HIST 30159 - Intersectionality: History of the Theory

Course Credit: 1
(AFST, WGSS)
INTERSECTIONALITY: A HISTORY OF THE THEORY This course provides a historical and theoretical overview of “intersectionality.” The term intersectionality was first articulated over thirty years ago by legal theorist Kimberle Crenshaw and provides a framework for understanding how multiple forms of inequality can overlap to shape the ways people and groups experience discrimination or disadvantage on the personal, structural, and institutional levels. Historians have found great value in intersectionality particularly in explorations of marginalized communities. We will study intersectionality from its origins and connections to black women’s intellectual traditions as well as analyze and critique the ways the theory has circulated in American culture and has informed social movements up to and including the Black Lives Matter Movement. Prerequisite(s): One 200-level course in HIST, WGSS, or SOCI; or approval of instructor. [HSS, SJ]