In this powerful autobiographical account, Frederick Douglass recounts his journey from slavery to freedom—and from silence to eloquence. In our seminar, we will explore how Douglass uses storytelling not only to describe his own experiences, but also to expose the moral contradictions of slavery and call for its abolition. We will examine themes of literacy, identity, resistance, and transformation, asking what it takes to reclaim one’s humanity in a society determined to deny it. Along the way, students will consider the relationship between freedom and self-expression, and how the act of telling one’s story can become an act of defiance and hope.

Course Details

4 Sections Offered (select one section on the registration form):

Section 1
Monday, July 6  |  Tuesday, July 7  |  Wednesday, July 8
7:00–8:15 PM ET
(6:00–7:15 PM CT  /  4:00–5:15 PM PT)

Section 2
Monday, July 13  |  Tuesday, July 14  |  Wednesday, July 15
7:00–8:15 PM ET
(6:00–7:15 PM CT  /  4:00–5:15 PM PT)

Section 3
Monday, August 10  |  Tuesday, August 11  |  Wednesday, August 12
10:00–11:15 AM ET
(9:00–10:15 AM CT  /  7:00–8:15 AM PT)

Section 4
Monday, August 24  |  Tuesday, August 25  |  Wednesday, August 26
7:00–8:15 PM ET
(6:00–7:15 PM CT  /  4:00–5:15 PM PT)

Students are responsible for the purchase of their own hard copy of the book. Buy the book via Amazon here.

To apply, click “Add This Course” above. When you’ve added all your courses, click “Apply Now” below to finish your registration. You’ll choose your dates and section in the next step.