This course will examine the relatively new field of the history of adoption in America. It will address topics such as: the changing legal and social meanings of adoption since the mid-19th century; the historical connections between adoption and issues of poverty, family, gender, race, sexuality, class, and fertility; changing understandings of identity within the "adoption triad;" and more recent issues such as transnational adoption. The course will be conducted as a readings seminar, with students expected to read actively and engage in discussion of weekly topics.