Deborah S. Hochgesang

This seminar will use Voices of a People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn and Anthony Arnove to explore how ordinary people in American history spoke out and fought for social justice. Their voices have not been included in the conventional historical narrative of the United States, and students will learn from their speeches, letters, poems and songs how they viewed and shaped the major social justice movements in American history. Additional materials will expand the scope of this historical survey as needed. Students should expect to write 20-25 pages of formal, revisable writing in addition to homework and in-class workshops. First Year Seminar II provides students with guided experience in college-level writing, thereby forming the necessary foundation for upper-level Liberal Arts classes.