Hi240: Radical Women in World History

HI240: RADICAL WOMEN IN WORLD HISTORY

TR 4-5:45 pm, Walker 206

Dr. Kaysha Corinealdi

Office Hours: TR 8:30-10am (and by appointment), Walker 414D

Through a focused look at women as actors and producers of history, this course tackles the following questions: under what circumstances do demands for justice arise? What inspires pursuits for social, economic, and political change? And how have such demands manifested themselves throughout time?  In this course, we will examine the critical essays, memoirs, documentaries, performance art work, reports, speeches, and organizational work of women throughout the twentieth and twenty-first century world who specifically articulated demands for justice.  Part of our goal as a class will be to carefully examine, through primary and secondary sources, the context and uniqueness of the work of a diverse group of women, while also assessing the factors that made their public intellectualism, activism, and artistic work particularly effective.  As a class, we will also review how each of the actors in question defined justice, the limits and/or potentials of the justice they invoked, how questions of race, class, gendered norms, and sexuality affected and/or inspired their activism, and the alternative formulations each presented to how their contemporaries understood the term justice.  Attention will likewise be given to the continued relevance of these justice demands for our present moment.

HISTORY AND POLITICS PERSPECTIVE

Courses in this perspective foster an understanding of the context and content of historical, political, and societal actions and events.  This perspective likewise provides students with insights regarding the documenting and study of diverse histories and cultures and the evolution of political systems across time.

GLOBAL DIVERSITY LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Critically reflect on one’s place in and knowledge of the world.
• Examine how economic, geo-political, and/or socio-cultural histories inform contemporary perspectives and experiences.
• Investigate how diverse cultures and societies are shaped both on their own terms and through transnational and globalized forms of exchange.

COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Develop critical thinking skills through oral and written examinations of various sources.
• Investigate multiple perspectives and approaches to historical inquiry.
• Assess the impact of particular terms and frameworks over time.
• Practice using evidence to present compelling arguments.
• Address contemporary debates regarding the making, writing and remembering of history.

CLASS POLICIES

Attendance Policy

You are allowed 1 absence without notice, although I would appreciate a notification via email.  Subsequent unexcused absences will result in a five-point reduction (per absence) in your final grade.  Three or more unexcused absences will result in a failing grade for the course.  

Use of Electronics in Class

No cell phones, music devices, or laptops are allowed in class.  Laptops and netbooks may only be used with a documented need for use in class.  During select parts of class time I will allow use of laptops, but you should come prepared to take notes by hand.  Reviewing all readings before class meetings will ensure that you are not dependent on your laptops in class.  Overall the emphasis in class will be a thorough engagement with one another (i.e. more class discussion and less screen time).

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

Emerson is committed to providing equal access and support to all students who qualify through the provision of reasonable accommodations so that each student may fully participate in the Emerson experience.  If you have a disability that may require accommodations, please contact Student Accessibility Services at SAS@emerson.edu or 617-824- 8592 to make an appointment with an SAS staff member. Students are encouraged to contact SAS early in the semester.  Please be aware that accommodations are not applied retroactively.

Diversity and Inclusion

In this class the distinct experiences and talents of all students will be valued and differentiations will not be made on the basis of race, gender identification, sexual orientation, religion, national identity, or socio-economic status.  Part of the course will also include reviewing materials and undertaking projects that directly address questions of diversity, inclusion, and social justice.  If you have any concerns about the classroom environment please feel free to contact me during office hours or via e-mail.  The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is also available to address any specific questions or concerns related to this and any other classes.  The Office can be reached via telephone at 617-824-8528 or by email at diversity_inclusion@emerson.edu.

Classroom Civility

Treating each other with respect is an important part of our classroom experience.  We may agree or disagree with one another, but before speaking lets take the time to stop, listen, and address each other by name, and with respect.  I will make every effort to learn your names and in turn ask that you address me as Professor Corinealdi.  

Canvas & Late Assignments

Canvas is the central portal for submitting all assignments for this class.  Please familiarize yourself with how Canvas works prior to the first assignment deadlines.  Failure to submit an assignment on time will result in a failing grade.

CLASS ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING BREAKDOWN

Class Participation (In-class Discussion) – 12%

Attendance and active participation play a key role in the quality and success of the class.  Indeed, successful discussions are founded on teamwork and a commitment to sharing our ideas.  In addition to providing a forum to critically reflect on particular sources/topics being discussed in class, in-class discussions will also be framed along small group work, mini individual presentations, and short creative and expository writing assignments.