2019-2020 Graduate Catalog

EDUA 5244 American Civil Rights Movement

THE AMERICAN CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
During the 1950s in America, just 90 years after the end of the Civil War and the abolition of slavery, equal rights for all Americans existed only in the country’s founding documents. African-Americans throughout much of the South were denied the right to vote, were forced to use separate "Colored" public facilities, went to segregated schools, and faced rampant discrimination in housing, employment, and many other areas. The civil rights movement of the 20th century consisted of many different groups fighting for equal rights under the law, including women’s rights and those with special needs. However, African-Americans and their supporters led the biggest groundswell, whose goal was to eliminate segregation and attain equal rights. Significant progress was made towards these goals during the 1950s and 1960s, which built support for other important civil rights issues.

This course traces the African-American civil rights movement during the 1950s and 1960s, including the Montgomery bus boycott, sit-ins and other non-violent demonstrations, and the galvanizing leadership of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. After finishing the course, teachers will be well versed in this crucial period of American history that is key to understanding America today. The teacher will be able to bring the civil rights movement to life for students by increasing awareness, tolerance, and the conviction to stand behind your beliefs if you truly want to effect change, which were the cornerstones of the movement.

Credits

3