HUMN 2061 Women with Muslim Identity

This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://hbook.westernsydney.edu.au.

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 101879

Coordinator Jan Ali Opens in new window

Description An exploration of perceptions of Muslim women and of the meaning and significance of Muslim identity for women today. Students will analyse ways in which Muslim women perceive themselves and are perceived by others in the context of contemporary Islamic revivalism, focussing on differences and relationships among various outsider's and insider's perceptions. A central focus will be the resurgence of the veil in the context of contemporary Islamic revivalism; Students will explore the meanings of veiling in the context of discussions and debates on the role of women, equality and freedom, cultural diversity, religious values and secularity.

School Humanities & Comm Arts

Discipline Gender Specific Studies

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 2 subject

Restrictions Successful completion of 40 credit points of study in currently enrolled program.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
  1. describe and analyse cross-cultural perceptions of Muslim women
  2. describe and analyse experiences of contemporary Muslim women
  3. apply these analyses within discussions of diverse conceptions of freedom and agency, modernity and religion, and women's roles
  4. engage in intellectual debate and dialogue on these issues

Subject Content

. analysis of cross-cultural perceptions of Muslim women
. social analysis of the resurgence of the veil in the context of contemporary Islamic revivalism
. social analysis of the role of women in Islam
. analysis of experiences and self-understandings of some contemporary Muslim women
. analysis of diverse conceptions of freedom and agency
. analysis of diverse conceptions of modernity, secularity, and religion
. analysis of diverse conceptions of women's roles, women's equality and difference

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Item Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task
Workbook (A weekly critical reflection on weekly lecture, reading/s, and tutorial discussion) 1,000 words 30 N Individual
Mid-session in-class exam 1 hour 20 N Individual
Research Paper 2,000 words 50 N Individual

Prescribed Texts

  • Ahmed, Leila. A Quiet Revolution: The Veil's Resurgence from the Middle East to America. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2011.
  • Ahmed, Leila. A Border Passage from Cairo to America--a Woman's Journey. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1999.

Teaching Periods

Structures that include subject