The course provides an overview of the history of the American Civil Rights Movement, focusing on the use of nonviolent resistance as a strategy for social change.
Throughout the course, students explore the stories and strategies of key figures in the movement, such as Martin Luther King Jr., Ella Baker, and Diane Nash. The course also examines the various forms of nonviolent resistance used during the movement, including sit-ins, boycotts, and marches.
In addition, the course explores the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement and its impact on contemporary issues such as police brutality and the Black Lives Matter movement. Through lectures, readings, and discussions, students gain a deeper understanding of the power of nonviolence as a tool for social change.
Overall, the course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the history and significance of the Civil Rights Movement, as well as its relevance to contemporary social justice movements.
Course Content:
The Modern Civil Rights Movement is a significant landmark in United States history. This movement was a struggle for human rights directly challenging the nation to extend its democratic principles to African Americans and all peoples. This course sheds light on the often overlooked strategic planning that supported the direction of the events and is told by a voice intimately involved in the organization of movement—Dr. Bernard LaFayette, Jr. Topics include the history of the campaigns, the different coalitions and groups, philosophy and methods of nonviolent direct action, and the contemporary application of nonviolent conflict transformation. The course hosts several guest speakers, including Andrew Young, Reverend C.T. Vivian, Henry "Hank" Thomas, and Constance Curry.
The course From Freedom Rides to Ferguson: Narratives of Nonviolence in the American Civil Rights Movement taught by Bernard LaFayette on Coursera, consists of 5 weeks.
Here's a detailed breakdown of each part and the corresponding weeks:
Week 1: Movements & Campaigns
14 videos (Total 155 min), 5 readings, 1 quiz
Bernard LaFayette, Jr.: Introduction & Bio 7m
Phases of the Civil Rights Movement 10m
Nashville Campaign 10m
Selma to Montgomery March (1965) 9m
Freedom Rides 8m
Recruiting for the Freedom Rides 4m
Freedom Ride Strategy 13m
Leadership in the Civil Rights Movement 6m
Interview with Andrew Young, Part1 25m
Marching: Interview with Reginald Moore & Sam Walker 13m
Interview with Andrew Young, Part2 13m
Interview with Andrew Young, Part3 14m
Interview with Andrew Young, Part4 15m
Getting Started 10m
Special Thanks 10m
Reading Activities & Resources 10m
Additional Readings & Resources 10m
Discussion Questions 10m
Quiz1 30m
Week 2: Organizations of the Civil Rights Movement
16 videos (Total 155 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz
The Strategies of Nonviolence are Timeless and Universal 5m
Confronting Hate with Love 7m
Fearlessness as a Strategy of Resistance 13m
CORE: Congress of Racial Equality 9m
SNCC: Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee 4m
SCLC: Southern Christian Leadership Conference 13m
The Highlander Folk School 4m
Organizing Efforts in Selma 6m
Organizing in the Slums of Chicago 9m
The Poor People's Campaign 15m
Everyone Can Participate in the Movement 5m
Remembering Viola Liuzzo 4m
Training and Mobilization Efforts of the Highlander Folk School 7m
Interview with Connie Curry, Part1 19m
Interview with Connie Curry, Part2 16m
Interview with Henry Thomas 12m
Reading Activities & Resources 10m
Discussion Questions 10m
Quiz2 30m
Week 3: Nonviolent Philosophies & Tactics
11 videos (Total 97 min), 2 readings, 2 quizzes
Dr. King: The Civil Rights Movement & Early Influences 9m
Applying Nonviolent Philosophy to International Situations 8m
Social Dynamics of Nonviolence 12m
How Does Dr. King's Legacy of Nonviolence Resonate Today? 5m
The Symbol of the Confederate Flag: Moving Forward 8m
The Six Principles of Nonviolence, Part1 18m
The Six Principles of Nonviolence, Part2 3m
The Media's Role in the Civil Rights Movements of Yesterday and Today 3m
Nonviolent Strategies 7m
Tri-State Conspiracy: Nonviolent Strategy in Action 12m
Brown Chapel, Selma, Alabama 6m
Reading Activities & Resources 10m
Discussion Questions 10m
Myths & Facts Exercise 30m
Quiz3 30m
Week 4: Organizational & Social Change
8 videos (Total 86 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz
Nonviolence: Tactic or Theory? 8m
Dr. LaFayette: Why I Chose Nonviolence 6m
Preparation & Support 15m
Social Action in Practice: Lunch Counter Sit-Ins 7m
Academic Foundations of Nonviolence 10m
Nonviolence in the Workplace 6m
Ministry in the Movement: Interview with Reverend C.T. Vivian, Part1 17m
Ministry in the Movement: Interview with Reverend C.T. Vivian, Part2 13m
Reading Activities & Resouces 10m
Discussion Questions 10m
Quiz4 30m
Week 5: Education for Change and the Future of Nonviolence Conflict Transformation
8 videos (Total 104 min), 2 readings
Dr. LaFayette: Current Nonviolent Initiatives 9m
ECAN: Emory Center for Advancing Nonviolence 7m
Internationalizing Nonviolence Training 9m
The Importance of Collaboration & Partnerships 6m
The Future of Nonviolence Conflict Transformation 5m
Interview with Carol Anderson, Part1 19m
Interview with Carol Anderson, Part2 20m
Nonviolent Transformation in Nigeria 26m
Reading Activities & Resources 10m
Discussion Questions 10m
Reviews:
As a former student of From Freedom Rides to Ferguson: Narratives of Nonviolence in the American Civil Rights Movement on Coursera, I would like to provide a more detailed review of the course.
First of all, the course content was very well-organized and presented in a clear and engaging manner. Professor Bernard LaFayette drew from his personal experiences as a civil rights activist to provide unique insights into the history and legacy of the movement. The course covered a broad range of topics, from the origins of the Civil Rights Movement to the Black Lives Matter movement, and explored the many different forms of nonviolent resistance used throughout the movement.
One of the things that I appreciated most about the course was the use of primary source materials and personal narratives to help bring the history to life. We had the opportunity to read speeches and writings from key figures in the movement, such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Ella Baker, and hear first-hand accounts of events such as the Freedom Rides and the March on Washington. This helped to create a more personal connection with the material and made it easier to understand the struggles and triumphs of those who participated in the movement.
The assignments and assessments were challenging but fair, and provided an opportunity to demonstrate our understanding of the material. The course discussion forums were also very active, which helped to create a sense of community among the students and provided an opportunity to engage with the professor and other students.
Overall, I found this course to be both informative and inspiring, and I believe it has helped me gain a deeper understanding of the power of nonviolent resistance as a tool for social change. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about the Civil Rights Movement and its legacy.
At the time, the coure has an average ratings of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on over 306 ratings.
What you'll learn:
Upon completing the From Freedom Rides to Ferguson: Narratives of Nonviolence in the American Civil Rights Movement course by Bernard LaFayette on Coursera, learners will have gained the following skills:
- Discuss the contributions and involvement of civil rights activists and leaders in the Civil Rights Movement (CRM) campaigns in the United States.
- Examine the chronology and phases of the Movement and CRM campaigns.
- Recognize and characterize the diverse activist groups involved in the CRM.
- Discuss Martin Luther King Jr.’s philosophy of nonviolence from a historical perspective.
- List and define the principles and strategies of nonviolence.
- Examine organizational and social change applications related to nonviolence.
- Identify the role of nonviolence in modern activism along with additional resources to broaden knowledge of principles of nonviolence.
- Recognize the application of nonviolence theories to activism, current issues, and everyday life.
The course provides learners with a deeper understanding of the philosophy of nonviolence and the practical methods of nonviolent resistance used in the American civil rights movement. Learners will also develop the ability to analyze and apply the philosophy of nonviolence to achieve social justice. Throughout the course, learners will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of relationship-building and consensus-building in the process of achieving nonviolent goals. The course also provides learners with practical skills to address social issues and create positive change in their communities using nonviolent methods. By the end of the course, learners will have a strong foundation in nonviolence and its application to social justice issues, as well as the ability to analyze and address complex social issues in a nonviolent way.
Author:
Bernard LaFayette is an American civil rights leader, educator, and nonviolent activist. He was born on July 29, 1940, in Tampa, Florida, and is widely recognized for his work in the civil rights movement, particularly his participation in the Freedom Rides and the Selma to Montgomery march in 1965. LaFayette is a graduate of Nashville's American Baptist Theological Seminary and received a Ph.D. in education from Harvard University.
LaFayette is a respected figure in the civil rights movement and is known for his commitment to nonviolence as a means of achieving social justice. He has been involved in numerous civil rights organizations, including the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), and the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). In addition to his activism, LaFayette has also served as an educator and has held positions at a number of institutions, including Columbia University and Alabama State University.
LaFayette's expertise and experience in nonviolence make him a highly respected figure in the civil rights community. He has authored several books on the subject, including "In Peace and Freedom: My Journey in Selma," and "The Leaders Manual: A Structured Guide and Introduction to Kingian Nonviolence." LaFayette is also a sought-after speaker and has delivered lectures on nonviolence and civil rights at numerous universities and conferences worldwide.
Overall, Bernard LaFayette's extensive experience in the civil rights movement, commitment to nonviolence, and expertise in the subject make him a highly respected figure in the field. His contributions to the movement have had a lasting impact and continue to inspire activists and advocates for social justice around the world.
Requirements:
The requirements for the From Freedom Rides to Ferguson: Narratives of Nonviolence in the American Civil Rights Movement course by Bernard LaFayette on Coursera are:
- A computer or mobile device with internet access and the ability to play videos and audio files.
- A basic understanding of English, as the course is conducted entirely in English.
- The ability to read and comprehend written materials, as the course includes reading assignments and quizzes based on the readings.
- The ability to engage in critical thinking and discussion about the topics covered in the course.
- A willingness to learn about the history of the American civil rights movement, including its key figures and events.
- No prior knowledge or experience is required, but a basic understanding of the civil rights movement may be helpful in contextualizing the course materials.
- A commitment to complete all required coursework, including quizzes, assignments, and the final project.
- Access to software programs such as Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or equivalent for completing written assignments.
- A willingness to actively participate in the course discussion forums and engage in respectful dialogue with other learners.
- The ability to manage time effectively to complete coursework and meet deadlines.
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