The Rise and Fall of the American Labor Movement

This seminar will examine the rise and fall of the American labor movement in the last century. The main but not exclusive focus will be on the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and its leader from the 1940s-1960s, Jimmy Hoffa. Topics examined will include changes in labor laws, globalization, changing social norms, labor democratization movements, the influence of organized crime, government takeover of unions, and more. The seminar will include outside speakers. Students will be required to write three short (2-page) thought papers and one short research paper (20-25 pages).