English 175pl. American Protest Literature: Paine & Wheatley to the Present

Instructor: John Stauffer
Day & Time: Mondays & Wednesdays 1:30-2:45pm 
Course Website
Examines the rich tradition of "protest literature" in the United States. The focus is on civil rights; gender & women's rights; labor; and environmentalism.  We explore how expressions of dissent have functioned as powerful "voices" of individuals and movements, and as aesthetic, political, and performative texts in specific contexts.  And we examine how historical forms of dissent have shaped today's protests.  Readings range from fiction, photography, and video to speeches, essays, poetry, and music.