76-322 Arranged Marriage
3 units, Carnegie Mellon University
Arranged marriage has become an object of fascination in a contemporary context of globalization—a point of outrage, curiosity, and even envy. Some renounce arranged marriage as an oppressive, outdated custom, while others reinvigorate the practice in new forms, and for new reasons. Using a series of site-based texts, this course explores representations of arranged marriage (both positive and negative) and the institution itself across global cultural contexts. We will look at the shift in definitions of "force" in annulment cases in the UK by brought by both male and female petitioners. We will examine the romanticisation of arranged marriages in films and television programs. We will consider the economic and social forces that give rise to transnational arranged marriages. Finally, we will explore new methods of arrangement in a period of social media, the rise of the "arranged love marriage," and new traditions.
Prerequisites: 76-101 or 76-102 or (76-106 and 76-107) or (76-106 and 76-108) or (76-107 and 76-108)
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