Rights Revolution – the Long 1960s

by admin - November 13th, 2014

Over the next several class periods, we are looking at what happened with citizenship and civil rights from the 1960s to the present. Remember this was a complex movement, or really – a set of overlapping movements – with different strategies, constituencies, and histories. It cannot be reduced to a few key figures or events, and it did not end with the 1960s or even in the 1970s. So it helps to think about the civil rights revolution as unresolved, unfinished, and ongoing, and as part of a shared American history no matter your background.

For Tuesday, Nov 18th We Shall Overcome, Part I – instead of reading, please watch the entire “Eyes on the Prize” episode 5 posted below (55 minutes), which covers the period 1962-1964, mainly focused on Mississippi. Take notes, and you might want to leave time to go back to certain scenes to make sure you fully understand this history and its timeline, including the main people and organizations. Tuesday is also our final soapbox, featuring:

Jesse, Jamika, and Seth

Thursday, Nov 20th We Shall Overcome, Part II – Spend some time exploring one or more of these digital archives related to the civil rights movement. Due in class: Response Paper #4. Please write 2-3 pages analyzing something you found in one of these archives AND CONNECTING it to either the “Eyes on the Prize” episode or to something in the Schudson or Keyssar readings assigned back on 11/13.

Calisphere – Social Reform 1950-1970
Library of Congress – Civil Rights History Project
Library of Congress – Voices of Civil Rights
Civil Rights Digital Library

For Tuesday, Nov 25th The Silent New Deal. Reading: GC p. 264-287 and RV p. 217-233. Bring your completed discussion notes sheet to class, prepared for discussion.

No class Thursday, Nov 27th – enjoy your Thanksgiving!

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