Social Movements and Social Justice

Course No: 5456
Subject: Social Science
Grade Level: 11, 12
Course Length: Semester
Course Type: Elective
UC/CSU Subject Approval: G
Prerequisite: Introduction to Ethnic Studies and Modern World History
Criteria for Enrollment: None

This course is an introduction to the social movements of the “Long Sixties” (1945 – 1975), with emphasis on the Freedom Movements of Black Americans, Chicanx/Latinx communities, Asian-Americans, American Indians, Feminists, LGBTQ communities and other racial, ethnic or cultural communities. Students will identify and evaluate the core tenets of specific social movements including leaders, organizations, events, politics, disappointments and triumphs. Familiarity with US History is presumed. Students will also assess contemporary movements both locally and globally to ultimately define “Freedom” for themselves. Course methodology includes: lectures, class discussion, films, group work, weekly response papers and a final paper.