Women in Early America

This course examines the major social and cultural developments of early America through the lens of women’s history. We will explore differences among representations of women, constructions and ideals of womanhood, and lived experiences, as we engage such topics as: cross-cultural exchange and conflict; citizenship and enslavement; work and cultural expression; and women’s varying degrees of access within social, civic and legal arenas. Relying heavily on sources like letters, diaries, legal records, and artifacts, we will work to identify strategies and best practices for recovering the voices and experiences of early American women buried in the archive.