History 3815E: Women in North American History

This course will examine Canadian and American women’s history from pre-industrial times to the present by investigating the experiences of women within the family, the labour force, and religious, political, and social reform movements. In so doing, the course will explore a variety of themes related to gender ideologies and perceptions of women, female community and culture, and women’s dissent and diversity – with consideration of sexuality, race, ethnicity, and class. The course will also emphasize historiographical questions and theoretical and feminist concerns in the practice of women’s history.

Required Texts

Brandt, Gail Cuthbert, et al. Canadian Women: A History. Third Edition Toronto: Nelson, 2011. 

Gleason, Mona and Adele Perry, editors.  Rethinking Canada: The Promise of Women’s History. 5^th edition. Don Mills: Oxford University Press, 2006.

Kerber, Linda K. and De Hart, Jane Sherron, editors. Women’s America: Refocusing the Past. Sixth edition. New York: Oxford University Press, 2004.

Norton, Mary Beth, editor. Major Problems in American Women’s History. Second edition. Lexington, Mass.: D.C. Heath, 1996 [LIMITED QUANTITY – I WILL ADDRESS THIS ISSUE IN CLASS].

Pierson, Ruth Roach, editor.  Canadian Women’s Issues. Vol. 1: Strong Voices.  Halifax: James   Lorimer, 1993.

(The books may be purchased at the campus bookstore, or may be borrowed from the two-hour reserve desk at Weldon Library).

Evaluation

Attendance/Participation:                                                     10%

First Term Article Review (8-10 pages):   October 13            20%

In-Class Midterm  Examination:               November 17         20%

Second Term Research Paper (12-15 pages): February 16    25%

Final Examination:                                   April 2012               25%