History is more than presidents and wars—it is the story of ordinary people who dared to challenge injustice and reshape the nation. American History Through Social Movements explores the United States from the ground up, examining how grassroots activism has driven political, social, and cultural transformation. From abolition and women’s suffrage to labor organizing, the Civil Rights Movement, Black Power, and modern movements for justice, this course highlights the power of collective action in shaping American democracy.
Class Time:
16 hours of learning!
Students will learn how social movements emerge, organize, and influence public policy. We will analyze primary sources, speeches, protest strategies, religious institutions, grassroots leadership, and media coverage to understand how change actually happens. Special attention will be given to the Black Freedom Struggle, including campaigns such as the Nashville Sit-Ins, the role of Black churches, and post-1968 civil rights activism. By the end of the course, students will be able to critically assess historical narratives, identify patterns in movement strategy, and connect past struggles to contemporary activism.
This course is taught by Dr. Samuel Momodu, a historian of the modern Black South and the Civil Rights Movement. With a Ph.D. in History and years of college-level teaching experience, Dr. Momodu has published scholarship on Black churches and the Nashville Civil Rights Movement. His work combines rigorous research with accessible storytelling, helping students understand both the intellectual foundations and the human dimensions of social change.
Classes will be conducted online in an engaging, discussion-based format. Each session includes a short lecture, guided analysis of historical documents, interactive discussion, and practical takeaways. Students will receive curated reading materials in advance and will be encouraged to ask questions and participate actively. No prior background in history is required—just curiosity and a willingness to think critically.
Whether you are a student, lifelong learner, educator, or simply someone seeking a deeper understanding of America’s ongoing struggle for justice, this course offers historical insight with contemporary relevance.
