Gender, Power, and Grassroots: Politics in American Society

Catalog description

This course examines the exercise of power by women in America today - with an emphasis on women in public life. Students will study major figures in women's political history, looking for pathways to power for ordinary citizens as well as national leaders. They will examine myths and facts about gender performance and debate why issues like Title 9 and an Equal Rights Amendment still stir controversy. Students will conduct classroom exercises on making the system work, from the neighborhood level to President of the United States. In addition to class meetings, students will also complete 25 hours of volunteer work and research on their communities over the course of the semester.