Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies

Class 2: The Roots of Gender Mobilization: The Legacy of Seneca Falls (1848)

Outline

Class 2 Outline (PDF) (DOC)

Readings/Films

• “The Declaration of Sentiments” (1848)
• Film clip: Ruth Pollak, One Woman, One Vote (PBS, 1995)

Read for Historical Background:

• Jeanne Boydston, “The Cult of True Womanhood”
• Angela Davis, “The Anti Slavery Movement and the Birth of Women’s Rights”
• Angelina Grimke, “Human Rights Not Founded on Sex” (1837)

Read for Discussion/HW:

• Thomas Jefferson, “Declaration of Independence” (1776)
• Elizabeth Cady Stanton, “The Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions” (1848)

In-Class Writing Exercise

Explaining the Emergence of Movements for Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (PDF) (DOC)

Homework #2

“Our Costume”; “Marriage Agreement”; “The Solitude of Self” (PDF) (DOC)