Black Freedom Struggle Since 1945

This lecture course unpacks the history of the black mass civil rights movement in the United States using a range of sources and methods. Moving thematically and focusing primarily on the South, the course considers the roles of the courts, the government, organizations, local communities, and individuals in the ongoing struggle for social, political and economic equality. Sources include photographs, documentaries, movies, letters, speeches, autobiography, and secondary readings. By the end of the course, students will have a grasp on how to critically analyze primary sources but also develop tools for more general critical analysis and writing. Moreover, students will understand why history matters.