HS1WAH-Women in American History: From Slavery to 'Second Wave'

Module Provider: History
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Prof Emily West
Email: e.r.west@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module considers changes and continuities in the lives of American women using a case-study approach in order to compare and contrast different women’s lives across time and space. Topics to be covered include the idea of ‘Republican motherhood’ that arose out of the US revolution, black and white women in the slave South, women’s fight for suffrage and other reform movements, and the lives of immigrant women. This module is optional for SINGLE HONOURS STUDENTS ONLY.

Aims:
This module considers changes and continuities in the lives of American women using a case-study approach in order to compare and contrast different women£s lives across time and space. Topics to be covered include the idea of £Republican motherhood£ that arose our of the US revolution, black and white women in the slave South, women£s fight for suffrage and other reform movements, and the lives of immigrant women. We will also explore women£s changing role in the workplace from the Civil War to World War II and women£s roles in the social protest movements of the second half of the twentieth century (including Civil Rights, Black Power, and £second wave£ feminism). We will also address the ways in which ethnicity and class have often served to divide £ rather than unite £ women in the USA.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:

• identify the sources of the topic in question


• trace its historical development


• be aware of differing historiographical interpretations of the pattern and causes of this development


• understand how ideas and events are shaped by their historical contexts


• organise material and articulate arguments effectively in writing, both unde r timed conditions and in assessed coursework 


• demonstrate familiarity with bibliographical conventions and mastery of library skills.

Additional outcomes:

The module also aims:

• to encourage students to think independently


• to help students develop good oral and written communication skills


• to develop the effectiveness of students in group situations


• to develop IT skills through the use of relevant resources.

Outline content:
This module considers changes and continuities in the lives of American women using a case-study approach in order to compare and contrast different women£s lives across time and space. Topics to be covered include the idea of £Republican motherhood£ that arose our of the US revolution, black and white women in the slave South, women£s fight for suffrage and other reform movements, and the lives of immigrant women. We will also explore women£s changing role in the workplace from the Civil War to World War II and women£s roles in the social protest movements of the second half of the twentieth century (including Civil Rights, Black Power, and £second wave£ feminism). We will also address the ways in which ethnicity and class have often served to divide £ rather than unite £ women in the USA.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Teaching is by eight one-hour seminars over one term. Students are reminded to email their tutors for help and advice whenever needed and to note office hours.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars		8
Tutorials		1
Project Supervision		1
Guided independent study:		90
Total hours by term	0	100	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Written assignment including essay	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One 1-hour unseen paper requiring 1 answer.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One written assignment of c. 1,250 words, to be submitted via Blackboard on Turnitin, by 12 noon on the submission deadline in Week 11 specified on the module site on Blackboard. Five marks will be deducted if the coursework exceeds 1,312 words (i.e. 5% over the word limit).

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Where a re-sit is permitted, students will be assessed on the failed element(s) only in August. Any element(s) already passed will be carried forward if it bears a confirmed mark of 40% or more. The module mark will be capped at a maximum of 40%. Failed coursework must be re-submitted by 12 noon on the third Friday of August.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 7 April 2022