Hate, Love, and Reconciliation in the Public Sphere

In this course we will study the power of love to effect social change. We will review major historic episodes, including the Civil Rights Movement, post-Apartheid reconciliation in South Africa, and current efforts – including Black Lives Matter - to address longstanding injustice. We will learn from historic (e.g. Ella Baker) and contemporary (e.g., Van Jones) leaders who promote love as a ‘force more powerful’ and also study the limits of love in the pursuit of justice and reconciliation. During the course, selected members of the college community will share their perspectives on the power and limits of love.