First-Year Seminars 110AV - Women/Polit/Activism US Hist

On what basis have women claimed the authority to speak and to lead? From the founding of the United States to its arrival as a superpower, women have taken it upon themselves to act on their visions of a just--or a righteous--world. Some have gained entry into the halls of power, some have petitioned or agitated for change, others have planted their feet on colonized ground and stood against the injustices they felt and saw. How did they persuade others and move them to action? What historical circumstances aided or impeded their efforts? This course addresses conflicting perspectives within women's politics, with attention to the histories of racism, radicalism, and conservatism.

First-year students only, by placement.