This course studies the history of the evolving role and status of women in Middle Eastern societies. We will learn about the specific, historical dimensions of gendered society in the Middle East through focusing on topics such as: religion, law, the family, work, the state, military conflicts, nationalism, feminism, women's education, literature, colonialism, and Middle Eastern women and the West. We will read and hear voices from the region in autobiographies, literature and film.

Students will learn:

-- the broad outlines of major historical changes and trends in the Middle East, and how they have contributed to the construction of gendered societies and experiences;

 -- to situate the subject within the broader field of women’s history, and within the history of the Middle East;

-- to explain, analyze, and interpret how the different facets that influence gender in Middle Eastern societies have had an impact both individually and collectively on women’s and men’s lives, and how they have shaped Middle Eastern politics and society;

 -- to explain and analyze the specific, historical dimensions of gendered society in the Middle East;

 -- to make the connection between understanding the history of women and gender in the Middle East, and understanding historical relations between Westerners and people of other Third World societies.

This course has a heavy reading load. Participation in class and discussion are thus crucial components of the class, on which you will be graded. Please note dates for assignments, quizzes, etc. on the schedule. Click here for the details on specific assignments.

Participation and attendance.                                                                                         100 points

Participation means that you come to class prepared to discuss the assigned readings. Rarely will there be a straight lecture format. If you never (or rarely) speak up, never (or rarely) ask questions, are never (or rarely) able to answer any questions, you will not receive a good participation grade. Part of your participation grade may include in-class activities other than discussion.

Students are expected to attend class regularly, and will get credit for regular attendance. If you miss a lot of class, your participation as well as attendance grade will suffer. Warning: If you miss more than 6 days of class, for any reason, you will fail the course. If you are more than 5 minutes late for class, you have “missed” class.

4 Reading Précis                                                                                                             100 points

These consist of 4 concise, one-page summaries of the essential facts of one of the assigned readings. The two texts, Nashat & Tucker, and Ahmed’s Women and Gender in Islam are exempt. Click here for details on format and content. Due dates are throughout the semester, and up to the student, but all must have been handed in by April 18th, and all four cannot be handed in at once.

Quizzes                                                                                                                             50 points

There will be five quizzes throughout the semester (see schedule). They will be factual, very basic, and based on the reading and class lectures and discussions.

Book Review                                                                                                                   100 points

Each student will write a short 5 page book review on a biography or autobiography of a woman from Egypt, Palestine, Iran or North Africa. Click here for the list of books (last updated 1/4/01).  Due March 19th.

Research Project                                                                                                             150 points

Each student in the class will, early on and in consultation with the instructor, select a topic to research throughout the semester on one of four groups of women within the Middle East (see below). One major part of the research project will involve group work: collective research and presentations. The second part will consist of a 10 page research paper, details of which will follow.

Class presentations (Apr. 20th, 23rd)                                                                       50
Papers (due May 3rd)                                                                                            100

Grade Points
A = 450-500
B = 400-449
C = 350-399
D = 300-349
F = 000-299