Critical Social Inquiry 0247 - The Fire This Time

Sparked by a string of killings at the hands of police and vigilantes, the emerging #BlackLivesMatters movement has called national and international attention to the routine and racially targeted exercise of state-sponsored violence in the United States. Through various other forms of nonviolent, direct actions, this largely youth-led movement has not only brought attention to the issue of police accountability, but also the problems of anti-black racism, hetero-patriarchy, and transphobia. Furthermore, its participants have boldly raised the demand for Black liberation. In examining this movement, this course will draw insight from Black history and politics, critical and queer theory, along with studies of political economy and social movements. By placing this movement in its broader spatial and historical context, as well as in conversation with other 21st century social movements, this course will seek to clarify key aspects of the present and futures Black youth are actively creating.

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.