Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) is revered today as the inspiring leader of the Black Liberation Movement in modern South Africa and as South Africa’s first Black President. His courage, effective political leadership, integrity, strength of character, and commitment to liberation and freedom for all South Africans are especially noteworthy in light of his early life as a poor farm boy and the 27 years he endured as a political prisoner.

This exciting course provides a window into the history of modern South Africa. It will focus on Mandela’s background, education, ideas and political activities and is especially relevant in the wake of the racial tensions in our nation today. Throughout his lifetime, Mandela was faced with and had to deal with racism and bigotry. How successful was he? How did he make a difference? What can we learn from him about racism and social change, and about creating a just, peaceful, and harmonious society?

Format: Participants will be expected to complete the weekly readings and will be asked to provide a 10-20 minute oral presentation and/or lead a class discussion on a topic suggested in the syllabus once or twice during the semester. This is a Zoom video conferencing class.

Expenses/Resources: Our main text will be Mandela’s interesting semi-autobiography A Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela and is available used, in paperback, for $4.50 and up.