Black Lives Matter

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/black-lives-matter

Introduction

### Course Review: Black Lives Matter The course **“Black Lives Matter”** offered on Coursera is an insightful exploration of one of the most significant political movements in contemporary American history. Designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, the course delves into the deep-rooted issues of racism, police brutality, and social justice that have traditionally affected African American communities. With its rich syllabus and engaging content, this course is a must-take for anyone looking to understand the complexities of race and social dynamics in the United States today. #### Course Overview The BLM movement, which emerged prominently in the 21st century, roots itself in a rich history of African American activism that spans centuries starting from slave revolts to influential organizations like the Black Panther Party and the Congressional Black Caucus. Through this course, participants are invited to unravel the threads of this movement, exploring its emergence, its current impact, and its potential trajectory for the future. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **The Fundamentals of a Racist Culture** - This module provides a foundational understanding of racism in America. It covers historical contexts, the conservative movement's influence on racial issues, and the diversity within African American communities. Through quizzes designed to assess comprehension (with an 80% passing score), learners gain a grounded perspective on systemic racism. 2. **Race, Police, and Justice in the United States** - A critical look at the relationship between race and policing, this module focuses on pivotal events and eras, including the Obama presidency and the tragic killing of Trayvon Martin. The course encourages participants to reflect on how racial dynamics shape law enforcement and community relations in the U.S. 3. **Building The #BlackLivesMatter Movement** - Here, learning shifts to the internal mechanics of the BLM movement itself. Participants investigate the politics, leadership, and organizational strategies that have propelled BLM into a global phenomenon. This module is crucial for understanding how grassroots movements can mobilize for change. 4. **The Future of #BlackLivesMatter** - This forward-looking module addresses the current state and future prospects of the BLM movement. Analyzing events like the murder of George Floyd and the global response, students are prompted to conceptualize the political pathways and challenges that lie ahead for the movement. #### Recommendations The **“Black Lives Matter”** course is highly recommended for individuals at all levels who wish to gain a deeper understanding of systemic racism and social justice issues in the U.S. It caters to a broad audience, including students, educators, activists, and anyone committed to fostering equality and justice. Key reasons to enroll in this course include: - **Comprehensive Content**: The course offers a well-structured syllabus that covers historical context, current events, and future directions—ideal for both novices and those familiar with the subject. - **Practical Engagement**: With a graded approach (requiring 80% on quizzes), the course encourages active participation and reinforces learning through assessment. - **Optional Discussion Boards**: While the discussion boards are optional, they provide a platform for learners to connect and engage with peers, enhancing the learning experience. In conclusion, the **“Black Lives Matter”** course is an essential resource for anyone looking to engage thoughtfully and critically with the issues of race, justice, and social activism in the contemporary landscape. Its balanced approach, combining historical context with current movements and future directions, makes it a valuable addition to the educational offerings on Coursera. Joining this course is not just an opportunity for personal growth; it is a step towards understanding and supporting vital social change.

Syllabus

The Fundamentals of a Racist Culture

In this module, learners will study the fundamentals of a "Racist Culture." Learners will analyze the history of racism in America, the making of the conservative movement and the diversity of African American communities. Learners must receive a passing grade (80%) on all quizzes. Discussion boards are optional.

In this module, learners will study the relationship between race and policing in the United States, by analyzing the history of policing, racial relations during the Obama Presidency and the tensions revealed by the killing of Trayvon Martin. Learners must receive a passing grade (80%) on all quizzes. Discussion boards are optional.

In this module, learners will study the politics, the people and the organization of the Black Lives Matter movement. Learners must receive a passing grade (80%) on all quizzes. Discussion boards are optional.

In this module, learners will study the future of the Black Lives Matter movement, by analyzing the George Floyd moment, the globalization of the movement, and future political options. Learners must receive a passing grade (80%) on all quizzes. Discussion boards are optional.