In Germany, as elsewhere, men have been particularly fond of asking the
question:  "What is Woman?"  This history of attempts to define the
essential nature and social status of women has traditionally tried to
confine their activities in a domestic space from which they are not allowed
to stray without running the risk of betraying their "true femininity."  In
this course we will examine texts and films by men and women authors and
directors to see how the notions of gender and femininity have been
constructed and in what way women have been able to respond to these
constructions.  The purpose is not to identify heroes and villains, but to
examine social forces that often prove to be stronger than the resistance
offered, and that in many ways are operating under different labels.
Topics to be discussed include romantic love and friendship.