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History 2998: The African American Struggle for Civil Rights Spring 1999
Prof. Lawrence S. Little
Villanova University
Liberal Arts Center - Rm 431; Phone: 519-4676
Office Hours: Mon, Wed, & Fri, 10:30-11:30 or by appointment
Graduate Assistant: Mr. Nigel Furlonge
Course Description and Objectives
This course examines the development of the African American struggle to obtain civil rights in American society with a special emphasis on the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950's and 60's. We will chronologically and thematically explore the historical origins, patterns, and trends and the political, social, economic and moral implications of the civil rights struggle. We will examine the personalities, ideologies, organizations, goals, tactics, successes, enemies, and limitations of the struggle. We will also explore the civil rights culture that emerges--the art, music, and literature. Finally, we will consider the future of civil rights in America while placing the struggle within a global context.
Course Requirements
There will be an in-class midterm and final examination and five position papers, 1-3 pages, in which you must evaluate primary sources that take opposing sides in a historical argument and decide which is more compelling and why. Makeups will only be given to those students with written excuses. In addition, there will be one 7-10 page written assignment based on supplementary readings on selected topics and issues raised in the course. The papers will be graded according to the content and aptness of your ideas and the quality and accuracy of your prose. No paper will be accepted after the due date unless agreement has been reached prior to that date. You will also be graded on your participation. Come to class prepared to engage in discussion of all reading materials for the course.
Required Books:
Main Texts:
Cashman, African-Americans and the Quest for Civil Rights
Dudley, Opposing Viewpoints: The Civil Rights Movement
Moody, Coming of Age in Mississippi
Additional reading materials may be assigned or distributed throughout the course.
Grade Distribution:
Midterm 25%
Paper 25%
Final exam 35%
Discussion/position papers 15%
Schedule of Assignments: Complete Anne Moody, Coming of Age in Mississippi by Monday, February 15.
The reading assignments are listed below. Be sure to read each one in full before the date listed. Students should be prepared to discuss all questions in OpView, 264-66.
Jan.11-15 Unit 1: Denial of Rights: American Paradox, American Apartheid (1619-1830)
Readings: OpView, 8-12
Jan. 18-22 Unit 2: A Constitutional and Moral Issue: Racism and Rights (1830-1876)
Readings: OpView, 13-19; 267-274
Jan. 25-Feb. 3 Unit 3: The Negro Question and the New Negro (1876-1930)
Readings: Cashman, 3-69; OpView, 21-45; Position paper: Ch. 1, Q2
Feb.5-10 Unit 4: Northern Civil Rights and the American Dilemma (1930-1954)
Readings: Cashman, 69-120; OpView, 46-59; Position paper: Ch. 1, Q6
Friday, February 12 - Midterm Examination - In-class Essay; Complete Moody by Monday, February 15
Feb. 15-19 Unit 5: Awakenings (1954-1956)
Readings: Cashman, 121-148; OpView, 61-73; Position paper: Ch. 2, Q1
Feb. 22-26 Unit 6: Fighting Back (1957-1962)
Readings: OpView, 74-86; Focus: Ch. 2, Q4
Feb. 27 - Mar. 7 Midterm Recess
Mar. 8-12 Unit 7: Ain1t Scared of Your Jails (1960-1961)
Readings: Cashman, 149-183; OpView, 88-110; Position paper: Quiz: Ch. 3, Q1
Mar. 15-19 Unit 8: No Easy Walk (1961-1963)
Readings: OpView, 111-127; Position paper: Ch. 3, Q7
Mar. 22-26 Unit 9: Mississippi: Is This America? (1962-1964)
Readings: Cashman, 184-216; OpView, 128-145; Focus: Ch. 3, Q8
Mar 30-Apr. 9 Unit 10: Bridges to Freedom (1965)
Readings: OpView, 146-174; Focus: Ch. 3, Q9
April 1-5 Easter Recess
Apr.12-16 Unit 11: Black Rage: Rebellion, Power, and Nationalism (1965-1975)
Readings: Cashman, 216-241; OpView, 199-203; Focus: Ch. 5, Q4
Apr.19-28 Unit 12: Civil Rights: A Global Perspective
Readings: Cashman, 243-97
Papers due Wednesday, April 21