Women Making History: Ten Objects, Many Stories from edX

As we approach the centennial of the passage of women’s suffrage in 1920, there has been a recent burst of activism among American women. Women are running for political office in record numbers. Women are organizing and taking to the streets to demand change. Women are grappling with inclusion and intersectionality.

While some of this activity may have been a response to the 2016 presidential elections, its roots lie deep in 20th-century history — a history richly preservedin Harvard’s Schlesinger Library building on the library’s 75th Anniversary Exhibit.

This course exemplifies the importance of archives in themaking of history. Professors Laurel Ulrich and Jane Kamensky, along with colleagues from across Harvard University and beyond, show how women in the 20th-century United States pushed boundaries, fought for new rights, and challenged contemporary notions of what women could and should do.

Through the exploration of ten iconic objects from the Schlesinger collection, they demonstrate how women created change by embracing education, adopting new technologies, and creating innovative works of art; pushing against discrimination and stepping into new roles in public and in private.

What's inside

Learning objectives

The many ways ordinary people have created change
The centrality of women in american history
How history is complex, nonlinear, and in constant conversation with the present

How objects can embody stories of change
How our understanding of history is shaped by which stories are told

The many ways ordinary people have created change
The centrality of women in american history
How history is complex, nonlinear, and in constant conversation with the present
How objects can embody stories of change
How our understanding of history is shaped by which stories are told

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines the role of women in American history, which is a topic of great interest and relevance today

Taught by Laurel Ulrich and Jane Kamensky, who are both recognized historians of women's history

Provides a unique perspective on women's history by focusing on objects from the Schlesinger Library collection

Develops an understanding of how women have fought for new rights and challenged contemporary notions of gender roles

Highlights the importance of archives in the making of history, which is a valuable lesson for students of history

Reviews summary

Women empowerment course

According to students, this Empowering course will Inspire you through its Amazing professors. It will teach you about the History of Women and make you Proud of your Feminism. As a woman, this course will motivate you to make a Positive Impact on society.

This course will motivate you to make a positive impact on society.

"After completing this course as a female you will want to continue making huge impacts in our society."

This course taught me a lot about women's history.

"You will learn to sustain the rich history of what womanhood or being a feminist entails."

This course is truly inspiring.

"Every professor from this course will keep you inspired."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Women Making History: Ten Objects, Many Stories with these activities:

Organize your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams

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Organize your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams in a systematic way to facilitate effective studying.

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Gather all your course materials
Create a system for organizing your materials
Regularly review your organized materials

Read Doris Kearns Goodwin's book 'The Bully Pulpit'

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Read a book that will situate you in the political atmosphere of the era in which many women's movements took place.

View An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of... on Amazon

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Preview the first few chapters
Take notes in the margins as you read
Write a response to Goodwin's thesis in each chapter
Identify key terms and summarize chapters

Practice close reading

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A close reading of provided texts will help you become more familiar with the vocabulary, syntax, and structure of the language and increase your comprehension.

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Read the text carefully and attentively
Identify the main idea and supporting points
Analyze the author's purpose and perspective

Four other activities

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Create a timeline of women's suffrage in the United States

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Creating a timeline of major events and milestones in the women's suffrage movement can help you visualize the overall struggle and appreciate the complexity of the movement.

Browse courses on Women's Suffrage

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Research the key events and milestones in the women's suffrage movement
Organize the events chronologically
Create a visual representation of the timeline
Include key details and context for each event

Participate in a debate or essay contest on a topic related to women's rights

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Participating in a debate or essay contest can help you refine your critical thinking and communication skills while engaging with the course material in a meaningful way.

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Choose a debate or essay topic
Research your topic and develop an argument
Write a persuasive essay or prepare for a debate
Participate in the contest and present your argument

Develop a research project on a topic related to women's history

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Conducting research and writing a paper on a topic in women's history will allow you to delve deeply into a particular aspect of the movement and contribute to the ongoing scholarship in the field.

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Choose a topic and develop a research question
Conduct research using primary and secondary sources
Analyze your findings and develop an argument
Write a research paper that presents your findings and argument

Find a mentor who can help you with your studies

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Having a mentor can help you identify areas that need more review. Seek one out to maximize your success.

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Identify potential mentors in your field
Reach out to potential mentors and ask for their guidance
Prepare questions to ask your mentor
Meet with your mentor regularly
Follow your mentor's advice and feedback

Career center

Learners who complete Women Making History: Ten Objects, Many Stories will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Archivist

An Archivist collects, appraises, and preserves historical documents, images, artifacts, and other materials. To do this, they organize materials in a way that makes them accessible, and provide research assistance. With the knowledge you'll gain from exploring how women in the 20th-century United States challenged norms, as well as studying archival materials, you'll be well-equipped for a career as an Archivist.

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Curator

A Curator conducts research about the history and significance of artifacts and collections. They also design and lead exhibits. Having a background in history is typical of a Curator, as is project management experience.

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Historian

A Historian studies and writes about the past using primary and secondary source materials. By studying women in the 20th-century United States, you will begin to understand how to think critically about the past, and how to write clearly and persuasively about it.

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Museum Director

A Museum Director plans and oversees all aspects of a museum's operations, including its exhibitions, educational programs, and finances. They may also develop fundraising strategies and public relations campaigns. Leading a Museum may be useful for a career as a Museum Director.

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Librarian

A Librarian helps people find information and resources. They may work in a public library, a school library, or a special library, such as a law library or a medical library. By understanding the history of women in the 20th-century United States, you'll be well-equipped to help others find information on this topic.

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Teacher

A Teacher creates lesson plans, teaches classes, and assesses student learning. While this course focuses on women's history, its content can be applied to teaching history in general.

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Writer

A Writer creates written content, such as articles, blog posts, website content, and books. This course can help you develop your writing skills, and learn how to write about history in a clear and engaging way.

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Editor

An Editor reviews, corrects, and improves written content. They may work for a newspaper, magazine, website, or publishing company. By studying history, you'll develop strong reading comprehension and critical thinking skills.

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Journalist

A Journalist gathers, analyzes, and reports on news and current events. They may work for a newspaper, magazine, website, or television station. Understanding the importance of the women's suffrage movement can aid a career as a Journalist.

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Lawyer

A Lawyer advises and represents clients in legal matters. They may work in a private law firm, a government agency, or a non-profit organization. By learning about the history of women's rights, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the legal system.

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Politician

A Politician holds or seeks an elected office in government. They may work at the local, state, or federal level. Studying women's activism in the 20th century can help provide historical references to use during political campaigns and form policy stances.

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Social Worker

A Social Worker helps people overcome social and economic problems. They may work with individuals, families, groups, or communities. The course may help you develop the skills you need to work with diverse populations.

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Nonprofit Manager

A Nonprofit Manager plans and directs the activities of a nonprofit organization. They may work for a variety of organizations, such as social service agencies, educational institutions, and arts organizations. By understanding the history of women's activism, you'll be better prepared to lead a nonprofit organization that advocates for social change.

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Diversity and Inclusion Manager

A Diversity and Inclusion Manager develops and implements programs to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. They may also work to create a more inclusive culture for employees of all backgrounds. By studying the history of women's rights, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing diverse populations.

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Consultant

A Consultant provides advice and expertise to organizations on a variety of topics. They may work in a variety of fields, such as management, marketing, and human resources. By understanding the history of social change, you'll be better prepared to advise organizations on how to create a more equitable and inclusive workplace.

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