Women's Labor History: 1870-1920
This course is part of Women Have Always Worked.
This course examines the transformative period of women's labor history from 1870 to 1920, focusing on how gender shaped work opportunities and political organizing in industrial America. Students explore the impact of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments on women's political participation, the emergence of independent womanhood during industrialization, and women's efforts to gain legal independence. The curriculum covers crucial developments in labor organizing, union formation, and the suffrage movement, while examining how women of different backgrounds formed alliances to improve working conditions and fight for political rights.
English
English
Powered by
What you'll learn
Understand the emergence of independent womanhood in industrial America
Analyze the impact of Constitutional amendments on women's political organizing
Examine women's efforts for legal independence and labor rights
Explore the development of trade unions and protective labor legislation
Understand the evolution of feminism as a movement
Analyze racial and generational dynamics in the suffrage movement
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
PreRecorded video
Graded assignments, exams
Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop
Limited Access access
Shareable certificate
Closed caption
Get a Completion Certificate
Share your certificate with prospective employers and your professional network on LinkedIn.
Created by
Provided by
Top companies offer this course to their employees
Top companies provide this course to enhance their employees' skills, ensuring they excel in handling complex projects and drive organizational success.
Module Description
This comprehensive course explores the evolution of women's work and political participation in America from 1870 to 1920. The curriculum examines how industrialization created new opportunities for women while investigating the complex relationship between domesticity and independence. Students learn about women's roles in the garment industry, their involvement in unions and consumer leagues, and their fight for political rights. Special attention is given to intersectional approaches, demonstrating how women with different interests and identities formed alliances around legal and social causes, ultimately leading to the suffrage movement.
Fee Structure
Individual course purchase is not available - to enroll in this course with a certificate, you need to purchase the complete Professional Certificate Course. For enrollment and detailed fee structure, visit the following: Women Have Always Worked
Instructors
Innovating Education Through Technology and Pedagogy
The Columbia University Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) is a comprehensive resource dedicated to enhancing teaching and learning across Columbia University. The CTL partners with faculty, students, and colleagues to support excellence and innovation in education through a wide range of programs, services, and resources. Their offerings include teaching consultations, workshops, technology training, and online courses. The CTL promotes inclusive, learner-centered, and research-based pedagogy while supporting the use of new media and emerging technologies in classrooms and online learning environments. Their course offerings on edX cover diverse topics including Crisis Resource Management, a multi-part series on the Civil War and Reconstruction era, Fighting for Equality: 1950-2018, and a series on women's labor history titled "Women Have Always Worked." Through these initiatives, the CTL aims to foster professional development, curricular enhancement, and academic excellence for Columbia's instructors and students.
5 Courses
Eminent Scholar of American Labor History and Women's Studies
Alice Kessler-Harris, the R. Gordon Hoxie Professor of American History Emerita at Columbia University, is a preeminent scholar in American labor history and women's studies. Her groundbreaking research focuses on the history of American labor, 20th-century social policy, and women's work. Kessler-Harris is acclaimed for seminal works such as "In Pursuit of Equity" and "Out to Work," which have significantly shaped understanding of women's roles in the workforce and American socioeconomic landscape. Her leadership extends beyond academia, having served as president of major historical associations and currently as Vice President of the Society of American Historians. An elected member of prestigious scholarly societies, Kessler-Harris continues to influence the field through her teaching, including courses on "Fighting for Equality: 1950-2018" and the "Women Have Always Worked" XSeries at Columbia. Her work not only illuminates the historical experiences of working women but also contributes to broader discussions on gender, labor, and social policy in America
Testimonials
Testimonials and success stories are a testament to the quality of this program and its impact on your career and learning journey. Be the first to help others make an informed decision by sharing your review of the course.
Frequently asked questions
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about this course. We aim to provide clear and concise answers to help you better understand the course content, structure, and any other relevant information. If you have any additional questions or if your question is not listed here, please don't hesitate to reach out to our support team for further assistance.