If I was to design this course, I would not change the readings. Instead, i would include video clips, documentaries and movies that tie into the idea of Race and Justice. For example, after reading Thoreau’s Civil Disobedience, I would have included the movie “The Great Debaters” because Thoreau’s ideas are mentioned and referred to in the final debate. It would show the significance of his work and how it has been interpreted in everyday cases and trials. Also, I would include some other background sources such as Martin Luther King and the civil rights movement since was a time where Thoreau’s ideas from the text were used.
Another thing I would include in this class is open discussions about current events related to race and/or justice. Looking at race and justice through what is happening today would help students understand the meaning of these terms and why it is important. Also, it would help students be able to identify where racism and injustice occurs in everyday issues that may affect them.
