Critical Social Inquiry 0136 - The World of W.E.B. Du Bois

W.E.B. Du Bois was one of the Twentieth Century's most important intellectual and political figures. His writings, which span from the turn of the century until the Civil Rights era, are still some of the most quoted, referenced, and anthologized. This course will examine the public and private life of Du Bois, through a critical evaluation of his contributions as an organizer, race theorist, cultural critic, political journalist, public intellectual, and family man. How did Du Bois impact the study of global black experiences? How might he fit within a Black Radical Tradition? What was/is the impact of his ideas on race and race leadership? To what degree can we consider him an American intellectual? And finally, how are Du Bois' ideas applicable to the contemporary political environment? This course will engage these and other critical questions through close readings of published and unpublished writings by and about Du Bois during his day and long after.

Power, Community and Social Justice Independent Work Multiple Cultural Perspectives Writing and Research Students are expected to spend at least six to eight hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time.