"You have to discern how she felt about things by understanding the patterns of her language," Ulrich says.
For the 1990 book, Ulrich won several awards, including the Pulitzer. Ulrich says she was in "total shock" when she heard she had won the award.
"It's something [empowering women] I'd love to have a part in," says Ulrich of the subject she teaches and seems to have taken a role in as a leader among Harvard's faculty members.
"It's a really exciting time for both men and women at Harvard," says Ulrich, who adds that it's often thought women are "partaking" of Harvard's great tradition.
"There has to be give and take," she says.
Ulrich, who serves on the Committee on the Status of Women at Harvard, respects the work of the Coalition.
"I do think there has to be some really serious attention given to what they're asking for," particularly with the merger, she says. "I think there are still women students who feel marginalized sometimes."
And for Ulrich's future? A third book is on the way, and the professor says she wants to do more undergraduate teaching.
"I really enjoy the students," Ulrich says.