This first-year seminar investigates the life and times of Harriet Jacobs. Born enslaved in North Carolina in 1813, Jacobs eventually escaped to the North and became a famous abolitionist. She wrote her own autobiography, and during the Civil War, along with her daughter Louisa, Jacobs founded schools for children who were formerly enslaved.

In class we will examine: girls' experience with slavery, resistance to slavery by African American women, the abolition movement in the North, and women's activism during the Civil War through the story of Jacobs and her friends and family. We will read autobiography, letters, speeches and look at photographs together to learn more about her world full of people dedicated to radical social change. Class will be based on group discussion, but will also include mini lectures. Assignments will include short papers and class presentations on primary source material.

Course Requirements:

Discussion, papers, presentation

Intended Audience:

First-year students

Class Format:

Seminar