Podcast: Disorderly women

"All women are disorderly," explains Beck Krefting, associate professor of American studies. "How can they not be when women are told watch themselves in terms of comportment? Everything a woman does is seen as possibly problematic, from the clothes she wears to who she loves to the choice to have children or go into the workforce. Women are condemned for everything they do. We are already disorderly because we are already suspect."

It's a strong statement and one that serves as the foundation for her upper-level course "Disorderly Women." Since inheriting the course seven years ago, Krefting has examined disorderly women who have made contributions to social justice, community cultural development, and equal rights. It's one of Skidmore's most popular courses, was named by Elle magazine as "one of the courses that gives us hope," and draws on, among other topics, Skidmore's own history as an all-women's school (founded by the Progressive-era disorderly woman Lucy Skidmore Scribner).

Staying on her toes has become a signature move for Krefting. She was awarded tenure earlier this year. She has served as director of Skidmore's new minor in film and media studies. And next fall she'll be a faculty leader of Skidmore's First-Year Experience in London, where she'll draw on her research and professional background in humor and performance to teach a course on the history of British comedy. Purposeful and disorderly in all her pursuits.