Head-covering in Judaism

Read several articles posted on the Blackboard site related to head-covering in Judaism, Christianity, and/or Islam. As you read, decide on a particular focus for your paper and develop a thesis for your paper. For example, you might decide to examine:
• Different interpretations of traditional texts and practices regarding head coverings—and how different women have developed their own practice.
• The historical development of head-covering practices in particular social contexts.
• Comparative analysis of women’s experiences wearing head-coverings in Judaism, Christianity, and/or Islam.
• How clothing serves as a means of articulating religious identity.
These are just some ideas to get you started. You are welcome to develop your own topic.
Please write a 4 page, doubled-spaced academic paper based on the readings.
• Your paper must have a thesis (an academic argument), rather than just report on the facts of a particular religious tradition.
• Remember the difference between the academic, historical approach to the study of religion and the more normative, “theological” study of religion. Do not discuss your own religious beliefs in this part of the paper.
• Your paper must include citations in the body of the paper that give credit when you are using a direct quote from the readings and when you are referencing ideas that you learned from a particular author. Citations should be in the following form: (Author’s last name, page number)
• Your paper must include at least four sources from this list. You are welcome to use more sources or to do your own outside research to find additional sources.
• Your paper should include a bibliography. (This does not count as one of the pages.)
After you write your academic paper, please write a 1 page personal reflection that shares your own reactions and thoughts to the material you have learned. Please include the heading “Personal Reflection” at the top of the page.
• In this portion of the paper, you are welcome to write in first person and share your personal thoughts and opinions. You may use “I.”
• You do not have to like head-coverings or other clothing practices to get a good grade on this portion of the assignment. I will grade this page based on the depth of thought and insight you demonstrate.