Course Number
Course Title
Movements for Social Justice in South Africa
Course Date
Spring 2015
Course Level
300
Document Type
Syllabus
Department(s)
Africana and Latin American Studies
Description
This course considers social movements as a transnational and trans-historical category of phenomena in the specific context of South Africa, a country which in its current form was literally created by large-scale and effective civil society mobilizations. South Africa’s unusual heritage of settler colonialism, enforced racial segregation, and explosive economic growth fueled by resources like gold and diamonds combines to make this country a perfect setting in which to investigate the efforts of diverse citizens to achieve a more just and equitable society. Theoretical models drawn from sociology, anthropology, and other disciplines will be considered to explain how social movements originate, succeed, fail, and transform. These models will then be applied to the specific history of South Africa, including the development of violent and non-violent protests, multi-racial labor movements, and the rise of the African National Congress and its transition to ruling political party.
Note
The syllabus may not be applicable to the current semester. Be sure to verify content with the professor(s) listed in the document.