HST 266 US Women's History

This course explores the distinctive experiences of women in the United States from its earliest period to current time. The course will follow a chronological framework with a focus on themes and topics such as Native American women, women and witchcraft, slavery, women's rights movement, women and work, women and war, the 'feminine mystique,' and personal politics. The coursework will also include implications of race, class, and ethnic differences among women over time.

Credits

4

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Apply analytical skills to social phenomena in order to understand human behavior. Understand the distinctive experiences of women in the United States from indigenous women to current women
2. Apply knowledge and experience to foster personal growth and better appreciate the diverse social world in which we live. Gain knowledge of the complex issues of race, ethnicity, gender and class from an historical perspective; learn the impact of those issues on women in society over time
3. Understand the role of individuals and institutions within the context of society. Students will gain insights into the cultural, racial, ethnic and economic complexities and the diversity of women’s lives historically
4. Assess different theories and concepts, and understand the distinctions between empirical and other methods of inquiry. Reading, writing, and discussion of primary sources; learn comparative history and the interpretative nature of history; gain understanding of the relationships of power
5. Utilize appropriate information literacy skills in written and oral communication. Learn basic historical terms; learn the tools of historical investigation- how to ask historical questions; learn how to access information for research; develop ability to formulate a problem statement and to argue critically
6. Understand the diversity of human experience and thought, individually and collectively. Learn about individuals and social groups focusing on class, race, ethnicity, & gender
7. Apply knowledge and skills to contemporary problems and issues. Focus on connection between the past and the present; understand responsibilities of citizenship