Course Description
In “Dissent/Protest” students will study and discuss the origins, forms, and outcomes of dissent since the 1960s, particularly within the United States. Beginning with a thorough examination of how people come to the decision to dissent, the class will then discuss the varieties of dissent and protest in the United States and elsewhere, and how the democratic tradition in the United States interacts with acts of dissent and protest. Classes will include lectures, speakers, and discussion questions during which students will be allowed to take the reins and discuss complex questions with classmates.
Confirmed Speakers
- Suzanne Pharr, author of Homophobia: A Weapon of Sexism and activist of 40+ years, on the subject of feminism and rightwing dissent
- Acadia Roher, co-founder of Arkansas People’s History Project, on movement history in Arkansas
- Zachary Crow, director of decARcerate, on activism within and about prisons
- Donna Bowman, professor, on the Women’s March of 2017 and women’s roles in modern protest movements
- Andrew Vaught, Murphy Visiting Fellow of the Arts (Theatre) at Hendrix and co-founder and artistic director of The Cripple Creek Theatre Company out of New Orleans. He will be speaking about the role of art, especially theatre, in protest movements.
Course Flexibility
This three-week course will have two different tracks, depending on the number of credit hours students.
Three credit-hour class requirements:
- Full attendance (MTWThF, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM)
- Historical readings on case studies
- Weekly written assignment
- Final (written reflection + final discussion)
One credit-hour or voluntary class requirements:
- Partial attendance (MTWThF, 9:00 AM-10:30 AM)
- Weekly discussion boards
- Final reflection
- Final class attendance (9:00 AM to 12:00 PM)
Tentative Schedule
MAY INTERSESSION
May 10 – May 28
PHASE I: UNDERSTANDING PROTEST AND DISSENT
MON, MAY 10
LECTURE AND DISCUSSION: Morality, Ethics, Justice, and the Law
TUE, MAY 11
Types of Protest
Discussion Question: When is protest legitimate?
WED, MAY 12
In Focus: History and Mechanics of Nonviolent Protest
In Focus: Civil Disobedience and Direct Action
THU, MAY 13
In Focus: Violent Protest
Discussion Question: Is violent protest ever legitimate?
FRI, MAY 14
TBA
PHASE II: PROTEST AND DISSENT SINCE THE 1960S
MON, MAY 17
LECTURE: Movement, Modernity, and the Masses from the Enlightenment through WWII
TUE, MAY 18
Case Study: Eras of Decolonization
Documentary: Concerning Violence
WED, MAY 19
Lecture: Indigenous American Experience and Resistance from 1492 to 1960s
Case Study and Discussion: The American Indian Movement
THU, MAY 20
Lecture: African American Experience and Resistance from 1619 to 1954
Case Study and Discussion: African Americans and Black Liberation in U.S. History
FRI, MAY 21
Lecture: Labor and the Union
TBA? Documentary: The Uprising of ‘34
MON, MAY 24
Lecture: The Power and Powerlessness of Women
Case Study and Discussion: Second Wave Feminism
TUE, MAY 25
Lecture: Existing as Resistance: LGBTQ Identity in History
Case Study and Discussion: ACT UP and the HIV/AIDS Crisis
WED, MAY 26
Lecture: The Right Wing in the 20th Century
Case Study and Discussion: The Right Wing in the 21st Century
THU, MAY 27
NO CLASS – WRITTEN REFLECTIONS
FRI, MAY 28
Final Class Discussion
Written Reflections Due