This course combines academic analysis and experiential learning to understand, in both theory and practice, different perspectives on the power of ?protest? in civic life. We will read a selection from the vast genre of progressive protest literature (pamphlets, poems, polemics, lists of demands, teaching philosophies, organizing principles, cultural histories, newsletter articles, movement chronicles, and excerpts from novels and biographies) from four key social-justice movements: the American Indian Movement, the Black Power movement, the post-Great Recession struggle for economic power, and the battle for immigrant rights. We'll also learn about this experientially as we roll up our sleeves and get involved in local community-based education initiatives and local social-justice organizations through our service-learning. Students receive initial training from CLA Career Services, The Center for Community-Engaged Learning, the Minnesota Literacy Council, as well as orientations at community sites.
Class Description:
English 3505 is a unique course combining academic analysis with off-campus community-based education. In class, students will read a selection of "protest literature" (poems, speeches, manifestos, lists of demands,organizing manuals, teaching philosophies, histories of alternative schools, excerpts from novels and autobiographies) from past and present social movements. We'll analyze these texts from both academic and activist angles; we'll also attend to the education practices and organizing principles animating these movements. Studying the ways that education and community organizing converge and diverge will guide students as they move from thinking and theorizing in class to "community action" outside of class: working 2 hours per week at local education initiatives and social-justice organizations. Interested students can go on to take English 3506 in the spring semester.Think you might want to teach, work at a nonprofit, or organize for social change after graduating? This is the course for you.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Students from ALL majors are welcome. Do you care about social justice, and think you might want to teach elementary or high-school after graduating? Or teach adults who are learning English here or abroad?Or work for social change in the grassroots or nonprofit sector?If you're considering any of these, this course will give you theoretical grounding and practical exposure. On the other hand, maybe you're just passionate about volunteering. Getting involved. Showing up. Or maybe you're trying to be a more active citizen or a more civil activist. This course will provide you with a supportive environment for experimenting with these possibilities and help you think critically about your service-learning experience.
HTML is allowed.
Workload:
Assignments include several short reflections, two academic papers, and class presentations. 2 hours per week at community organization. Fulfills the CLE "Diversity and Social Justice in the U.S."