History 591GE - S-Struggle/Gndr&SxlEqltyW.Mass

The goals of this Seminar are two-fold: (1) Understanding of the relationship between broad national movements and related local struggles through exploration of a profound, sweeping and highly controversial campaigns during the past half century, and (2) Growth in historical research and writing skills. During the first half of the semester, we will read Ruth Rosen's THE WORLD SPLIT OPEN, a major overview of contemporary initiatives for gender and sexual equality. We will examine, as well, scholarship and journalism on specific Valley struggles. We will visit the UMass Archives to learn about their relevant documents and possibly visit, too, the Sophia Smith Collection at Smith College. The second half of the semester will focus on research methods and writing techniques as well as oral presentations of seminar participants' research.

Open to Seniors and Juniors in History, Middle East and Judaic majors only.