Overview of Course

In this course that emphasizes the vital role of women in shaping societies and leading global change, students will delve into the definitions, histories, and emerging theories about women leaders worldwide, examining how leadership intersects with gender across different nations and cultures.
By engaging with diverse speakers and texts from disciplines such as philosophy, cultural anthropology, political science, history, art, sociology, and economics, students will explore key questions: How has the role of women and women's leadership shifted? How is “woman and gender” conceptualized in various national, political, social, and environmental contexts, and how does this intersect with leadership? What are the transnational similarities and differences in these definitions?
Through these inquiries, students will gain a nuanced understanding of how gender intersects with nation, language, and identity. They will critically evaluate who and what "counts" as "woman" and analyze the tensions and synergies across different models of women’s leadership globally. Ultimately, the course aims to equip students with a deeper understanding of the contrasting and emerging definitions of womanhood, gender, and leadership, highlighting the profound implications for policy, practice, and global interconnectedness.
The learning will happen on the voyage as well as during the field class. There are opportunities for interaction with women leaders on the voyage, including staculty, interport lecturers and students.