This course introduces students to the foundations of Mother Studies: a field of interdisciplinary study devoted to the issues, experiences, topics, history, and culture of mothers, mothering, and motherhood. Mothers occupy a specific place as creators, makers, and doers within that context of the personal, political, and social spheres. In America there is often an emphasis on individual choice, however, powerful forces exert control on almost every aspect of our lives. Cultural perspectives shape much of the lens through which mothering, caregiving, and fathering is interpreted and enacted. Starting with the feminist movement and its evolving effect on families, we will explore the texts that helped to establish this new field of study. Scholarly readings, as well as the arts, activism, social media, will be explored as knowledge producers. Students are encouraged to examine and share their personal experiences applying a critical and intersectional approach to this exciting area of social justice and womynist knowledge.
This LINK is password protected and has all the information that students need for the Manhattan College semester.
“….the rules of motherhood are being radically rewritten–with a snarl, cymbal crash and power E-chord that would make the lads in AC/DC stand and salute.” –USA Today
School Of MOM 