Dr. Mary Freeman’s Double-Dipped Course: HTY 463: The Early Replublic 1789-1840
On February 3rd, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Professor Mary Freeman to
discuss her newly “double dipped” course and the upcoming changes and impacts this course
will include and bring, including how going forward, it will count as a WGS elective. This
course is titled History 463: The Early Republic, 1789-1840, and as stated is taught solely by
Professor Mary Freeman. While this course primarily attracts students of a history or history
related major or minor, it is open to all students regardless of academic plan given that they have
completed the prerequisite of 3 credits on general education required history course(s). This is
Professor Freeman’s 5th year teaching here at UMaine and when asked what led her to include
this course as a possible WGS elective, she explained how she was intrigued in being affiliated
with WGS and furthering her involvement in the program in general. Along with the realization
that there is a similarity in themes and concepts between the two programs which includes the
topic of sexuality and the diversity of perceptions especially in this specific era. Freeman brings
up the importance of the book, Charity and Sylvia: A Same Sex Marriage in Early America,
written by Rachel Hope Cleves, and it’s impact to the curriculum. This book tells the tale of two
women in a same sex marriage during the 19th century, debunking the myth that openly same
sex couples weren’t as prominent in society as they are today. One of the many reasons this class
fits so well as a “double-dipped” elective, includes the fact that it tackles and further brings to
light so many present day political issues that were still very much present and rooted from the
19th century. For example, topics of birth control, reproductive issues, early reform issues, etc
are all unexpectedly covered throughout this course and gives students the opportunity to
compare and contrast the wide perspectives, opinions and stereotypes from the past and how it
still correlates to the present day.
This course also covers the impact and influence of marginalized groups of people during
this era and really brings about and emphasizes their importance to society. Freeman detailed that
she spends about half of the semester after spring break recounting reform movements and
activism. While prior teaching focuses on how to define relationships along with women who did
not conform to normal movements including forms of dress, women’s civil and political rights
and much more. This course is filled with so many interesting and surprising topics of interest
that you would never think of just by reading the title, one of which is of the most unexpected to
students being, the ideas about gender and lesbian sexuality in the colonial era. Professor
Freeman is especially excited about working more directly with students and staff, and seeing all
that this newly “double-dipped” course brings and offers to all types of students here at UMaine!