Rebecca White

Teaching Interests

My teaching interests include US social history, women’s history, and gender/queer studies. The central focus in all of my history courses is to introduce students to a social history of ordinary people in US History, examine critical turning points from multiple points of view, and think about the ongoing consequences of events into the present day. I also actively train students in the historical method, which involves using our present interests and concerns to shape personally resonant historical inquiry. I want students to absorb content knowledge, but just as importantly to sharpen and gain confidence in their critical thinking, public speaking, creative interpretation, and writing skills.

Research Interests

My research interests include histories of public welfare, rural women, human rights, and public health in 19th and 20th century Maritime Canada and New England. I have engaged in several major research projects, all related in their emphasis on questions of social justice, public rights and responsibilities, and gendered responses to economic inequality. In addition to the above, I have completed side projects into the history of women’s and LGBTQ activism at the University of Maine.

Courses Taught

• HTY 103 Introduction to US History I
• HTY 104 Introduction to US History II
• HTY 330W Rebels, Renegades, Revolutionaries: Women in U.S. History (new in 2020)
• HTY 340 A Queer History of the United States (new in 2020)
• HTY 341 Slavery and Emancipation

Interests at UMA

Co-chair of UMA WICCD, Women Invigorating the Curriculum and Cultivating Diversity
Member, UMA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council
Member, UMA Rainbows

Other interests

I really enjoy gardening, both vegetables and flowers, doing crosswords, thrifting, reading, and going on long walks with the family dog.