Small Group Seminar:
Washington and Du Bois – The Struggle for Political Equality
Seminar Purpose: The Small Group Seminar is a highly structured student led discussion of commonly read primary source
documents, the documents are designed to present conflicting views on an important issue in American History. The purpose of the
seminar is twofold; first, to get students engaged with a primary source document. Second, to get students to reflect on history and
make critical judgments about the past (i.e., to engage in critical thinking in history).
Seminar Rules:
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Students must reference the text before speaking.
No reference should be repeated.
Participants will take turns (you MAY NOT talk until it is your turn).
Participants will value the opinions of the other participants.
Participants will treat one another with respect.
Seminar Organization:
Question 1: Who had the stronger argument, Washington or Du Bois? Why? (everyone must answer this question): the order
is to the left of the leader.
Question 2: Why does Washington mean when he says "cast down your bucket where you are? What advantages does Washington
perceive in learning to dignify and glorify common labor? (anyone may answer this question – you should reference the text
before speaking): the leader will recognize those who wish to answer this question.
Question 3: Is there a significance to Du Bois' use of the word "programme" when referring to Washington's ideas? Do Washington
and Du Bois differ in their definition of "self respect"? (anyone may answer this question – you should reference the text before
speaking): the leader will recognize those who wish to answer this question.
Question 4: What were the main differences between the Washington and Du Bois, both in terms of philosophical differences
and actual real (geographic, social, political, economic) differences? Does understanding who they were help explain what they stood
for or against? (anyone may answer this question – you should reference the text before speaking): the leader will recognize those
who wish to answer this question.
Question 5: How does Washington use the "hand" analogy to describe the relationship between the black and white races?
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(anyone may answer this question – you should reference the text before speaking): the leader will recognize those
who wish to answer this question.
Question 6: What does Du Bois claim that blacks are being asked to give up under Washington's programme? What does he say are the
cost of these losses to blacks?
(anyone may answer this question – you should reference the text before speaking): the leader will
recognize those who wish to answer this question.
Question 7: Does Du Bois advocate for immediate unrestricted political access for blacks? Why or why not?
(everyone must answer this question): the order is to the right of the leader.