SOCI 212 - Don’t Read This Book: It’s Dangerous!

Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)

In this course we sample books, including poetry, novels, and non-fiction literature that were banned in the US, beginning as far back as the 18th century to the present in the United States. We ask key questions: Why are some books banned as too controversial when they disrupt societal norms? How does book banning exist along side free speech in a democratic society? How did the authors and larger community respond to the book banning and what does that teach us about resistance and social justice? We examine the social forces that fuel book banning and how the tension between book banning and democracy has been managed. Please come to class prepared to read and discuss the work. Diane Harriford.

Two 75-minute periods.

Course Format: CLS