First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS) is probably the worst job in American politics. There is no job description, it is a role you cannot refuse, it is unpaid and involves giving up most of your independence and private life; first ladies are not even allowed to drive. Four women have held this role in the twenty-first century: Laura Bush, Michelle Obama, Melania Trump and Jill Biden. Each of them has had a unique approach to the challenges the role brings; each has had to chart her own course through social change and the perilous waters of America politics.

DELIVERY MODE

• Face-to-Face / Online

COURSE OUTLINE

• The history of the role of First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS) and how it has changed over time
• The approach of each of the twenty-first century first ladies to their role, their personalities, priorities in office and policy agenda
• The social element of being first lady; Americans’ expectations of the first lady and appropriate first lady behaviour
• First Lady controversies and what they demonstrate about wider societal change
• Likely changes to the role of first lady after 2028; will there ever be a first gentleman?

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Describe the role of first lady in respect to American politics and society
2. Identify the changes to the role of first lady over time
3. Debate whether the changes to the role of first lady reflect differences in personality or larger societal change