US Labor and Reform Movements

The focus of the course is on those trends, movements and leaders that have sought to give voice and power to the traditionally voiceless and powerless segments of American society. Movements that have fought to eliminate or reduce inequality based on class, gender and race and to realize the “American Dream” are studied. The history and development of organized labor and its effect on American life and culture and such related movements and trends as the Civil Rights and Women’s Rights movements are discussed. Discussion of The music, art, literature and other elements of “popular culture” associated with these movements are examined. (Prerequisites: One of the following must be successfully completed; HIST131L, HIST132L, HIST225L, HUMA250L, HUMA252L, POLS231L or Permission of Instructor)