Course Description: In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, organized labor formed one of the most significant movements for change in the United States. Labor transformed American politics and law, economic relations, and social relations. During the period, the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches variously opposed and supported the economic and political goals of the labor movement. Disputes over purpose, meaning, legality, and efficacy further defined not only the experience of what it means to be a laborer, but also the ways in which members of the labor movement contested issues of class, race, ethnicity and gender.

This program will be conducted as a discussion, utilizing primary source documents as the only readings, and with the Discussion Leader facilitating the conversation, instead of lecturing or presenting. Registrants, therefore, are highly encouraged to read all the documents in advance and come ready with questions. Teachers will receive a Letter of Attendance at the conclusion of the seminar.