This course will explore the lives of America's First Ladies. These ladies are a diverse group, varying in age, social background, wealth, education, religion, avocations, ideology and belief, and attitude toward their position. We will look at the historical context of First Ladies to help explain her attitudes and roles. The frustrations and challenges, as well as the satisfactions and benefits of serving as the First Lady will be discussed. How each woman defined her role, whether as a subordinate or co-equal to her husband, homemaker and hostess, or policy-maker and champion of political and social causes will be explored. The dynamics between each lady and her husband and between her and the American public will be described.

Each week, we will focus on several First Ladies' stories with an emphasis on how they responded to their historical social contexts. Some of the First Ladies who will be highlighted include Abigail Adams, Mary Lincoln, Bess Truman, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jackie Kennedy, Barbara Bush, Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama, Jill Biden and Melania Trump. 

Class sessions will include a mixture of lecture, discussion and video clips.