African American Women's History

This course examines the cultural, economic, political and social history of Black women in the United States from slavery to the present. Through a variety of secondary and primary sources, film and other multimedia, the course explores the myriad ways that African American women have experienced and resisted the “double burden” of racism and sexism in United States history. The course will consider the legacy of slavery and how African American women have defined their own identities as individuals, wives, mothers, community leaders, activists and theorists. Paying careful attention to their diverse experiences, the course will examine Black women’s participation and leadership in a variety of institutions, organizations and social movements. Major course themes include labor, politics, internationalism, religion and family.