5:30-9:00P     R     SB150

Above section meets with LSTU L290 and L390
Above section meets the following non-standard
dates Aug. 31-Nov. 16

The unique class will feature the viewing and discussion of
labor-oriented Hollywood films, including Norma Rae, Hoffa, Matewan,
On the Waterfront, Silkwood, Nine to Five, Grapes of Wrath, Salt of
the Earth, and Roger and Me.  In each session we will discuss the
specific labor struggles and working class issues addressed in the
film, look at those issues from the perspective of 20th century labor
history, and analyze the accuracy of the film's depiction of workers
and unions.  For example, for the discussion on the 1979 film "Norma
Rae," students will read about and discuss the rise of the garment
unions a century ago, the 1934 textile uprising of 425,000 workers in
the south, the labor activism of the real Norma Rae (Crystal Lee
Sutton), the J.P. Stevens campaign in the 1970s, and current
student/labor campaigns against sweatshops in the US and global
garment industry.  As the films average two hours, each class session
runs 3½ hours, and the class runs for a shortened twelve sessions.  An
extensive course packet will be available that puts the films in
historical perspective for class discussion.  Students will be
required to keep a journal on their thoughts on each film, and there
will be take-home mid-term and take-home final exams.