Lawrence J Cushnie
Examines a different subject or problem from a comparative framework with an interdisciplinary perspective. Offered: AWSp.
This course explores social movements at the margins which, through the activism and the protest that contests the meaning of law, help to shape the fabric of the United States. Law, as a construction of society, faces constant opposition and periods of elevated resistance in specific subject areas. These areas include: abolitionism, workers rights, women suffrage and liberation, civil rights, the student and anti-war movement, the American Indian movement, environmentalism, and animal rights. Each of these important political, sociological, ideological, and legal movements animates the subject of our discussions. We focus upon the legal and political theorists and activists who challenged mainstream political and legal culture.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
As a seminar class, the impetus will be put upon students to engage in the discussion. Lecture will be a very small portion of the daily class, with most of the time devoted to student presentations of the materials and group discussion of the readings. Thus, students will be directly involved in their own learning and understanding of these materials through their interactions with other classmates.
Class assignments and grading
Assignments will include participation, in-class presentations, response papers, and a seminar paper.