Description
[cross-listed with HST 3707] Angela Davis’s 1981 book, Women, Race and Class inspires this course. Along with Davis, we will read women of color historical analyses which trouble the identity category of women by detailing the ways in which race and class have influenced perceptions and expectations of so-called womanhood. The class will mostly look at Black and Latina women’s histories within the United States in order to understand how historical narratives of slavery, immigration, sexuality, religion, domestic labor, sex work, and family structures have shaped conceptions of racialized femininity. Outside of the readings, we will also explore how popular culture has influenced and propagated women of color stereotypes throughout United States history. This section will be reading-intensive with once-a-week seminars that will be discussion-based and student-led.