Course Description

"Women Have Always Worked" is an enlightening and comprehensive MOOC offered by ColumbiaX that delves into the rich and often overlooked history of women in America. This intermediate-level course, part of a four-part series, takes students on a captivating journey through time, exploring the evolving roles, struggles, and triumphs of women from Colonial America to the early 19th century.

As we witness the rise of women in positions of economic and political influence today, this course provides crucial context by examining the historical foundations that have led to these advancements. Students will gain a deep understanding of how women's lives have been shaped by societal norms, economic conditions, and political movements throughout American history.

What Students Will Learn

• The emergence of women's history as an academic field and its impact on historical studies
• The experiences of women in Colonial America, including enslaved women, indentured servants, and rural housewives
• Women's struggles for individual rights and loosening familial constraints
• The transition of women's work from the home to the workplace during the industrial era
• The impact of this shift on family dynamics, power relationships, and women's political organization
• The origins of separate spheres ideology and domesticity
• Women's involvement in political activity and moral reform campaigns
• The rise of an independent women's rights movement in the United States

Course Coverage

• Colonial America and women's experiences
• Slavery and indentured servitude from a female perspective
• The American Revolution and its impact on women
• The industrial era and women's transition to the workplace
• Family life and power dynamics in the 18th and 19th centuries
• The emergence of women's political activism
• The origins of the women's rights movement
• The intersection of race, class, and gender in women's work

Who This Course Is For

• History enthusiasts looking to broaden their understanding of American women's history
• Students of gender studies, sociology, or political science
• Individuals interested in the evolution of women's rights and roles in society
• Anyone seeking to understand the historical context of current gender issues in America

Real-World Applications

• Enhancing critical thinking and analytical skills when examining current gender issues
• Providing historical context for modern debates on women's rights and equality
• Improving understanding of workplace dynamics and the evolution of women's roles in professional settings
• Informing policy decisions related to gender equality and women's rights
• Enriching educational curricula in history, social studies, and gender studies
• Fostering a more inclusive and equitable society by understanding the historical roots of gender dynamics