This course will approach the life and work of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg as a springboard for thinking about the experiences of Jewish women—especially those in the legal profession—in the 20th- and 21st-century U.S. We will read texts in several genres and disciplines, including histories of anti-Semitism and misogyny in American law, oral histories of female Jewish legal pioneers, and Justice Ginsberg’s own opinions and dissents. In addition, the course will use Justice Ginsberg’s career and experiences as a framework for examining broader issues at the intersection of feminism and popular culture. This will give us the chance to explore representations of her in various media such as Tumblr, children’s books, and Saturday Night Live.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 15

Prerequisites: None. Open only to First-year students.

Instructor: Lambert

Distribution Requirements: HS - Historical Studies

Degree Requirements: WFY - First Year Writing

Typical Periods Offered: Every other year

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall

Notes: This course satisfies the First-Year Writing requirement and counts as a unit towards a major in Jewish Studies. Includes a third session each week.