This course is a careful exploration of literary and gender studies, focusing specifically on British and American women writers from the 17th century to the present. Looking specifically at the intricacies of gendered expression in England and America, this interdisciplinary study delves into the lives and writings of women by looking at the wide spectrum of literary styles and genres they employed. These include the autobiographical traditions, as evidenced in such primary documents as diaries, Indian captivity narratives, and spiritual memoirs; the ever-expanding corpus of fiction, including short stories, novellas, and
novels; and the diverse range that is exhibited in women’s essays, drama, and poetry. Ultimately, this course addresses the historical, literary,
and cultural influences that shaped women’s lives and writings in this remarkable body of literature.