Social Justice

A DIVIDED AMERICA: The Need for Change

Course No. SS419a

If we are to be faithful to the Declaration of Independence and the preamble to our Constitution, we must reckon that the growing inequalities in America are not morally and practically sustainable. In our current geopolitical and social climate, there are significant factors that divide American society. This course will examine some of those issues, including housing segregation, education inequities, social displacement leading to drug addiction, loss of democratic representation, immigration, toxic localities, and domestic worker disenfranchisement. We will focus on Norman Lear's America Divided series and its supplemental and extensive curriculum and investigate alternative viewpoints. By delving deeper into what divides Americans, we can also look for common ground and solutions that promote equity. These are critical conversations to have with our students. This course is appropriate for grades 9-12 but can be modified for middle school students. There are no course fees. All materials are online and easily accessible.

We advise you to review and download the course syllabus before registering. Syllabus
  • A better understanding of the issues that divide America
  • Become familiar with the pervasive effects of economic disparity and racism, such as police brutality toward people of color, inadequate housing, toxic environments, drug abuse, marginalized people in the workforce, the fate of undocumented immigrants, and more.
  • Knowledge of how to make use of the extensive curriculum provided by the America Divided series
  • Reviewed and analyzed alternative views on how to address these issues

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