Reading Du Bois

Examines the intellectual and political traditions of W.E.B. Du Bois, dwelling at length on the historiography of his major work, Black Reconstruction in America. The course considers his impact as a philosopher, empirical sociologist, historian, and activist, but is more focused on political readings of his ideas today. Each week is organized around a specific concept in the reading assignment and class meetings include a short introductory lecture followed by student-driven analysis and discussion with emphasis on developing skills and practices of collective reading.