Civil Rights in America

Catalog description

In 1903, W.E.B. Dubois argued that "the problem of the twentieth century is the problem of the color line." In fact, the problem of racial inequality has inspired people to action since the mid-nineteenth century. This course will explore what historians have referred to as "the Long Civil Rights movement" and examines how activists in the pre- World War II era laid a foundation for post-war civil rights initiatives. Students will also explore whether there was a single civil rights movement and place civil rights initiatives in both national and international contexts. No prerequisite. (Offered spring term, as needed.)