Time Schedule:
Shirley J. Yee
GWSS 383
Seattle Campus
A multi-racial, multicultural study of women in the United States from the seventeenth century to 1890 emphasizing women's unpaid work, participation in the paid labor force, charitable and reform activities, and nineteenth century social movements. Uses primary materials such as diaries, letters, speeches, and artifacts. Offered: jointly with HSTAA 373; W.
Class description
This course analyzes major themes in the history of women in North America from the 17th century to the about 1900. The themes we will explore include the development of conceptions of womanhood, family and community formation, social activism, education, slavery, war, and migration.
The questions we will address throughout the quarter include but are not limited to the following: 1) How have conceptions of gender, race, ethnicity, and class shaped the daily realities of women’s lives at specific historical moments?
2) How have writings by and about women shaped what we “know” about women, womanhood, and femininity?
3) In what ways can we compare and contrast the historical experiences of men and women and between groups of women?
Student learning goals
Learn the ways in which assumptions of race, gender, class, and nation are implicated in “objective” documents, such as the census.
• Learn the ways in which assumptions of race, gender, class, and nation are implicated in “objective” documents, such as the census.
• Develop competency in basic historical research using primary and secondary sources
• Sharpen critical analytical skills in the evaluation of assigned texts and primary documents
Sharpen effective writing and speaking skills
Develop competency in basic historical research using primary and secondary sources
Sharpen critical analytical skills in the evaluation of assigned texts and primary documents
General method of instruction
The course is designed as a lecture course that integrates class discussions of the assigned readings
Recommended preparation
GWSS 200 or HSTAA 101
Class assignments and grading
In-class essay midterm and final exams; analysis of historical web sites, one 12-15-page research paper
Successful completion of all written assignments & exams and active class participation
