First-Year Writing Seminar (101-8-20)

Topic

From Black Power to Black Lives Matter

Instructors

Martha Biondi

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-339: Tues, Thurs 3:30PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

Given the gains of the Black Freedom Struggle, what accounts for the rise of #BlackLivesMatter? In this seminar we will pay close attention to the role of policing in Black communities since the 1960s. We will explore how and why police became so central to US social policy and the factors that produced an extraordinary degree of incarceration in the United States. We will consider the degree to which electoral politics have been responsive to the struggles and challenges in poor Black communities. This seminar examines urban racial conditions since the 1960s and explores the analyses, remedies and solutions that young activists have been formulating to address the challenges of the 21st century. Readings include historical and contemporary studies. A major goal of this class is to sharpen your writing skills. We will balance reading assignments with short writing assignments.

Class Attributes

WCAS Writing Seminar