WS FYS Art, Sex and Society Anne Harris
How do images of women establish standards of femininity and feminism? What work do the texts written about these women do? At the intersection of art, sex, and society, this course explores major developments in the history of feminism. We will ask fundamental questions (why have sex and sexuality always been considered so crucial to the identity of women?) and pursue specific issues (how have women athletes and Title IX changed the face and force of feminism?). We will look at museum art, magazine photography, advertisement, television, and film in our analysis of art's ability to frame women; we will read declarations, manifestos, memoirs, and policy in our examination of text's treatment of women and sex. We will engage with the voices of black and latina feminism, as these are shaping American society and political discourse. The goal of this class is to understand more fully - through critical thinking, analytical writing, and vigorous class discussion - how art, sex, and society shape the experience of womanhood.