Course code:
This course traces variations in the social, legal, political, and economic status of women in Asia and Europe from antiquity to about 1500. Students will examine letters, diaries, songs, artwork and artifacts, court documents, poems, essays, and fiction primarily by and about women. Students will also consider such questions as: Why and to what extent did women in some parts of the world—China, southern India, Japan, Catalonia—experience relative freedom? What were women’s attitudes toward sexuality, men, children, religion, love, work, magic, and education? How was gender negotiated, with female identity in girlhood, adolescence, and adulthood established or modified, within various sociocultural contexts? What were the achievements and accomplishments of women during these early periods, whether they managed households and property; wandered the land as minstrels; practiced medicine; worked at court, in the religious life, in the visual and performing arts, or as political leaders such as pharoahs, priests, and emperors.
Students will be evaluated on the basis of class participation, two short papers, and one substantial essay.
Prerequisites:
None
Always visit the Registrar's Office for the official course catalog and schedules.