History 409 - Yas Queen: Female Rulership in Premodern Europe, 800-1800

[EU/TC/P] Although men largely dominated the public sphere in premodern Europe, women left their mark in a number of ways, including occupying positions of power and authority. Throughout the seminar we will consider how factors such as religion, marriage, age, status, and geographic region interacted with gender to shape the lived experiences of women. We will chart a course that traverses the divide between medieval and early modern, focusing also on how premodern realities contrast with (or resemble) their modern depictions. This research seminar will begin with a systematic exploration of prevailing methodologies (and their limitations) for analyses of premodern gender and power. From this foundation, we will explore a series of case studies that illuminate how women negotiated the limitations placed upon them to attain prominence and renown – or in some cases, notoriety – in the political and cultural spheres of a patriarchal world. The course will culminate in individual student research projects, consisting of a 25-page research paper. One class meeting per week.

 

Note on enrollment: Not open to first-year students. Limited to 18 students. Enrollment requires attendance at the first class meeting.

 

Fall semester. Professor Murrell.