This course examines the past and present of U. S. union activism. This labor movement has been in prolonged decline in this country, but shown signs of revitalization as the gap between the earnings and opportunities for working people and the wealthy has grown larger than ever before. Readings and guest speakers will give students of rich view of labor organizing, with some written assignments. All students will gain hands-on experience by doing volunteer work with local labor movements. We will combine reflection about the history, problems, difficulties, and success of unionization through both our classroom and activist work.
