This class will examine a broad range of feminist rhetorical activism in the 20th and 21st century. In addition to organized social movements such as suffrage and civil rights, we’ll also consider less-formal channels, such as music, writing, and digital activism, through which women have engaged the public sphere to challenge sexism, racism, environmental injustice, and more. Women rhetors, especially women of color, have often had to challenge prevailing rhetorical conventions in order to make their voices heard, and throughout we will pay close attention to how women have used language to effect social change. In doing so, we’ll seek to get beyond simple narratives of adversity and triumph to better understand women in their rich historical and contemporary contexts.

Major Requirement: Identity/Difference

Course Requirements:

Readings of primary sources and scholarly articles; class participation; weekly writing in response to readings; final, scaffolded, research project of 3,000-5,000 words (no exams). All readings may be downloaded via Canvas; no purchases required.

Intended Audience:

This class welcomes students from any academic major and requires no prerequisite study. 

Class Format:

Hybrid