From Freedom Rides to Ferguson: Narratives of Nonviolence in the American Civil Rights Movement from Coursera

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.

Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to:

● 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.

What's inside

Syllabus

Movements & Campaigns

Upon completion of this module, learners will be able to: 1) discuss the contributions and involvement of civil rights activists and leaders in the Civil Rights Movement (CRM) campaigns in the United States, and 2) examine the chronology and phases of the Movement and CRM campaigns.

Organizations of the Civil Rights Movement

Upon completion of this module, learners will be able to: 1) list the major groups of the American Civil Rights Movement, 2) discuss the impact of CRM groups, 3) discuss the importance of having multiple groups involved in the CRM, and 4) analyze the importance of strategy in organizing groups.

Nonviolent Philosophies & Tactics

Upon completion of this module, learners will be able to: 1) list and define the six principles of nonviolence, 2) identify the six strategies of nonviolence, and 3) analyze the social dynamics of nonviolence.

Organizational & Social Change

Upon completion of this module, learners will be able to: 1) describe the various applications of nonviolence, 2) outline the academic foundations of nonviolence, and 3) define and discuss social action.

Education for Change and the Future of Nonviolence Conflict Transformation

Upon completion of this module, learners will be able to: 1) recognize current nonviolence initiatives involving Dr. LaFayette, 2) examine the work of Emory University's Center for Advancing Nonviolence (ECAN), 3) differentiate between the various modern applications of nonviolence, and 4) assess the future of nonviolence and education for change.

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Explores a landmark movement in United States history highly relevant to the study of the fight for human rights and the advancement of democracy

Taught by someone intimately involved in the organization of the movement, Dr. Bernard LaFayette, Jr

Features guest speakers including Andrew Young, Reverend C.T. Vivian, and others

Covers the history of the campaigns, different coalitions and groups, philosophy and methods of nonviolent direct action, and the contemporary application of nonviolent conflict transformation

Provides learners with knowledge and skills in discussing contributions and involvement of civil rights activists and leaders, examining the chronology and phases of the movement, recognizing and characterizing diverse activist groups involved, discussing Martin Luther King Jr.’s philosophy of nonviolence, listing and defining the principles and strategies of nonviolence, examining organizational and social change applications related to nonviolence, identifying the role of nonviolence in modern activism, and recognizing the application of nonviolence theories to activism, current issues, and everyday life

Reviews summary

A history of nonviolent civil rights movements

Learners say that this course provides an in-depth look at the Civil Rights Movement from speakers who were present for many of the key events narrated by Dr. Bernard Lafayette. It also explores the remarkable influence of nonviolent protesting principles and strategies in the face of social injustice. Reviews show that this course is well-received with students describing it as engaging, educational, and thought-provoking. Students highlight the course's interviews and discussions as being particularly insightful.

Well-Organized and Engaging

"Well structured with relevant course materials and discussions."

"The interview format used throughout was much more engaging than the traditional lecture format."

"I am sad the course is over but grateful to have had this experience with Dr. LaFayette"

Understanding the Civil Rights Movement

"Learners say that this course provides an in-depth look at the Civil Rights Movement from speakers who were present for many of the key events"

"This course was outstanding. There was a lot of information about the Civil Rights I didn't know about."

"Dr. Bernard LaFayette, Jr. presents an outstanding history of the Civil Rights Movement"

A Civil Rights Movement Icon

"It was an honor to hear Dr. Lafayette, a civil rights icon."

"Dr. Bernard Lafayette is a national treasure."

"WHAT AN AMAZING OPPORTUNITY TO HEAR FROM DR. LAFAYETTE"

First-Hand Accounts

"The use of interviews is very effective in this course."

"I really enjoyed this course and learning about the Nonviolence movement from Dr. Lafayette."

"Interesting and informative history of the nonviolent Civil Rights Movement provided by a veteran Civil Rights leader."

Strategies for Social Change

"This course provides a dual benefit for the learner... explore the use of nonviolence with its importance in social movements."

"Everyone who wants to do social change should take this course. I learned so many valuable lessons."

"This course also covers the aspect of organizing the masses and that, for me, was the most helpful part in understanding such movements."

Minor Glitches

"Technically poor. Videos wouldn't download in a timely fashion."

"The translations need a lot of work."

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 From Freedom Rides to Ferguson: Narratives of Nonviolence in the American Civil Rights Movement with these activities:

Read 'Eyes on the Prize' by Juan Williams

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Gain a deeper understanding of the key events and figures of the Civil Rights Movement

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Obtain a copy of the book
Read the book
Take notes

Engage in Group Discussions

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Enhance critical thinking, communication skills, and understanding of different perspectives

Browse courses on Group Discussions

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Identify discussion topics
Prepare talking points
Participate actively in discussions

Analyze Nonviolent Direct Action Campaigns

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Sharpen critical thinking skills and develop a deeper understanding of nonviolent strategies

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Identify different nonviolent direct action campaigns
Examine the strategies and tactics used
Analyze the effectiveness of these campaigns

Three other activities

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Show all six activities

Explore Resources on Nonviolent Conflict Transformation

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Expand knowledge and skills in applying nonviolent principles to conflict resolution

Browse courses on Peacebuilding

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Identify reputable organizations
Access online resources
Participate in webinars or workshops

Write a Historical Essay

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Develop analytical writing skills and gain a comprehensive perspective on the Civil Rights Movement

Browse courses on Civil Rights Movement

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Select a specific topic
Conduct research
Organize and write the essay

Contribute to a Civil Rights Archive

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Contribute to the preservation and accessibility of historical documents and artifacts related to the Civil Rights Movement

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Identify a suitable archive
Offer personal artifacts or documents
Volunteer time

Career center

Learners who complete From Freedom Rides to Ferguson: Narratives of Nonviolence in the American Civil Rights Movement will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Activist

The course 'From Freedom Rides to Ferguson: Narratives of Nonviolence in the American Civil Rights Movement' would be a great fit for those wanting to become an Activist. This course will give you a detailed look at the strategies and tactics that were used to successfully drive positive change in the Civil Rights Movement. As an Activist, it's important to know this information so that you can apply it to the work you do to drive positive change in the present day.

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Professor

The course 'From Freedom Rides to Ferguson: Narratives of Nonviolence in the American Civil Rights Movement' would be a great foundation for those wishing to become a Professor as it provides a detailed look at the Civil Rights Movement and how it was successful. As a Professor, you will be tasked with teaching and researching your field to contribute to the body of knowledge. The strategies and tactics used by the Civil Rights Movement are still used by activists today so having a deep understanding of these methods would greatly help your career as a Professor.

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Nonprofit Manager

The course 'From Freedom Rides to Ferguson: Narratives of Nonviolence in the American Civil Rights Movement' would be a great fit for those wanting to become a Nonprofit Manager. As a Nonprofit Manager, it's important to know the history of the Civil Rights Movement and strategies that were used to successfully drive positive change. This course would provide you with a great understanding of these strategies and tactics so that you can apply them to the work nonprofit you will manage.

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Clergy and Religious Workers

The course 'From Freedom Rides to Ferguson: Narratives of Nonviolence in the American Civil Rights Movement' serves as a foundation for those wishing to enter the field of Clergy and Religious Workers as it provides a comprehensive overview of the strategies and tactics that were used to successfully drive positive change in the Civil Rights Movement. This move for human rights was very successful in extending democratic principles to African Americans and all peoples. Topics include the history of the campaigns, the different coalitions and groups, how nonviolent direct action works, and the contemporary application of nonviolent conflict transformation. This would be great for Clergy and Religious Workers as they are often tasked with driving positive cultural change.

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Historian

The course 'From Freedom Rides to Ferguson: Narratives of Nonviolence in the American Civil Rights Movement' would serve as a great foundation for those wanting to enter the field of Historian. A Historian is responsible for researching, analyzing, and interpreting historical events. The Civil Rights Movement is one of the most well known and successful human rights movements in US history and understanding this movement is important for anyone wanting to become a Historian.

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Sociologist

The course 'From Freedom Rides to Ferguson: Narratives of Nonviolence in the American Civil Rights Movement' would be a great fit for those wanting to become a Sociologist. As a Sociologist, you study society, culture, and human behavior. The Civil Rights Movement is one of the most important social movements in US history and studying how it was successful will greatly benefit those who want to become Sociologists.

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Journalist

As a Journalist, a deep understanding of the world's most successful human rights movements is very useful and the course 'From Freedom Rides to Ferguson: Narratives of Nonviolence in the American Civil Rights Movement' would be a great place to build your foundation. A Journalist's role is to investigate, analyze, and report on news stories. The strategies and tactics that were used by the Civil Rights Movement are still used by activists today and this course would provide you with a great understanding of how they can be applied to present day issues.

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Community Organizer

The course 'From Freedom Rides to Ferguson: Narratives of Nonviolence in the American Civil Rights Movement' would be a great fit for those wanting to be Community Organizers. This course teaches the strategies and tactics that were used to successfully drive positive change in the Civil Rights Movement. In your role as a Community Organizer, you will be tasked with organizing communities to address social issues and drive positive change.

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Social Worker

Those who want to become a Social Worker will find a strong foundation in the course 'From Freedom Rides to Ferguson: Narratives of Nonviolence in the American Civil Rights Movement' as it offers a deep look at the strategies and tactics that were used to successfully drive positive change in the Civil Rights Movement. As a Social Worker, you are tasked with helping people overcome social problems and achieve their goals and understanding the strategies of one of the most successful social movements in US history would greatly help this goal.

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Political Scientist

The course 'From Freedom Rides to Ferguson: Narratives of Nonviolence in the American Civil Rights Movement' offers a good foundation for a Political Scientist as the course looks at the strategies and tactics that were used to successfully drive positive change in the Civil Rights Movement. As a Political Scientist, you will study politics, government, and public policy. The Civil Rights Movement is one of the most important social movements in US history and understanding this movement is important for Political Scientists.

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Teacher

The course 'From Freedom Rides to Ferguson: Narratives of Nonviolence in the American Civil Rights Movement' would be a great fit for those wanting to become a Teacher. As a Teacher, it's important to be able to effectively communicate information to diverse student audiences. The strategies and tactics that were used by the Civil Rights Movement are still used by activists today and this course will teach you how they can be applied to present day issues, which would be very helpful in your career as a Teacher.

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Civil Rights Lawyer

In the course 'From Freedom Rides to Ferguson: Narratives of Nonviolence in the American Civil Rights Movement', you will learn about the strategies and tactics that were used to successfully drive positive change in the Civil Rights Movement. This move for human rights was very successful in extending democratic principles to African Americans and all peoples. As a Civil Rights Lawyer, you will be tasked with advocating for the rights of marginalized communities and promoting social justice. Thus, the information provided in this course may be very helpful for your career.

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Writer

The course 'From Freedom Rides to Ferguson: Narratives of Nonviolence in the American Civil Rights Movement' would be a great fit for those wanting to become a Writer. As a Writer, it's important to have a firm grasp of US history as a whole and a deep understanding of its most significant social movements is essential for anyone wanting to become a Writer.

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Archivist

The course 'From Freedom Rides to Ferguson: Narratives of Nonviolence in the American Civil Rights Movement' may be useful in preparing for a career as an Archivist as it will give you a detailed look at one of the most successful human rights movements in US history. An Archivist is responsible for the preservation and organization of historical documents. In this role, you may be working with leaders in the Civil Rights Movement and will need to understand the strategies and tactics that they used.

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Museum curator

The course 'From Freedom Rides to Ferguson: Narratives of Nonviolence in the American Civil Rights Movement' can be useful for one wishing to become a Museum Curator as this course will teach you about the Civil Rights Movement and strategies used to positively change the world. As a Museum Curator, you are in charge of managing the acquisition, preservation, and display of museum collections so understanding the history of the Civil Rights Movement would be very helpful for your career.

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