THE LIFE AND TIMES OF

FREDERICK DOUGLASS

A. Course Description:

This course will examine the private life as well as the public career of 19th-century’s most influential African American, Frederick Douglass (1818-1895). This course will focus on assessing Douglass’s historical significance as a slave, abolitionist, Civil War recruiter, politician, civil rights leader, and diplomat. It also will consider the degree that Douglass’s individual experiences shed light on the problem of race in American history. Finally the course will encourage students to examine the value of primary sources such as speeches, autobiographies, and fiction works as useful tools for historical research.

Coinciding with this course will be the semi-annual IUPUI Madame C.J. Walker/Frederick Douglass Symposium on October 20 & 21, 2016. The symposium topic will be “Frederick Douglass and the Role of Oratory in African American Leadership.” Attendance at the symposium will be a course requirement.