet.

Grading

In Class presentations 15%

Attendance/ & participation 10%

First Exam 35%

Second Exam 40%

This graduate seminar examines aspects of the cultural and social significance of clothing and gender relationship in contemporary Middle Eastern Muslim and other Muslim communities. Although the main focus of the course is placed upon the Muslim cultures, some examples of non-Muslim communities will be examined for comparative purposes. This course explores such issues as the role of sexuality and clothing in shaping male and female identities and relations,; clothing as an indicator of social status and group affiliation; religious and political forces behind dress codes and clothing restrictions; debates regarding clothing, especially in the light of the Islamic resurgence; and the commercialization of veils and Islamic dress in recent times. Students will be introduced to theoretical approaches to the study of clothing and its functions, such as the various theories on the origins of clothing, and the ways in which they can be applied to Muslim societies.

Texts:

• Reader packet to be determined.

Grading

• Class participation 10%
• Two research papers and/or development of proposal (each) 25%
• Class presentations and summary assignments 20%
• One or two book reviews 20%

This course is a survey of the development of Islamic art (inclusive of most expressive, and creative art forms) in the Muslim societies from the earliest to the present time with a focus on gender and contemporary artistic issues. Topics will include: gender and gender identities; art patronage, Orientalism, themes of power; and their influential roles in form and express formation, the dominant artistic traditions before and after 1900, the loss of traditional aesthetics due to Western influence, and the re-emergence of calligraphic art as an expression of “Universal Muslim Identity”, and themes of artistic expressions as it is related to current world events (war, occupation of land, and religious resurgence).

The Discussions incorporate analysis of historical, political, social & economical factors that gave rise to aesthetic changes in the regional cultures.  Selected biographical data on some of the most influential traditional and modern Muslim artists will be discussed, to provide a basis for the appreciation of the artistic works and the important roles played by the artists in regards to the theme of “Gender”, in both the traditional and the contemporary Muslim societies. 

Text: Reader Packets

Requirements: Upper Division Standing

Grading:  

Attendance:                              5%

Active Class participation        5%

Short quizzes                           20%

Class Presentation                   20%

First Exam                               25%

Second Exam                          25% 

This graduate seminar course dealing with issues related to representations of gender in sacred sources rooted in the Middle Eastern religions. This course will begin with a brief survey of Indo-Iranian religions with special attention to Zoroastrianism. Next, will be a more in-depth treatment of Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Zoroastrianism as the primary monotheistic religion of ancient Iran influenced later monotheistic religious traditions of the region, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, which are the most common religions practiced in the Middle East today. These religions share many similarities and regulations that are central to their beliefs and practices. Gender is a fundamentally important component of these laws and regulations. This course explores issues related to gender, such as laws that are restricting women’s life. The course offers gendered reading and to shed a clear light on how the same text could be read /interpreted to influence religious laws pertaining to women. 

Texts/Readings

Reading packet and other texts to be announced

Grading Policy

Attendance and Active Participation 10%

Weekly article summaries and Presentations 20%

Mid Term Paper 30%

Final Paper 40%

Please check back for updates.

Too many portrayals of Islamic societies are treated as superficially as the issues involving the hijab and veiling. Among the hip and the fashionable, the religious fronts and political systems in contemporary Muslim societies (particularly in the Middle East and North Africa), a complex and complicated phenomenon has been developing for decades:  the “art of the wall,” namely, graffiti and poster art.

Poster art and graffiti are employed by various groups within the Islamic world to project their ideas through the mediums of photography, video, the film of documentary makers, the paint and ink of professionals, anonymous or amateur designers and artists to record the political and social events within urban areas. Such visual records depicting aspects of everyday life give voice to the people living and working within the Muslim world. An observer can see acts of rebellion as the anonymous young population in Muslim societies experiments with ways to test the limits of freedom. This is done with creativity and often with courage, which may cause concern to the political systems ruling over people whose freedom of speech and action are limited.

In this course, the students are introduced to a common and general principle of Islam, followed by a study of differences in culture and linguistic background of the people in lands of a Muslim majority. The major part of the semester is devoted to analysis and studying graffiti and poster art as it relates to social and political events unfolding. It is expected that the students become interested and learn that the interpretation of today’s Muslim youth through popular culture, expressed in the art and work of talented people manifesting their identities and personal expression about the world around them, provides a valuable access to learning and getting closer to the cultures that may seem strange, illogical, or somewhat hostile to the principles of “Western democracy.” This is an opportunity for us to look at the body and soul of people of ancient civilizations and of a recent troubled history with high hopes for a bright future from the perspective of those from the inside looking out.

Texts

Reader packets TBD

Grading Policy

TBD

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 /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, interpretations and practices relating to Hijab in the Muslim world with respect to politics, religion, feminism, culture, new wave of women converts and the phenomenon of “Islamic fashion” as a marketing tool.    

Prerequisites:  Upper Division Standing

Texts

Readers Packet. Sold at Speedway Copy Center/ Dobie Mall

1- Faegheh Shirazi. The Veil Unveiled: Hijab in Modern Culture. University Press of Florida, 2001, 2003

2- Fatima Mernissi. The Veil And The Male Elite: A Feminist Interpretation Of Women's Rights In Islam (Paperback)

Grading

Active participation (assigned article with discussion question) 10%, Regular Class Attendance 5%, 3 quizzes (Lowest grade will be dropped) 20%, Midterm Exam 30%, Final Research Paper 20%, and Oral Presentation %15

Please check back for updates.

From the birth to death textiles, clothing, and other material culture affects our daily lives. The communicative power of textiles and other types of material objects reflects both the everyday and ceremonial lives of people in a society. Although this course focuses on textiles and material objects indigenous to the Islamic world, some examples of non-Muslim communities will be included to draw a comparison. An attempt will be made to shed light on the culture of various Islamic societies. The study of the social and historical background of a community is essential for the interpretation of meanings and symbolism associated with textiles and other elements of material objects. Such a study will be combined in the course with topics like ceremonial gatherings; ceremonial textiles; adornment (jewelry, tattoos, body-painting); body modifications (piercing and body-reshaping); and the role of material objects in public and private celebrations. One of the areas which material objects represent relates to practices of rituals, taboos, and rotes of passage in the societies, which can be traced to the pre Islamic era. Muslim communities in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East will be the primary focus of the course, and an attempt will be made to trace the common origins of ritual practices and their representation as a result to of diffusion and contact with other regional practices. Course presentations will be supported by videos, slide show and various material objects.

Texts

Reader packet.

Grading

In Class presentations 15%

Attendance/ & participation 10%

First Exam 35%

Second Exam 40%

Course Description: This graduate seminar examines aspects of the cultural and social significance of clothing and gender relationship in contemporary Middle Eastern Muslim and other Muslim communities. Although the main focus of the course is placed upon the Muslim cultures, some examples of non-Muslim communities will be examined for comparative purposes. This course explores such issues as the role of sexuality and clothing in shaping male and female identities and relations,; clothing as an indicator of social status and group affiliation; religious and political forces behind dress codes and clothing restrictions; debates regarding clothing, especially in the light of the Islamic resurgence; and the commercialization of veils and Islamic dress in recent times. Students will be introduced to theoretical approaches to the study of clothing and its functions, such as the various theories on the origins of clothing, and the ways in which they can be applied to Muslim societies.

Texts

Reader packet to be determined.

Grading

Class participation 10%

Two research papers and/or development of proposal (each) 25%

Class presentations and summary assignments 20%

One or two book reviews 20%

This course is a survey of the development of Islamic art (inclusive of most expressive, and creative art forms) in the Muslim societies from the earliest to the present time with a focus on gender and contemporary artistic issues. Topics will include: gender and gender identities; art patronage, Orientalism, themes of power; and their influential roles in form and express formation, the dominant artistic traditions before and after 1900, the loss of traditional aesthetics due to Western influence, and the re-emergence of calligraphic art as an expression of “Universal Muslim Identity”, and themes of artistic expressions as it is related to current world events (war, occupation of land, and religious resurgence).

The Discussions incorporate analysis of historical, political, social & economical factors that gave rise to aesthetic changes in the regional cultures.  Selected biographical data on some of the most influential traditional and modern Muslim artists will be discussed, to provide a basis for the appreciation of the artistic works and the important roles played by the artists in regards to the theme of “Gender”, in both the traditional and the contemporary Muslim societies. 

Text: Reader Packets

Requirements: Upper Division Standing

Grading:  

Attendance:                              5%

Active Class participation        5%

Short quizzes                           20%

Class Presentation                   20%

First Exam                               25%

Second Exam                          25% 

This is a graduate level seminar with the goal of preparing students to read, discuss, think, and write in Persian in the area of political writings inclusive of both fiction and non-fiction materials.The readings will contain a variety of articles covering a wide variety of subject matters in order to meet the needs and interest of individual student. In particular, the course will focus on the published political writings of post World War II, up to the present. The course will be conducted almost entirely in Persian.Pre-requisites: Graduate Student Standing, and at least three hours of Upper-Division coursework in Persian.Requirements: Weekly readings, class discussion, and presentations (all in Persian), an article translation, and a final research paper (10-15 pages).Texts

A reader’s course packet. All the texts are in Persian.GradingClass Participation             30%Final Long Paper            40%Translation of Article            30%

There has been a religious resurgence since the 1970s, and Islam has come to play a significant role in the world. Despite the restrictions placed on women by the religious authorities, the most unexpected effect of this religious renaissance is the overwhelming political participation of many Muslim women at different leves in their respective cultures. While a large number of Muslim women are winning elections in many countries, in general, women's rights are still an issue in the Muslim world. Since the beginning of recorded Islamic history, Muslim women with political influence have held political offices and positions of leadership. At the same time, we know that in some Muslim nations the rights of women are limited, and their participation as public servants is almost impossible. In both of these cases, Islam is given as the key rationale for participation or lack of participation of women in their society. Both Quranic and hadith commentators vary as to whether women's political participation is a correct interpretation of religious imperatives.Debate about the religious legitimacy of Muslim women and their participation in politics ae the themes of this course. We will study and discuss the historical developments and debates about both religious and cultural perspectives that affect hte role of Muslim women in politics. We will study important Muslim women who have held or hold important political positions or influential positions in NGOs or as political activists and grassroot leaders. In addition, we will also study issues on gender, ethnicity, culture, and faith that impact Muslim women's political participation and how Muslim women constitute themselves as social and political actors as a result of their interactions within the structural frameworks and political cutlures.

Texts

Readers packets prepared by the instructor

Grading

Attendance  5%

Active participation 10%

4 quizzes (lowest grade dropped) 30%

Exam 1  25%

Exam 2  30%

Too many portrayals of Islamic societies are treated as superficially as the issues involving the hijab and veiling. Among the hip and the fashionable, the religious fronts and political systems in contemporary Muslim societies (particularly in the Middle East and North Africa), a complex and complicated phenomenon has been developing for decades:  the “art of the wall,” namely, graffiti and poster art.

Poster art and graffiti are employed by various groups within the Islamic world to project their ideas through the mediums of photography, video, the film of documentary makers, the paint and ink of professionals, anonymous or amateur designers and artists to record the political and social events within urban areas. Such visual records depicting aspects of everyday life give voice to the people living and working within the Muslim world. An observer can see acts of rebellion as the anonymous young population in Muslim societies experiments with ways to test the limits of freedom. This is done with creativity and often with courage, which may cause concern to the political systems ruling over people whose freedom of speech and action are limited.

In this course, the students are introduced to a common and general principle of Islam, followed by a study of differences in culture and linguistic background of the people in lands of a Muslim majority. The major part of the semester is devoted to analysis and studying graffiti and poster art as it relates to social and political events unfolding. It is expected that the students become interested and learn that the interpretation of today’s Muslim youth through popular culture, expressed in the art and work of talented people manifesting their identities and personal expression about the world around them, provides a valuable access to learning and getting closer to the cultures that may seem strange, illogical, or somewhat hostile to the principles of “Western democracy.” This is an opportunity for us to look at the body and soul of people of ancient civilizations and of a recent troubled history with high hopes for a bright future from the perspective of those from the inside looking out.

Texts:

Reader packets TBD

Grading:

TBD

This course is a survey of the development of Islamic art (inclusive of most expressive, and creative art forms) in the Muslim societies from the earliest to the present time with a focus on gender and contemporary artistic issues. Topics will include: gender and gender identities; art patronage, Orientalism, themes of power; and their influential roles in form and express formation, the dominant artistic traditions before and after 1900, the loss of traditional aesthetics due to Western influence, and the re-emergence of calligraphic art as an expression of “Universal Muslim Identity”, and themes of artistic expressions as it is related to current world events (war, occupation of land, and religious resurgence). Discussions incorporate analysis of historical, political, social & economical factors that gave rise to aesthetic changes in the regional cultures. Selected biographical data on some of the most influential traditional & modern Muslim artists will be discussed, to provide a basis for the appreciation of the artistic works and the important roles played by the artists in regards to the theme of “Gender”, in both the traditional & the contemporary Muslim societies.

Text: Reader Packets

Requirements: Upper Division Standing

The Signature Course (UGS 302 and 303) introduces first-year students to the university’s academic community through the exploration of new interests. The Signature Course is your opportunity to engage in college-level thinking and learning.

Course Description

There has been a religious resurgence since the 1970s, and Islam has come to play a significant role in the world.  Despite the restrictions placed on women by the religious authorities, the most unexpected effect of this religious renaissance is the overwhelming political participation of many Muslim women at different levels in their respective cultures.  While a large number of Muslim women are winning elections in many countries, in general, women's rights are still an issue in the Muslim world.

Since the beginning of recorded Islamic history, Muslim women with political influence have held political offices and positions of leadership. At the same time, we know that in some Muslim nations the rights of women are limited, and their participation as public servants is almost impossible. In both of these cases, Islam is given as the key rationale  for participation or lack of participation of women in their society. Both Quranic and hadith commentators vary as to whether women’s political participation is a correct interpretation of religious imperatives.

Debate about the religious legitimacy of Muslim women and their participation in politics are the themes of this course. We will study and discuss the historical developments and debates about both religious and cultural perspectives that affect the role of Muslim women in politics. We will study important Muslim women who have held or hold important political positions or influential positions in NGOs or as political activists and grassroot leaders. In addition, we also will study issues on gender, ethnicity, culture, and faith that impact Muslim women’s political participation and how Muslim women constitute themselves as social and political actors as a result of their interactions within the structural frameworks and political cultures.

Texts

Readers Packets prepared by the Instructor

Grading & Requirements

Attendance   5%

Active Participation (blackboard/Class)  20%

2 quizzes       20%

Midterm paper         25%

Final paper   30%     

PRS 322L is an intermediate Persian language course which continues to focus on increasing proficiency in the four basic language skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) in Persian, as well as developing increased skills and cultural literacy. Students should expect extensive reading as well as practice in self-expression through writing, both of which require approximately three hours of outside preparation for each class. Our teaching philosophy is based on the communicative approach that consists of student-centered, performance-based, and context-oriented language teaching. Therefore, participation is an integral part of the class. You must speak Persian in the class at all times unless given explicit permission by the instructor to use English. Not open to native speakers or heritage learners of Persian.

By the end of this course you will be able to:

1. Speak at length about familiar topics in Modern Persian,

2. Understand complex texts on familiar topics, especially those from news media and on-line sources,

3. Understand authentic materials by identifying the main ideas and focusing on the information within reach,

4. Listen to short news excerpts and comprehend the main points,

5. Writing essays and critically engage topics related to the class,

6. Pronounce Persian words with accuracy,

7. A broader understanding of how to engage in the historical and cultural

contexts in which Persian is used, and

8. Expanded your languge capabilities and skills for life-long learning.

Course Materials

To be provided by instructor.

Course Requirements and Grading

Attendance & Participation 15%

Weeklywritingassignments 30%

Assigment Corrections 10%

Periodical Quizes (3x) 15%

Presentations (2x) 10%

Final Exam Project 15%

Oral Profeciency Test 5%

May vary by instructor each semester.

From the birth to death textiles, clothing, and other material culture affects our daily lives. The communicative power of textiles and other types of material objects reflects both the everyday and ceremonial lives of people in a society. Although this course focuses on textiles and material objects indigenous to the Islamic world, some examples of non-Muslim communities will be included to draw a comparison. An attempt will be made to shed light on the culture of various Islamic societies. The study of the social and historical background of a community is essential for the interpretation of meanings and symbolism associated with textiles and other elements of material objects. Such a study will be combined in the course with topics like ceremonial gatherings; ceremonial textiles; adornment (jewelry, tattoos, body-painting); body modifications (piercing and body-reshaping); and the role of material objects in public and private celebrations. Full course description to be provided by the instructor. 

Texts

To be provided by instructor. 

Grading

To be provided by instructor. 

The Signature Course (UGS 302 and 303) introduces first-year students to the university’s academic community through the exploration of new interests. The Signature Course is your opportunity to engage in college-level thinking and learning.

Veiling In The Muslim World

Whoever has the editing ability for title- please remove the "11-". Not all of us have this as a Topic 11, and it confuses people who look at this course listing through multiple channels.  Thanks, Aubrey

Gend/Cloth/Ident In Muslim Soc

This course is a survey of the development of Islamic art (inclusive of most expressive, and creative art forms) in the Muslim societies from the earliest to the present time with a focus on gender and contemporary artistic issues. Topics will include: gender and gender identities; art patronage, Orientalism, themes of power; and their influential roles in form and express formation, the dominant artistic traditions before and after 1900, the loss of traditional aesthetics due to Western influence, and the re-emergence of calligraphic art as an expression of “Universal Muslim Identity”, and themes of artistic expressions as it is related to current world events (war, occupation of land, and religious resurgence). Discussions incorporate analysis of historical, political, social & economical factors that gave rise to aesthetic changes in the regional cultures. Selected biographical data on some of the most influential traditional & modern Muslim artists will be discussed, to provide a basis for the appreciation of the artistic works and the important roles played by the artists in regards to the theme of “Gender”, in both the traditional & the contemporary Muslim societies. 

Possible Texts:

Readers’ packets

The Signature Course (UGS 302 and 303) introduces first-year students to the university’s academic community through the exploration of new interests. The Signature Course is your opportunity to engage in college-level thinking and learning.

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Varies by topic

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