The Rise and Fall of American Women Through the Lens of Fashion: 1915-1950

Rarely has 35 years in history made such a profound change in the lives of women. Two world wars and significant changes in education, work, and family have brought great upheaval to the experiences and cultural expectations of American women. This course will look at the history of this period through the lens of women’s clothing, fashion, and popular culture to explore how women lived during this turbulent time and how broader societal shifts shaped the attitudes and experiences of future generations. Consider the following companion classes as well: LIR282 (Chanel and Dior Fashion Visionaries), LIR295 (Preserving the Past: Caring for Vintage and Antique Clothing), and LIR326 (Explore the World of Claire McCardell - Lecture and Museum Exhibit).