🙋🏽‍♀️Gender in Modern American History

Unit 1 – Gender in Modern US History: Introduction

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Unit 2 – 19th Century Gender Roles & Expectations

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Unit 3 – Women's Rights & Suffrage in US History

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Unit 4 – Gender & Progressive Era Reforms

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Unit 5 – Gender and World War I

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Unit 6 – Gender in 1920s-30s America

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Unit 7 – Gender and World War II

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Unit 8 – Gender in the Civil Rights Era

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Unit 9 – Second Wave Feminism in America

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Unit 10 – Gender & the Sexual Revolution

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Unit 11 – Gender and the Conservative Backlash

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Unit 12 – Gender & Intersectionality in Modern America

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What do you learn in Gender in Modern American History

You'll explore how gender has shaped American society from the 19th century to today. The course covers topics like women's suffrage, changing gender roles during wartime, the feminist movement, LGBTQ+ history, and intersectionality. You'll analyze how gender intersects with race, class, and sexuality, and examine its impact on politics, work, and culture.

Is Gender in Modern American History hard?

It's not typically considered one of the tougher history courses, but it does require a good amount of reading and critical thinking. The concepts can be challenging as you'll need to analyze historical events through a gender lens. Some students find the writing assignments time-consuming, but overall, if you keep up with the readings and participate in discussions, you should be fine.

Tips for taking Gender in Modern American History in college

  1. Use Fiveable Study Guides to help you cram 🌶️
  2. Keep a timeline of key events and movements (e.g., Seneca Falls Convention, Second Wave Feminism)
  3. Engage in class discussions - they're crucial for understanding different perspectives
  4. Connect historical events to current gender issues for better context
  5. Watch documentaries like "She's Beautiful When She's Angry" or "The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson"
  6. Read primary sources carefully - they give insight into historical attitudes
  7. Form study groups to discuss complex topics like intersectionality
  8. Practice analyzing advertisements and media for gender representation

Common pre-requisites for Gender in Modern American History

  1. Introduction to American History: Covers the broad sweep of U.S. history from colonial times to the present. You'll get a solid foundation in major events and themes.

  2. Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies: Introduces key concepts and theories in gender studies. This course provides the theoretical framework that's useful in Gender in Modern American History.

Classes similar to Gender in Modern American History

  1. Race and Ethnicity in American History: Examines how race and ethnicity have shaped American society. You'll explore topics like immigration, civil rights movements, and racial ideologies.

  2. Sexuality in America: Focuses on the history of sexuality and how it intersects with gender, race, and class. You'll study topics like the sexual revolution and LGBTQ+ rights movements.

  3. Labor History in the United States: Explores the history of work and workers' movements in America. This course often includes significant discussion of gender in the workplace.

  4. History of Social Movements in America: Covers various social and political movements in U.S. history. You'll learn about feminist movements, civil rights, and other campaigns for social change.

  1. Women's and Gender Studies: Focuses on the interdisciplinary study of gender and its intersections with other social categories. Students explore feminist theory, sexuality, and gender roles across cultures and history.

  2. American Studies: Examines American culture, society, and history from an interdisciplinary perspective. Students analyze literature, art, politics, and social movements to understand the American experience.

  3. Sociology: Studies human society, social behavior, and social institutions. Students learn about gender as a social construct and how it influences various aspects of society.

  4. History: Focuses on analyzing and interpreting past events and their significance. Students develop critical thinking skills and gain a deep understanding of how societies have evolved over time.

What can you do with a degree in Gender in Modern American History?

  1. Non-profit Program Coordinator: Develops and manages programs for organizations focused on gender equality or women's rights. You might organize events, write grant proposals, or coordinate volunteers.

  2. Diversity and Inclusion Specialist: Works with companies to create more inclusive workplaces. You'd develop training programs, analyze company policies, and help implement strategies to promote diversity.

  3. Museum Curator: Designs and organizes exhibitions related to gender history. You'd research historical artifacts, write exhibition texts, and create educational programs for visitors.

  4. Policy Analyst: Researches and analyzes policies related to gender issues. You might work for government agencies, think tanks, or advocacy groups to shape legislation and public policy.

Gender in Modern American History FAQs

  1. How much writing is involved in this course? Expect to write several papers, including shorter response papers and longer research essays. Writing assignments often focus on analyzing primary sources or comparing different historical perspectives.

  2. Are there group projects in this class? Many professors incorporate group work, like collaborative presentations or discussions. These projects help you engage with different viewpoints and practice teamwork skills.

  3. How does this course relate to current events? The historical context you learn provides insight into contemporary gender issues. You'll often discuss how past events and movements have shaped current debates and policies.



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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.