Movements for Change

What does it mean to encourage social change, and how does history tell the story of activists whose work inspired change? In what ways does our reflection/collective memory of these movements impact their historical legacies? 

In this course, students will take a deeply thematic dive into social movements (both popular and lesser known) to determine the complex ways in which these movements have shaped present movements for social change. Framed around the concept of intersectionality, this class will provide students the opportunity to scour the archives, using a sociological, and cultural lens to examine impact. Students will also consider how they may use archives and the historical record to inspire the social change they’d like to make/see. 

Select movements included for study: The Suffrage Movement, The Civil Rights Movement, The Black Power Movement, the American Indian Movement and the LGBTQ Movement of the 1960s and 70s. 

Students will use rich primary sources to unpack the many ways both activists and the larger community have advocated for change. At the end of the course, students will have the opportunity to create a final project of their thematic choosing, which may include (performance piece, manifesto, traditional research paper, blog, podcast, oral histories, art, etc.) and share their research with classmates and peers. 

Collaboration with other students is encouraged!  Join us as we connect with guest presenters, visit local organizations and archives, and embark on a discovery of change.

  UC Approved: Interdisciplinary   

About the Instructor

Charlotte King-Mills – Branson School

Charlotte has been the Digital Literacy Specialist/Librarian at Branson since 2021. Previously she served as Director of Library Services at the Northwest School in Seattle, and has over a decade of experience in both public, academic and school libraries. Before becoming a librarian, she taught and developed arts & humanities programs for various non-profits. She’s passionate about cultivating learner-centered spaces that address equity gaps, incorporate information literacy standards, and encourage a love of reading. One of her favorite things to do at Branson is collaborate with faculty and students on a variety of research projects, especially those that uncover the magic of primary sources. She has a degree in women and gender studies with a concentration in art history from DePaul University, and a master’s in library and information sciences from San Jose State University.

She’s presented numerous times on equity issues including a briefing presented to the California State Library in 2018 as part of the California Library Leadership Institute. She also presented on teaching and promoting anti-racism for the 2017 California Library Association conference.