Variable-content course that focuses on texts written by women and/or queer and nonbinary writers in order to explore how gender operates in literature and culture. Note: Formerly known as "Topics in Women's Literature" (ENG 2160) and as "Women in Literature" (WMST 2197 and ENG 2197). Students may earn up to 6 credits of coursework taken from the following courses: ENG 2160, ENG 2197, GSWS 2160, WMST 2160, WMST 2197.

In Rome, this course focuses on Artemisia Gentileschi, one of the most revered Italian artists of the seventeenth century. Her paintings are more impressive when we consider the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated profession. Interest in Artemisia has gained momentum over time as she has shown, in her own words, “what a woman can do”, making her an ideal subject for narratives on women, art, and society. The course makes use of Artemisia’s paintings as well as the strong literature analysis of her life and work. Students learn to critically assess these analyses and to construct a personal perspective on the role of critical literature and gender.