Resource Links

This post is for quick links during class lectures and discussion.   Our school network and system do not provide adequate resources to access information in any other effective way.   Sad really....


Haymarket Square Video (PBS, American Experience)
Child Labor (History Channel) 
Carnegie & Homestead Strike (History Channel video) 
History of Labor Day (History Channel video) 
Democracy is Not a Spectator Sport (History Channel, The People Speak)
Why the People Speak (History Channel, The People Speak)
Civil Disobedience (History Channel, The People Speak)
Vanzetti's Sentencing Speech (History Channel, The People Speak)
Susan B. Anthony Suffrage Trial Speech (History Channel, The People Speak)
Emma Goldman's View on Patriotism (History Channel, The People Speak)

Wisconsin's Labor Movement History (WHS link to more resources)

Dissident Press and Zine Writing

Back by popular demand, the two-part Independent and Underground Publications class will be available second semester. You are not required to take both parts, yet it is recommended for full academic growth. Extensive reading and writing projects will be expected to earn credit. Fieldtrips to the Wisconsin Historical Society Archives and Library are part of each section. You will have access to Revolutionary War-era, Civil War, and contemporary broadsides and underground publications. Be ready to hold history in your hands. Be willing to become part of the current world of independent pubs. Our Little Voice Zine Library will also be reorganized and updated throughout the semester--with your help!

Basic Course Description -- Zine Writing Project

This course is designed to confront the frustration many of us have with how corporate entities and dominant cultural systems control the mainstream media and publishing industry. Zines are a form of independent publication that allows the marginalized voice to be heard. Throughout the quarter, we will: 1) read and critically review historical and contemporary examples of the zine form; 2) develop assessment and review skills through a class community standard; 3) explore and develop our own writing ideas and skills by creating complete individual zine publications; and 4) work as a class cooperative to plan, thematically organize, lay out, and produce a collective zine publication. Students must challenge themselves to be highly focused in class and motivated to read, write, and think creatively and cooperatively.

Basic Course Description -- The Dissident Press

As an introduction to the community of zine & independent publications, this course will focus on the socio-political history of independent, underground, dissident, and radical publications. We will start with early Revolutionary War documentation and make our way to contemporary radical, soft-anarchist zines. There’s a lot of ground to cover in between though, so all students must be ready and willing to read and respond to a lot of history each and every day. At least two fieldtrips to the Wisconsin Historical Society are planned to view primary documentation in the archives. Be prepared to have strong, on-going discussions about censorship issues and First Amendment history. All students are required to meet deadlines and use class time effectively. It is recommended that all students interested in taking the Zine Scene Part II class next quarter take this course as a foundation for personal writing projects. Homework is expected.