A Divided Union: Civil Rights in the USA 1945-74 from Udemy

What's inside

Syllabus

Analyse key causes and impacts of the Cold War and Red Scare from 1945-54

Understand the way the US government works

Understand the key events of the Cold War, 1945-51
Understand the impact of the Cold War on fears of communism in the US

Understand the key events in the Red Scare domestically:
- HUAC and Federal Loyalty Boards
- Hollywood Ten
- Alger Hiss
- Rosenbergs

Understand the role played by Senator McCarthy in the Red Scare
Understand the reasons for McCarthy's downfall

Possible Question 1 linked to Chapter 1 content and tutorial on how this question should be answered.

Possible Question 2 linked to Chapter 1 content and tutorial on how this question should be answered.

Possible Question 3 linked to Chapter 1 content and tutorial on how this question should be answered.

Understand historical reasons for the Jim Crow laws
Understand ways in which African-Americans were discriminated against

Understsand the reasons for the Brown v Board court case
Understand the significance of the case on the civil rights movement

Understand the reasons for the death of Emmett Till and its impact on the civil rights movement

Understand why there was a bus boycott in Montgomery
Understand the impact of the bus boycott

Understand the events leading to the 1957 Civil Rights Act
Understand opposition to the 1957 Civil Rights Act
Understand the significance of the 1957 Civil Rights Act

Understand why desegregation was an issue in the Southern states of the US
Understand the events at Little Rock in 1957
Understand the significance of events at Little Rock in 1957

Possible Question 1 linked to Chapter 2 content and tutorial on how this question should be answered.

Possible Question 2 linked to Chapter 2 content and tutorial on how this question should be answered.

Possible Question 3 linked to Chapter 2 content and tutorial on how this question should be answered.

Students will gain an overview of civil rights in the 1960s

Understand the sit-ins and their significance

Understand the key events in the Freedom Rides campaign

Understand the significance of the James Meredith case

Understand the impact of mass peace marches in Birmingham

Understand the role of Martin Luther King Junior on the civil rights movement
Understand the impact of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom

Understand the reasons for the failure of the Freedom Summer in Mississippi

Understand the events of Selma and their impact

Understand the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Understand the Voting Rights Act of 1965
Understand the reasons for these pieces of legislation, including the impact of protests

An overview of the main events in the civil rights movement from 1966-74

Understand the aims of the Nation of Islam
Understand the impact of Malcolm X and his split with the Nation of Islam

Understand reasons for the growth of the Black Power movement
Understand the influence of Stokely Carmichael

Understand the reasons for the formation of the Black Panther Party
Understand the activities of the Black Panther Party

Understand the responses from different sections of American society to Black Power and the Black Panthers

Understand the impact of the race riots

Understand the actions of the mainstream civil rights movement from 1966-74

Possible Question 1 linked to Chapter 3 content and tutorial on how this question should be answered.

Possible Question 2 linked to Chapter 3 content and tutorial on how this question should be answered.

Possible Question 3 linked to Chapter 3 content and tutorial on how this question should be answered.

Understand reasons for the growth of other protest movements
Understand the emergence of student protests
Understand the impact of student protests

Understand the reasons for the Vietnam War
Understand why there was opposition to the Vietnam War
Understand the impact of protests on the Vietnam War

Gain an overview of feminism in the 1960s and 1970s
Understand the role of Betty Friedan and Eleanor Roosevelt in the feminist movement

Understand the main women's movement organisations, their aims and impacts

To understand the main social changes affecting the women's movement
To understand the impact of Roe v Wade

To understand why there was opposition to the women's movement
To understand the role of Phyllis Schlafly in opposing the ERA

To evaluate the impact the women's movement

Possible Question 1 linked to Chapter 4 content and tutorial on how this question should be answered.

Possible Question 3 linked to Chapter 4 content and tutorial on how this question should be answered.

To understand the background to the Watergate scandal

To understand the keye events in the Watergate Scandal
To understand the role of Woodward and Bernstein and the FBI in uncovering the Watergate Scandal

To evaluate the impact of the Watergate Scandal

Possible Question 1 linked to Chapter 5 content and tutorial on how this question should be answered.

Possible Question 2 linked to Chapter 5 content and tutorial on how this question should be answered.

To understand the structure of Paper 1
To understand the types of questions that will come up on the civil rights topic
To understand timings for the exam paper

Example of a candidate response to Question 1 from the June 2022 exam paper and examiner analysis of the response and mark scheme.
Please note, the exam paper, mark scheme and examiner report with candiate responses for Section 12 are all in this lecture.

Example of a candidate response to Question 2 and examiner analysis of the response and mark scheme.

Example of a candidate response to Question 3 and examiner analysis of the response and mark scheme.

Reviews summary

Edexcel igcse civil rights prep

According to students, this course is a highly valuable resource specifically tailored for the Edexcel IGCSE Civil Rights syllabus. Learners particularly praise its excellent alignment with the exam content and the invaluable tutorials on exam questions and techniques, which many found instrumental for exam preparation. The lectures are generally described as clear and easy to follow. However, some learners who were not preparing for the IGCSE found the course too focused on exam requirements, feeling it lacked the historical depth they desired for general interest.

Lectures are generally clear and informative.

"The lectures are clear and engaging."

"I found the content presented logically and easy to follow."

"Lectures are informative but a bit dry sometimes."

"The explanations are clear and cover all the key events."

Provides essential tips for exam success.

"...the exam question tutorials are invaluable."

"The breakdown of the exam paper and sample answers were particularly helpful."

"The exam-focused sections are the highlight. They really help you understand how to structure answers for top marks."

"The tips on answering exam questions are Gold!"

Content perfectly matches Edexcel syllabus.

"Absolutely brilliant course for the Edexcel IGCSE! Covers the syllabus perfectly..."

"As someone preparing for the IGCSE exam, this course was a lifesaver."

"Excellent resource for IGCSE History students. The way the content aligns with the syllabus is spot on."

"Spot on for the Edexcel syllabus."

Some parts may feel a bit fast-paced.

"Sometimes the pacing felt a bit fast, especially in later sections like Watergate."

Very exam-focused, less depth for general study.

"This course feels very focused on the IGCSE exam. I was hoping for a deeper historical dive..."

"This is just exam prep. If you're not taking the Edexcel IGCSE, this isn't for you."

"I feel the title is misleading for general learners seeking broad history."

"It could use more depth on certain topics for general interest..."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in A Divided Union: Civil Rights in the USA 1945-74 with these activities:

Review Key Figures of the Civil Rights Movement

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Reinforce your understanding of the key individuals who shaped the Civil Rights Movement. Knowing their backgrounds and contributions will provide a solid foundation for the course.

Browse courses on Martin Luther King Jr.

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Create a list of prominent figures.
Research their biographies and key actions.
Summarize their impact on the movement.

Review 'Eyes on the Prize: America's Civil Rights Years, 1954-1965'

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Gain a broader perspective on the Civil Rights Movement through a comprehensive historical account. This book will supplement the course material and provide additional context.

View New Prize for These Eyes: The Rise of America's... on Amazon

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Read selected chapters focusing on key events.
Take notes on the strategies and challenges faced by activists.
Compare the book's perspective with other sources.

Review 'The Autobiography of Malcolm X'

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Gain a deeper understanding of Malcolm X's perspective and his influence on the Civil Rights Movement. This will provide a contrasting viewpoint to Martin Luther King Jr.'s philosophy.

View Quotations of Malcolm X (Quotations of Great... on Amazon

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Read the autobiography.
Take notes on key events and ideas.
Reflect on Malcolm X's impact.

Four other activities

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Create a Timeline of Key Civil Rights Events

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Solidify your understanding of the chronology of the Civil Rights Movement. Visualizing the timeline will help you connect events and understand their context.

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Research significant events between 1945 and 1974.
Organize the events chronologically.
Add brief descriptions and images.
Share your timeline with classmates.

Create a Documentary Excerpt on the Women's Movement

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Explore the key figures, events, and achievements of the Women's Movement during the specified period. This project will enhance your understanding of the movement's goals and impact.

Show steps

Research the Women's Movement between 1945 and 1974.
Identify key figures and events.
Gather relevant footage, images, and audio.
Edit the materials into a short documentary excerpt.

Research and Present on a Civil Rights Activist

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Deepen your understanding of the Civil Rights Movement by focusing on the life and work of a specific activist. This project will allow you to explore their contributions in detail.

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Choose an activist to research.
Gather information from various sources.
Create a presentation summarizing their life and impact.
Present your findings to the class.

Debate: Non-violent Resistance vs. Black Power

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Engage in a structured debate to explore the contrasting philosophies within the Civil Rights Movement. This will help you critically analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each approach.

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Form two teams representing each philosophy.
Research arguments and evidence to support your team's position.
Participate in a structured debate with opening statements, rebuttals, and closing arguments.

Career center

Learners who complete A Divided Union: Civil Rights in the USA 1945-74 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Civil Rights Attorney

A Civil Rights Attorney advocates for individuals who have experienced discrimination or rights violations. This course focuses directly on the Civil Rights Movement in the USA between 1945 and 1974, providing a critical historical understanding of the legal and social battles fought during this period. A Civil Rights Attorney works to defend those whose rights have been violated. The course's content will allow attorneys to learn about segregation and discrimination. It may be beneficial to become familiar with the Civil Rights Acts of 1957, 1964, and 1965. An attorney will gain insights into the impact of the Watergate Scandal. Individuals find this course very helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Rights Attorney

Historian

The role of a Historian involves researching, analyzing, and interpreting the past. Historians often specialize in a particular period or region, such as the United States during the mid-20th century. This course, focusing on civil rights in the USA from 1945-74, aligns directly with that area of expertise. The course examines pivotal events like the Cold War, McCarthyism, the Civil Rights Movement, student protests, the women's movement, and the Watergate Scandal. A Historian benefits from the course's content that links to the Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Civil Rights specification and includes in-depth analyses of the key events in the civil rights movement, insights into protest movements, and an analysis of the Watergate Scandal. This course may also be helpful if you wish to become a historian.

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Community Organizer

Community organizers work to mobilize and empower community members to address local issues and advocate for change. Given that this course examines the Civil Rights Movement, student protests, and the women's movement, a community organizer finds it highly relevant. A community organizer works to create change. The course examines the impacts of civil rights protests as well as student and feminist movements. The Cold War and Red Scare are also mentioned in depth. Earning a certificate in this course helps community organizers do their jobs.

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Archivist

An archivist is responsible for appraising, collecting, organizing, preserving, and providing access to historical documents and records. Given that this course focuses on the period of 1945-1974, an archivist specializing in this era finds the course particularly relevant. This course's deep dive into the Cold War, McCarthyism, segregation, and the Civil Rights Movement provides context for understanding and managing related historical materials. The course helps an archivist charged with preserving documents surrounding the Watergate Scandal. An aspiring archivist may find that this course will be immensely helpful.

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Diversity and Inclusion Officer

Diversity and Inclusion Officers develop and implement strategies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within organizations. This course, focusing on the Civil Rights era, provides crucial historical context for understanding systemic inequalities and the ongoing struggle for civil rights. A Diversity and Inclusion Officer may work to create change. The course highlights the impact discrimination has on society. This course may be beneficial for those who wish to become diversity and inclusion officers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diversity and Inclusion Officer

Museum curator

A Museum Curator is in charge of a museum's collections, which involves acquiring new items, organizing exhibits, and conducting research. If a museum focuses on American history, specifically the Civil Rights era, this course is invaluable. The course's coverage of the Cold War, McCarthyism, segregation, civil rights movement, student protests, women's movement, and the Watergate Scandal provides essential background for curating exhibits and educating the public. The indepth examination of protest movements may also provide context for artifacts and displays. This course may be beneficial to those who wish to become museum curators.

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Social Justice Advocate

Social Justice Advocates work to promote fairness and equality for marginalized groups, often through policy advocacy, education, and community organizing. This course offers insights into the Civil Rights Movement, the women's movement, and other protest movements of the mid-20th century, providing valuable historical context for contemporary social justice issues. A Social Justice Advocate works to protect the rights of others. Understanding the impact of the Cold War, McCarthyism, and the Watergate Scandal may also assist one in the role. The course also examines the civil rights movement, student protests and the women's movement. It can be helpful to become a social justice advocate.

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Political Scientist

Political Scientists study the theory and practice of politics, analyzing political systems, behavior, and policies. Understanding the historical context of political events is crucial. This course, which covers major political and social events in the US from 1945-74, including the Cold War, McCarthyism, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Watergate Scandal, is useful for grasping the evolution of American politics. The insights into various protest movements and their impact will be particularly insightful. The course may allow a political scientist to benefit from this course.

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Public Policy Analyst

Public Policy Analysts research and analyze policy issues to develop recommendations for government or organizations. This course, focusing on the Civil Rights era in the US, offers essential historical context for understanding current policy debates. Analyzing the successes and failures of past policy initiatives, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, informs effective policy development. The course's examination of the Watergate Scandal highlights the importance of ethics and accountability in government. A public policy analyst may find this course helpful.

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Lobbyist

Lobbyists attempt to influence government policy on behalf of a specific cause or client. This course's insights into the Civil Rights Movement, the women's movement, and the Watergate Scandal provide a historical understanding of advocacy and policy change. Understanding the political landscape of the 1945-74 period, including the Cold War and McCarthyism, is valuable for influencing contemporary policy debates related to civil rights and social justice. The course may be helpful for lobbyists who want to understand American history.

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Legislative Assistant

Legislative Assistants support elected officials by conducting research, drafting legislation, and communicating with constituents. This course, covering the Civil Rights era in the US, provides essential background knowledge for understanding current policy debates related to civil rights, social justice, and government accountability. A Legislative Assistant may benefit from a certification in American History. Understanding the historical context of landmark legislation, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, is invaluable for effective legislative work. It may be useful to take this course.

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Journalist

Journalists investigate and report on current events, often specializing in a particular area such as politics or social issues. This course, covering major political and social events in the US from 1945-74, provides a foundation for understanding the historical context of contemporary issues. The course's examination of the Cold War, McCarthyism, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Watergate Scandal provides essential background knowledge. Journalists covering these issues may benefit from this course.

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Social Worker

Social Workers assist individuals and communities in addressing social and economic challenges. This course's examination of segregation, discrimination, and the Civil Rights Movement provides a historical understanding of the systemic issues that affect many communities. Understanding the impact of these issues is crucial for developing effective strategies to promote social justice and equality. The course offers a broader historical perspective on contemporary social work challenges. This course may benefit social workers.

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Education Administrator

Education Administrators manage and oversee educational programs and institutions. This course, covering the Civil Rights era in the US, provides context for understanding issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in education. The course's examination of segregation and discrimination highlights the importance of creating inclusive learning environments. Understanding the history of student protests can inform strategies for engaging with student activism. An education administrator may find this course helpful.

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Paralegal

Paralegals assist lawyers by conducting legal research, drafting documents, and preparing cases for trial. This course, covering the Civil Rights era in the US, provides valuable background knowledge for paralegals working on civil rights or constitutional law cases. Understanding the historical context of landmark court cases, such as Brown v Board of Education and Roe v Wade, is essential for effective legal support. The course may be helpful to paralegals working to understand American history.

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Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in A Divided Union: Civil Rights in the USA 1945-74.

Quotations of Malcolm X

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This autobiography provides invaluable insight into the life and evolution of Malcolm X, a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement. It offers a firsthand account of his experiences, beliefs, and transformation. Reading this book will help students understand the complexities and nuances within the movement, particularly the rise of Black Nationalism. It is highly recommended as additional reading to supplement the course material.

Quotations of Malcolm X (Quotations of Great...

Kindle Edition

New Prize for These Eyes

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This book, based on the acclaimed PBS documentary series, provides a comprehensive overview of the Civil Rights Movement. It covers key events, figures, and strategies employed during the struggle for equality. It useful reference tool for understanding the historical context and the challenges faced by activists. adds breadth to the existing course.

New Prize for These Eyes: The Rise of America's...

Kindle Edition

A Divided Union

Civil Rights in the USA 1945-74

What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Edexcel igcse civil rights prep

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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