Gender Studies
In this course, students will investigate, explore, challenge and develop an understanding of the role gender plays in both history and our modern society. Using an interdisciplinary approach students will examine ideas related to gender through an intersectional lens that includes historical, feminist, queer, ethnic, sociological, and cultural perspectives. We will take deep dives into historical moments or events using scholarly texts, primary sources, and popular media with the goal of developing a critical perspective on the role of gender in society. Students will then have an opportunity to develop their own research topic, using the skills we have practiced as a class.
The capstone project will allow students to pursue their own research interest connected to gender studies in a format of their choosing (traditional research paper, blog, podcast, oral histories, art, etc.) and share their research with their classmates and peers. Collaboration with other students on projects will be encouraged.
Our face-to-face meetings will be to connect with guest presenters, visit local area organizations or museums, and work on collaborative projects. Weekly virtual classes may include guest speakers, class discussions, virtual field trips, and small group research check-ins.
UC Approved: History / Social Science 
About the Instructor
Nicole Hunter – SF University High School
Nicole Hunter has been a librarian at San Francisco University High School since 2003. Working with the history department she teaches research skills across the history curriculum with a focus on the use of primary sources. She has co-taught an English course called the Fourth Estate in which students both examined media coverage of current and past events and created media pieces of their own. Nicole has a passion for research, constructivist learning, art, and history. She has a degree in history from UCLA and a master’s in library science with a focus on archives from San José State. Nicole lives in Oakland with her husband and son. She loves to sew and knit and hosts a podcast on her creative pursuits. She enjoys running on the trails of the East Bay hills and exploring local history sites.
Charlotte King-Mills – Branson School
Charlotte has been the Digital Literacy Specialist/Librarian at Branson since 2021. Previously she served as Director of Library Services at the Northwest School in Seattle and has over a decade of experience in public, academic, and school libraries. Before becoming a librarian, she taught and developed arts & humanities programs for various non-profits. She’s passionate about cultivating learner-centered spaces that address equity gaps, incorporate information literacy standards, and encourage a love of reading. One of her favorite things to do at Branson is collaborating with faculty and students on a variety of research projects, especially those that uncover the magic of primary sources. She has a degree in women and gender studies with a concentration in art history from DePaul University, and a master’s in library and information sciences from San Jose State University.
Charlotte’s presented numerous times on equity issues including a briefing presented to the California State Library in 2018 as part of the California Library Leadership Institute. She also presented on teaching and promoting anti-racism for the 2017 California Library Association conference. She lives in the East Bay with her lovely husband and very cranky, but cute, cat Miles.
Student Testimonials
This class was absolutely amazing. All of our units were so interesting, and the teacher is very engaged. I really loved everything about this course.
Junior at Marin Academy, Spring 2022I liked all the readings because I probably otherwise would not have ever read them but they were really enlightening.
Senior at Branson, Spring 2022I really really enjoyed the in-person meetings– I thought that they were super interesting and always different and engaging. I also really liked getting to know my fellow BlendEd classmates.
Senior at Branson, Spring 2022I really liked the Capstone project– I was able to dig deep into a topic that I chose. I like that I could have expressed it in any way that I wanted.
Junior at Lick-Wilmerding, Spring 2022I liked the formatting of the course! It was easy to navigate, and my peers and teacher are helpful and inclusive.
Sophomore at Lick-Wilmerding, Spring 2022