The US Civil Rights Movement: from Reconstruction to the passing of the 1965 Voting Rights Act
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- Start Date: 18 Jun 2025End Date: 02 Jul 2025Wed (Daytime): 12:45 - 14:15In PersonFull fee £59.00 Senior fee £47.00 Concession £38.00
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What is the course about?
Beginning with the aftermath of the Civil War during Reconstruction, we will examine how the promises of freedom and citizenship granted to African Americans at the end of the Civil War were undermined by the rise of the Jim Crow laws and systems of discrimination and disenfranchisement throughout the South. As well as looking at Martin Luther king Jnr and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, we will explore the pivotal role of women in the civil rights movement, including Rosa Parks, Ella Baker and Fannie Lou Hamer together with pivotal events like the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the sit-in movements, and the Freedom Rides, which galvanized national attention and mobilized support for the cause of civil rights. Finally, we will discover the role of the federal government in advancing or obstructing civil rights legislation, culminating in the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
What will we cover?
1 ) Reconstruction and the establishment of Jim Crow
2) The origins of the post WW2 Civil Rights Movement
3) The success of the of the post WW2 Civil Rights Movement.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Identify the key themes and events of the civil rights movement
Assess the strategies used in the South to implement and maintain racial segregation and disenfranchisement
Describe and evaluate the main strategies and tactics used by groups resisting Jim Crow and disenfranchisement.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an introductory level course- no prior knowledge is assumed.
An open mind and willingness to participate respectfully in class discussion and debate is essential.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Interactive lecture and class/group discussion. Optional readings between sessions.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No other costs. Bring note taking materials if you wish to do so.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Please see the Americas section of our website for further courses on the region this term.
Zoe Quinn is the co-ordinator of London, British and European history at the City Lit., where she has worked for over 20 years. After graduating with a BA, BA hons and PGCE (secondary: English and History) she has taught history and academic writing in London both on Access to Higher Education courses and general humanities courses. She is particularly interested in political history and the revolutionary traditions of France and Russia.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.