JLST 376
Sex, Gender, and the Law in U.S. History Fall 2016
Division II Exploring Diversity Initiative
Cross-listed WGSS 376 / HIST 376
This is not the current course catalog

Class Details

This course explores how the law in America has defined and regulated gender and sexuality. We will evaluate how the law has dictated different roles for men and women, how sexual acts have been designated as legal or illegal, and the ways that race, class, and nationality have complicated the definition and regulation of gender and sexuality. We will examine how assumptions about gender and sexuality have informed the creation and development of American law, contested interpretations of the Constitution, and the changing meanings of citizenship; We will consider how seemingly gender neutral laws have yielded varied effects for men and women across race and class divides, challenging some differences while naturalizing others. Finally, we will examine the power and shortcomings of appeals to formal legal equality waged by diverse groups and individuals. Throughout the course, we will consider the various methodologies and approaches of the interdisciplinary field of legal history. Topics to be covered will include the Constitution, slavery, marriage, divorce, custody, inheritance, immigration, sexual violence, reproduction, abortion, privacy, suffrage, jury duty, work, and military service.
The Class: Format: seminar
Limit: 25
Expected: 25
Class#: 1583
Grading: no pass/fail option, yes fifth course option
Requirements/Evaluation: evaluation will be based on two short (4-5 page) papers; one longer (10-12 page) paper; an in-class presentation, and participation in class discussion
Extra Info: may not be taken on a pass/fail basis
Prerequisites: none
Enrollment Preferences: History majors; WGSS majors; Justice & Law Studies concentrators
Distributions: Division II Exploring Diversity Initiative
Notes: This course is cross-listed and the prefixes carry the following divisional credit:
WGSS 376 Division II JLST 376 Division II HIST 376 Division II
Attributes: HIST Group F Electives - U.S. + Canada
JLST Interdepartmental Electives

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