This course is designed to enable advanced Women's Studies students to engage in common research on vital interdisciplinary topics. Confessional practices have played a central role in second wave feminism whether in the form of consciousness raising in the early seventies, lesbian coming out stores, or revealing the truth about one's history as a survivor of rape or sexual abuse. In this course, we explore the historical roots of confession in women's lives and literature as well as its personal and political functions. Readings may include confessions of witches at the Salem witch trials, female slave narratives, coming out stories, as well as theoretical and critical essays investigating issues related to authority, authenticity, power, identity formation and self-recovery. Format: discussion. Requirements for the course include weekly 1- to 2-page critical response essays and one substantial research paper (15-20 pages). Students will present work-in-progress, read and discuss one another's papers and be asked to write at least two drafts of their research papers. Prerequisite: Women's and Gender Studies 101 and two electives (one of which may be taken during the spring term in which the seminar is held).