This course is an introduction to the history, contributions and achievements of women in the United States from colonial times to the present. Over the course of the semester we will study the ways that women have expressed themselves through literature, poetry and art. Through lectures, films and discussions, students will have the opportunity to gain a historical perspective on the origin and development of contemporary women’s issues as well as broaden our understandings of the impact of race, gender, class, disability and sexual orientation on women’s lives. The readings for the class include a textbook reader, Women’s America; a novel, The Color Purple; a play, Real Women have Curves; and an autobiographical novel, Monkey Bridge; as well as poetry, letters, visual art and film.
There are three in-class examinations for the class in addition to a five-page paper on a choice of topics related to the class. Each student will participate in a weekly discussion led by the teaching assistants and contribute short writing assignments throughout the semester.