General Education Requirements
Course Description
“Nonviolence is a powerful and just weapon. Indeed, it is a weapon unique in history, which cuts without wounding and ennobles the man who wields it.” That was how Martin Luther King, Jr. described nonviolent resistance in his 1964 Nobel Peace Prize lecture. However, both of King’s claims—that nonviolence is powerful and that it is just—have been questioned as often as they are supported. Is nonviolent resistance the most effective way to produce political or social change? Is it the most just?
In this course we will grapple with these questions and more through an exploration of the history of nonviolence as a form of political action: from its origins in multiple global religious traditions, to its use in some of the major political struggles of the 20th century, to its challenged status in present-day political movements. We will read about and discuss the lives and ideas of those who have advocated for nonviolence around the world, both famous—like King and Gandhi—and lesser-known. Throughout, we will critically engage with arguments both for and against nonviolence as a just and effective method of resistance and grapple with how nonviolence might fit into the political and social struggles of today.
Meet the Instructor: Meade Klingensmith
“I am a lecturer with the COLLEGE program and a historian of Britain and the British Empire. My research is about the history of metropolitan anti-imperialist movements--that is, British people in the UK organizing against British imperialism in solidarity with those resisting it in the colonies. More broadly, I'm interested in the dynamics of empire and resistance throughout history and around the world.
“Outside of Stanford, I'm committed to public, community, and high school education: I've volunteered in multiple capacities at Sequoia High School in Redwood City and have worked for Stanford Online High School. I'm also a multi-instrumentalist musician who loves to incorporate music and music history in the classroom, so be prepared for some protest music in this class!”
