SF-1180 Rebel Girls and Nasty Women
Almost instantaneously after Donald Trump interrup interrupted Hillary Clinton to call her "a nasty woman," near the end of the third and final presidential debate in October 2016, the two words became a rallying cry for feminists the world over. Hastags were born and tee shirts were made. As an essay published soon after in The Atlantic explained, however, the adjective was nothing new when it came to denigrating women. "Since the early 1700s, it's been used to describe generally unpleasant things," Megan Garber wrote. Caroline Light, a gender studies professor at Harvard University, explained that the term dates to the early 18th century. "A 'nasty' woman is one who refuses to remain in her proper place, as defined by men. She is one who challenges male authority," Light said. This Honors Section of a First-Year Seminar (formerly Seminar for Freshmen) investigates writings by women writers from the last century (roughly 1917-2017) that feature literary characters who, by virtue of being outspoken, independent, defiant, unpopular and/or unconventional, might be called "rebel girls" and "nasty women." As we explore our various literary characters, and their authors, and seek to understand what makes them particularly rebellious, as well as how they turn their nastiness into power, we will also contemplate our own selves and determine where we fall on the continuum of outspoken and outrageous behaviors. While we will analyze the readings and write academic papers, we will also engage consistently with writing about ourselves to tap into and perhaps develop our own empowered selves. Extracurricular activities will enhance course readings and discussions.