Description
[cross-listed with SOC 3704] War is typically seen as an endeavor of men, however a closer look at any conflict reveals that women were deeply involved and impacted by war- far beyond the romanticized ideal of “keeping the home fires burning.” This class will examine the ways women actively participated in wartime efforts on the homefront and the dangers they faced when the homefront became the front line. What violence did they endure and what strategies for survival did they employ? We will look at the space created for women in industry during time of war and how this differed by race and class. We will also look at women in resistance movements. And finally, what does it mean today to have women in combat roles? Topics include: American civil war, WWI, WWII, war on terror conflicts, pop culture and fictional representation.