History 381BE - Recent American History: 'Black Labor Since Emancipation'

This research seminar will attempt to accomplish two goals; to examine some of the significant issues in the history of African American workers since Emancipation and to introduce you to some of the most recent scholarship addressing those issues. We will begin with general studies of the history of capitalism in the U.S. and Black workers then proceed to a study of: 1) The role of Black labor in several industries, 2) Black women as workers, 3) Black labor and the Black power movement and 4) Herbert Hill's critiques of organized labor and the labor history establishment. As a key part of this course, students will prepare a significant primary-source research paper.

This course is open to juniors and seniors; Prereq: 8 credits in history.