230577 Lynchings (BS) (SoSe 2008)

The United States have a long but rarely discussed history of lynchings and other racial atrocities. Since the 1850s, approximately 5,000 victims of lynchings have been recorded. Often, these crimes took on the nature of public spectacles, and postcards of mutilated bodies were sold for 5 cents a piece.

This course explores the history of lynchings and racial violence in the United States primarily through fiction, film, images, and newspaper accounts. We will attempt to gain insights into the nature and magnitude of racial violence through fiction (Joaquin Murieta and Puddn'head Wilson), films like Bamboozled, Crash, and Ethnic Notions; theater (Scottsboro); the work of contemporary artists like Kara Walker, and online exhibitions (Without Sanctuary). Students will do extensive archival work, e.g. researching newspaper accounts and images.