COMM 29906. RHETORIC OF BLACK CIVIL RIGHTS. This class examines the rhetoric of the Black civil rights movement of the mid-1950s to early 1970s, while also making connections with today's civil rights struggles and advocacy. After an overview of U.S. systemic racism over time, we will concentrate on key moments in the modern civil rights movement and how activists used rhetoric--speeches, protests and marches, pamphlets, signs, songs, lessons in freedom schools, conversations in door-to-door canvassing, and civil disobedience--to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. We also will examine the rhetoric of opponents. This class includes a trek over spring break to Alabama civil rights sites and conversations with civil rights veterans. [AH, PPRE or SJ]. The .25 trek is certified as EL.
- Teacher: Denise Bostdorff