Date of Award
Spring 5-2017
Degree Type
Capstone
Degree Name
Master of Arts in American Studies (MAST)
Department
Interdisciplinary Studies
Committee Chair/First Advisor
Dr. Stacy Keltner
Second Advisor
Dr. Daniel Paracka, Jr.
Abstract
Much research has been done on feminism in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) as well as on the international student experience. This paper combines the two areas of research to study the international student’s role in promoting transnational feminism. Combining select works of fiction with data collected from Kennesaw State University (KSU) students via an online survey and personal interviews, the paper identifies the challenges the MENA women face in creating connections with others in the U.S. while noting the women's influence in changing perceptions. Similarly, the paper highlights the observations of the MENA students in regard to women’s roles at home and abroad, as well as what they believe may or may not be achievable for transnational feminism based on their experiences. The paper concludes that, in studying abroad, the MENA women are more aware of the realities women face and take a more active role in promoting transnational feminism than do their American counterparts.