East Asian Languages & Lits 360rw - Seminar: Topics in East Asian Languages and Literature-Notorious Trailblazers?: Reading Women's Lives, Past and Present
Sem: T-Reading Women's Lives
Spring
2026
01
4.00
Sujane Wu
TU TH 2:45 PM - 4:00 PM
Smith College
EAL-360rw-01-202603
swu@smith.edu
This seminar is designed for students to embark on an independent research project centered on the life experiences of East Asian women. Students explore key questions such as: What insights are there into the social, political, and literary roles of women in pre-modern societies? Historically, have women always been seen as subordinate to men, or did they sometimes rise to influential positions—and how were they then perceived by others? How did women express their self-perceptions and identities through writing? In modern times, how does society interpret women's voices amid enduring traditional perspectives? Are women’s experiences often viewed through a stereotypical and narrow lens, or even shaped to fit modern prejudices? This course critically examines both historical and contemporary experiences of women in East Asia, delving into aspects of representation, reception, and agency. Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission required.
[CE] JR/SR only