HIST 359 - The Politics of Gender in European History

Credits: (3)
This course explores the history of politics and gender, considering how historically and culturally constructed notions of sex and gender shaped political relationships in early modern and modern Europe. The course considers the impact of gender on political speech and activity, discussing how notions of masculinity and femininity have undercut and promoted political legitimacy. Special attention will be paid to how women and ideas about women shaped the development of Western politics and political thought, including those aspects of the Western tradition we value today: freedom, popular sovereignty, political representation, equality, and universal education. Prerequisite(s): (HIST 202)