ELIZABETH M. NAVA
OFFICE C-109 PHONE 274-7000 X 6630
OFFICE HOURS:
Mon. & Wed. 2:00 – 3:pm
Tues & Thurs. 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Email: emnava@aol.com
EVERGREEN VALLEY COLLEGE
FALL 2012
MONDAY & WEDNESDAY
9:15 - 10:35 a.m.
www.emnavahistory.com
“You must do the thing you think you cannot do”, Eleanor Roosevelt
WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY
From 1500 to the present
COURSE DESCRIPTION
In this course, we will identify, examine and explore economic, social and political issues
that have affected the lives of women in America from the Colonial Era to the
present. We will give special attention to the social aspect of Women’s History in
order to present a more realistic picture of how women have developed a certain
female and/or feminist consciousness. We will explore and reevaluate the
contributions, efforts and changes that women have experienced throughout history.
We will cover women in the Colonial period, the American Revolution, Slavery, the
Civil war, the Progressive Era, the Depression, World War II and the Civil rights
movement. We will include a multi-cultural, multi-racial and multi-class perspective
with an emphasis on particular moments in history.
Course Objectives: Learning & Writing Outcomes
One of the objectives of this class is to connect women's history to the present
realities of women's lives. By studying history through a woman's perspective, we begin
to understand how the changes and the issues that have taken place have influenced
the way we think, live and act. We will begin to see that our mothers and those
before them were women who have taken part in the making of history as wage earners, educators, social activists, volunteers, homemakers and reformers. We will
attempt to eradicate stereotypes that have created barriers that are prejudice, sexist
and racist. My goal is to develop cultural sensitivity within all of us.
Students will be writing an average of 4000 words this semester. The exams are
designed to help the student understand and critically analyze eras in American
history. The student is expected to identify and critically analyze the political, social
and economic issues that have affected the position of women within our society.
The objective is for the student to develop college level writing skills, analysis and critical
thinking through the assigned readings, documentaries and lectures. Students will also
read a historical novel and write a book review. The objective is to understand the time
period and to make connections to the present. Oral presentations will help the student
develop research skills, problem solve, the ability to communicate effectively and
collaborate with other students.
After completing the assignments, the students should:
1. Measure how past events, concepts and laws have influenced women’s social ,
political and economic consciousness.
2. Critically evaluate historical eras, policies, concepts and laws that affect women.
3. Interprete how famous and not so famous women have influenced history.
4. Assess ways to eradicate sexism, racism and stereotypes.
5. Describe and identify historical role models.
6. Critically evaluate the struggles women have overcome throughout history.
7. Write a college level essay.
EXAMINATIONS AND GRADING: You are required to bring a small blue book
(8.5x7) to all exams. No one is allowed to come in late. No exceptions!
Three blue book essay exams, a short answer essay exam, a book review exam
(optional) and a final exam will be required of all students. The essay exams will cover
all the material from lectures and reading assignments given up to the test dates.
Essay answers must incorporate information from lectures notes, reading material, the
reader, films and documentaries. Students are expected to take all examinations on the
scheduled dates. A make-up exam is schedule on NOVEMBER 21 for those students
who miss an exam because of illness and/or a death in the family. You must inform
the instructor concerning your absence by email or phone. If you fail to inform the
instructor you will not be allowed to make-up the exam. You will only be allowed to
make–up one exam. The Book Review Exam is optional this semester. It is due on
November 28. If you miss taking an exam you will receive an “F” and the “F” will not
be dropped. Extra credit will not be added to an “F’ received for a missed exam. The
dates for the final exam are December 12, 17 & 19. All students are required to be
present for all final dates. If you are not present for the entire three days of the final,
points will be deducted from your exam grade and you risk having to take an
incomplete for the semester.
I encourage you to form study groups. Studying together is an excellent way to get to know
one another and to form strong bonds.
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You will be graded by the standard letter scale, A-F. Each exam is worth 100
points. Points will be deducted for excessive absences. You can earn extra
points for participating in discussions and handing in extra credit assignments.
Points earned are added to the 1st and/or 2nd exam, which ever is the highest
score and the lowest score will be dropped. All students are required to take
all four exams. Extra credit is never added to a retake, take home or rewritten
exam. Your final grade is determined by scores on the exams, attendance,
participation in class and extra credit assignments. If you have questions
concerning your grade, please see me during my office hours. No one is allowed
to leave the classroom during exams. Students are not allowed to come in late
for an exam. If you miss an exam without an excuse you will receive an “F’ and
the “F” will not be dropped. Unexcused absences will affect your overall grade
and you risk being dropped from my personal roster. Please refer to the
grading scale on page 11 of the syllabus to determine how to calculate your
exams and final grade.
Cheating will not be tolerated in this class. If you are caught cheating you will be
automatically dropped from my class and reported to school officials.
ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION
Attendance is mandatory. Participation in group discussions is expected of every
student. You are also expected to have read the week's reading assignment. Be prepared
and come ready to critically analyze the readings and lectures. We will break up into
small groups to discuss the topic at hand. All opinions are welcomed during
discussions, as our diversity represents the American variety of thought.
This class requires active college students willing to contribute their ideas and
critical evaluations concerning the position of women historically.
It is your responsibility to drop this class officially if you are not attending class
and meeting the requirements. If you do not drop by the deadline, I am required
to give you an “F” at the end of the semester. If I indicate to you or the class that
I have dropped you from my personal roster, this does not mean that you
have been dropped officially. It is your responsibility to drop this class with
Admissions and Records. If you do not drop officially, then you will earn
an “F” at the end of the semester.
Note to students: Please refer to the Evergreen College Catalog for Student
Disciplinary Procedure and Complaint /Grievance Policy.
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:
SEPTEMBER 17: Last day to drop Fall session classes for a refund of
eligible fees.
SEPTEMBER 17: Last day to drop a class “Without” receiving a “W” on
your record
NOVEMBER 26: Last day to drop a class and receive a “W” on your
permanent record.
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REQUIRED TEXTS
 Women and the Making of America : by Mari Jo Buhle
 A History of Women in America: by Carol Hymowitz and Michele Weissman
OPTIONAL TEXT:
 Unequal Sisters: A multicultural reader in U. S. Women’s History. Edited by Dubois
& Ruiz. This reader is optional. Two copies will be on reserve in the library for
your use. You do not have to purchase this reader.
Be sure to complete the reading assignments before the date under which they are
listed. For example: "September 10,12 &17, Read: Women and the Making of
America (Chapter 1 & 2) and A History of Women in America (Read Chapter 1&
2)" means be prepared by September 10 to discuss the readings. There will be
times when we will not have time to discuss all the readings, that is the nature
of this class. Don't be discouraged and try to discuss the material with your
classmates and/or in study groups.
The reader is optional and is designed to enhance your knowledge of Women’s
History through a multi-cultural perspective. Please note that we will not read all the
articles, therefore if you cannot afford the reader you do not need to purchase a
copy. I will put two copies on reserve in the library for your use.
EXTRA CREDIT
For extra credit you may choose to read any of the chapters in the reader, Unequal
Sisters. You will be required to hand in a 2 ½ page typewritten, double-spaced
critical review of any chapter. Your written extra credit is worth 0-15 points. You
must meet the following deadlines for handing in the written extra credit. No late
papers will be accepted.
OCTOBER 3, NOVEMBER 7, and DECEMBER 5
You also have an opportunity to do oral presentations on any newspaper or
magazine article concerning women’s issues. These presentations will be
presented at the end of class on Wednesdays and cannot exceed 5 minutes. You
must be well prepared and ready to explain and analyze your report. You may
read any newspaper, and/or magazine article to prepare for this extra credit. You
must inform the instructor at the beginning of class of your intent. Your presentation
is worth 0 –10 points. All extra credit is added to the first and/or second midterm;
which ever is the highest score. The lowest score is dropped. Extra credit is not
added to the third midterm, the book review exam, a retake, rewritten, take home
and/or the final exam.
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BOOK REVIEW : DUE NOVEMBER 28. THIS IS A TAKE HOME EXAM AND IT IS
OPTIONAL.
You may read one of the following novels. The novels will be available at the
Evergreen College Bookstore The book review is considered an exam.
Novel list for Book Review:


Coming of Age in Mississippi, An Autobiography, by Anne Moody
Lakota Women, by Mary Crow Dog and R. Erdoes

Migrant Daughter, by Frances Esquibel Tywoniak

Thousand Pieces of Gold, by Ruthanne Lum McCunn

Through Harsh Winters, by Akemi Kikamura

Desert Exile, by Yoshiko Uchida

Bread Givers, by Anzia. Yezierska

Las Hijas de Juan: Daughters Betrayed, by Josie Mendez-Negrete

A Mercy, by Toni Morrison

Why Women Should Rule The World, by Dee Dee Myers
EXAM DATES
SEPTEMBER 26 - 1st Exam
OCTOBER 17 - 2nd Exam
NOVEMBER 7 - 3rd Exam
NOVEMBER 21- MAKE UP EXAM DAY
NOVEMBER 28 - BOOK REVIEW EXAM DUE
DECEMBER 12, 17 & 19 - FINAL EXAM PRESENTATIONS.
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COURSE PLAN
SEPTEMBER 5 - INTRODUCTION: NEW APPROACHES TO WOMEN'S HISTORY
Reevaluating what we have heard or learned about Women's History. Why is it important
to study Women’s History? How can we connect historical events of the past to the
economic, social, and political present?
SEPTEMBER 10, 12 & 17 - COLONIALISM: THE FOUNDING MOTHERS (1500s-1700s)
Read: Women and the Making of America: : Chapters 1& 2
A History of Women in America: Chapters 1 & 2
Unequal Sisters: Chapter 2 by James F. Brooks (Optional)
American Indian Women Before Columbus: Traditions and Contributions
Colonial Women: A Day in the Life of a Colonial Woman. Independent women.
The Witch Hunts: Religion and Women. The Case of Anne Hutchinson.
Misogynist Views of Women. Attitudes and Community Hysteria.
The Americas First Feminist: Sor Juana Inez de La Cruz
SEPTEMBER 19 & 24 - THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION (1775-1783)
Read: Women and the Making of America : Chapter 3
A History of Women in America: Chapters 3 & 4
Unequal Sisters: Chapter 3 by Brenda Stevenson (Optional)
Liberty's Daughters: Women's Activities During the Revolution
Slavery as an Economic System: The Slave Family. Myths, Rituals, Beliefs and
Resistance.
Republican Mothers: Abigail Adams and Women’s Rights
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SEPTEMBER 26 –FIRST EXAM
Please bring a small blue book. Exam will cover the Colonial Period and
the American Revolution. The exam will cover chapters 1 - 3 in Women
and the Making of America and chapters 1- 4 in A History of Women in
America.
OCTOBER 1 & 3: THE AGE OF ASSOCIATIONS, REFORM
AND RADICALWOMEN, 1800 – 1840’s.
Read: Women and the Making of America: Chapters 4 - 8
A History of Women in America: Chapter 5 & 6
Unequal Sisters: No readings
Early Educators
The Abolitionists: Maria Stewart And The Grimke Sisters
Building a Women's Culture (if time permits)
OCTOBER 8 & 10 – CONTINUE WITH AGE 0F ASSOCIATIONS,
EARLY INDUSTRIALIZATION, REFORM AND RADICAL
WOMEN OF THE TIME (1800s-1840s)
Read: Women and the Making of America: Continue with chapters 4 - 8
A History of Women in America: 7 & 8
Unequal Sisters: Chapter 6 by Theda Perdue( Required reading )
Women at Lowell: Strikes and Organizing
The Early Women's Movement (1848): Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony,
Lucy Stone, and Sojourner Truth.
Seneca Falls Convention: 1848
American Indian Women and the Trails of Resistance
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OCTOBER 15: THE CIVIL WAR & RECONTRUCTION (186O-1865)
Read: Women and the Making of America: Chapter 9 & 10
A History of Women in America: Chapters 9 &10
Unequal Sisters: Chapter 8 by Elsa Barkley Brown (Optional)
Women's Activities During the Civil War: The Sanitary Commission. A True Revolutionary
Woman: Harriet Tubman.
Reconstruction (1865): The Era of Reconstruction: Remaking of the South. The 13th, 14th,
and 15th amendments.
The Woman’s Movement Splits: 1869 –1890.
OCTOBER 17 – SECOND EXAM
Please bring a small blue book. Exam will cover chapters 4- 10 in Women and the
Making of America and chapters 5-10 in A History of Women in America.
OCTOBER 22 & 24 - THE PROGRESSIVE ERA: WAS IT PROGRESSIVE OR
REPRESSIVE? (1880-1920’S)
Read: Women and the Making of America, Chapters: 11,12, 13, & 15 pp. 464 - 482 )
Chapter 14 is optional
A History of Women in America: Chapters 11- 14
Unequal Sisters: Chapter 14 by Linda Gordon or Chapter 16 by Judy Yung (optional)
Social Reform: Settlement Houses and the Club Movement. Women in the
Factories. More Strikes and Uprisings. Immigrants from Asia and Mexico.
Shirtwaist Strike
The Lawrence Strike
Chicanas enter the Labor Force:
Chinese Women are forced to come to Golden Mountain
American Indian Women: The affects of the Dawes Act
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OCTOBER 29 - THE CRISIS SURROUNDING THE VOTE
Read: Women and the Making of America: Chapters 15 pp. 484 - 494 & Chapter 16
A History of Women in America: Chapters 15 & 16
Unequal Sisters: Chapter 19 by Evelyn Brooks Higginbothan (Optional)
The Final Push For The Vote.
Women of the Harlem Renaissance (If time permits).
OCTOBER 31 & NOVEMBER 5 - THE DEPRESSION (1930 -1939)
Read: Women and the Making of America: Chapter 17
A History of Women in America: Chapters 17& 18
Unequal Sisters: Chapter 24 by A.Orleck or Chapter 27 by E. Kennedy (Optional)
Eleanor Roosevelt and The New Deal
Mary McLeod Bethune and the Creation of the Black Cabinet
The Repatriation of The Chicana/o community
NOVEMBER 7:THIRD EXAM: This will be a short exam covering the Progressive Era
plus the 20’s and 30’s. Exam will cover chapters 11 – 17 in Women and the Making of
America and chapters 11-18 in A History of Women in America.
NOVEMBER 12: VETERAN’S DAY, NO CLASSES
NOVEMBER 14 & 19 - WORLD WAR II AND THE 1950s
Read: Women and the Making of America: Chapter 18
A History of Women in America: Chapter 18
Unequal Sisters: Chapter 31 by V. Matsumoto (Required reading)
Films: Salt of the Earth & Rosie The Riveter. (If time permits).
Rosie The Riveter: Women Help The War Effort
Japanese-American Women are relocated into war camps.
Chicanas and The Sleepy Lagoon Case & Zoot Suit Riots
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NOVEMBER 21- MAKE – UP EXAM.
This day is reserved for those who have have missed an exam because of an
illness or a death in the family.
Those students who do not have to make up an exam do not need to attend class.
Please meet in the library (optional) and work on your final projects.
This exam is on the day before the Thanksgiving holiday. Please plan ahead and do
not make any traveling plans. No exceptions.
NOVEMBER 28: Book Review Due: This exam is optional. This is a take home exam
exam and it is due in class at 9:15, no later. You must turn it in yourself. No excep tions! It
must be typewritten and double spaced.
NOVEMBER 26, 28 & DECEMBER 3, 5 & 10 - WOMEN IN THE CIVIL RIGHTS
MOVEMENT
Read: Women and the Making of America: Chapter 19, 20 & 21
A History of Women in America: Chapter 19
Unequal Sisters: Chapter 34 by Fleming or Chapter 36 by Tsosie (Optional)
Women of the Civil Rights Movement: Rosa Parks & Ella Baker.
Vietnam War: Women as Pacifists. Women in the Peace Movement.
Women of Color in the Civil Rights Movement
DECEMBER 12, 17 & 19 – FINAL EXAM. ALL STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO
ATTEND
The final will be determined by the instructor and will be announced on October 22.
If you miss taking an exam and do not make it up and fail to attend the three days
of the final you will have to take an incomplete for the semester. No exceptions to
this rule.
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Grading Scale
The following is my grading scale and an example of how I calculate your exams
and final Grade:
100-96= A+
95- 93= A
92- 90= A-
89-86=B+
85-83=B
82-80=B-
79-76=C+
75-70=C
69-66=C-
65-60= D+ to D 59= F
Example :
1st exam 54= F 2nd exam 75=C 3rd Exam 85=B Final exam 95= A
I drop the lowest score on the 1st and/or 2nd exam and add extra credit to the
highest exam score. If your highest score on that exam is a “C” , it can only go
up to a “B”. If you have enough extra credit. I divide your scores by the following
scale and the number of exams you have taken and this determines your final
grade.
11=A+
10=A
9-B+
8=B
7=B6=C+
5=C
4=C-
3=D+
2=D
1=D0= F
EXAM DATES
FIRST EXAM: SEPTEMBER 26
SECOND EXAM: OCTOBER 17
THIRD EXAM: NOVEMBER 7
MAKE UP EXAM: NOVEMBER 21
BOOK REVIEW: DUE ON NOVEMBER 28
FINAL EXAM DATES: DECEMBER 12, 17 AND 19
HAVE A PEACEFUL HOLIDAY
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