This course will explore women’s cultural contribution to the modern Iran and the Middle East . During the last three decades, women have played a significant role in the making of culture, through cinema, music, literature and art in the region. To introduce students to the region, this course will also provide  background of the social history of the Middle East and Iran.

Women have become the leaders of various artistic movements, and in today’s Middle East literature, cinema, music, visual and performing arts are inspired by a growing female presence. This course will focus on the role of women, as novelists, playwright, movie directors, and musicians.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Describe and discuss women’s  role in the making of the culture of the Middle East through the works of writers, directors, and musicians, and the complexities of the relationship between women and the arts.

2. Analyse and evaluate women’s roles and achievements in the

Culture of the Middle East in the last three decades.

3. select and combine materials from a topic relevant to the role of women in Middle Eastern contemporary culture and present them in a coherent matter in a team environment.

4. Analyse the elements shaping modern Middle Eastern culture through the prism of gender relations.

1. Tutorial assessment (based on Participation 10%. This will address learning outcomes 1, 2 and 4.

2. One essay of 2,500 words  50% . This will address all learning outcomes.

3. End-of-semester 2 hour examination 40%. This will address all learning outcomes.

Two hours of lectures, one one-hour tutorial, and an additional 7 hours private study over 12 weeks, and 10 hours private study and reflection over 1 week. Attendance is not assessed, but will be required.

24 units of study.

No prior knowledge of this area of study is required. 

There are no set texbooks for the course. The core texts will be made available to students via Wattle.

Access to computer/internet (to access Wattle and possible nominated sites).