American Studies 256 - Colloquium: Economies of Care: Resilience Strategies in America from Braiding Seeds to Mutual Aid (And Beyond)
Colq:ResilienceStrategAmerica
Fall
2025
01
4.00
Evangeline Heiliger
TU TH 1:20 PM - 2:35 PM
Smith College
AMS-256-01-202601
Hatfield 105
vheiliger@smith.edu
How does one care for themselves and their communities when government or other structural supports are no longer available—and perhaps never have been? What strategies of resilience have people developed in the USA in response? This course examines past and current economies of care such as: seed saving (including by enslaved Africans); queer and trans mutual aid; class-based neighborhood associations; Latinx sanctuary; Jewish farming groups, food cooperatives; Asian American women’s giving circles; fair trade and ethical consumerism; and disability careshift collectives. Students hone critical thinking, reading, writing, speaking, and leadership skills using AMS methods. Enrollment limited to 18. (E)