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Emma Goldman (1869-1940) is a major figure in the history of radicalism and feminism in the United States. In a period when the expression of controversial ideas was dangerous, Goldman insisted on her right to challenge convention. She was among the most prominent advocates of labor's right to organize, reproductive rights, sexual freedom, freedom of speech, and freedom of the individual. Goldman left an intriguing body of personal papers, including correspondence and writings; and her activities generated extensive newspaper coverage, government surveillance reports, and legal papers. The documents in this teaching unit are drawn from a massive archive collected by the Emma Goldman Papers Project at the University of California (Berkeley). They are organized into five themes or topics: (1) "Immigration"; (2) "Freedom of Expression"; (3) "Women's Rights"; (4) "Anti-militarism"; and (5) "Art and Literature of Social Change." The topics can be taught in any sequence. Each of the five themes includes suggested activities that students may use to explore the broader significance of the documents and their context. A brief introduction to Emma Goldman and a timeline are provided for students. A glossary of terms appearing in the documents is included along with a selected resources section of annotations on books, media, and literature. (BT)

The documents in this curriculum unit are drawn from the massive archive collected by the Emma Goldman Papers Project at the University of California (Berkeley). They are linked to the standard social studies and humanities curriculum themes of art and literature, First Amendment rights, labor, progressive politics, and Red Scare, the rise of industrialization, immigration, women's rights, World War I, and yellow journalism. The unit uses the body of Goldman's personal papers, including correspondence and writings, as well as newspaper stories, government surveillance reports, and legal documents. As the records illustrate, Emma Goldman, a major figure in the history of American radicalism and feminism during a period when the expression of controversial ideas was itself dangerous, was among America's most prominent advocates of labor's right to organize, reproductive rights, sexual freedom, freedom of speech, and freedom of the individual. This curriculum is divided into five major topics all taught through the use of primary documents. Topics are: (1) Immigration; (2) Freedom of Expression; (3) Women's Rights; (4) Anti-Militarism; and (5) Arts and Literature of Social Change. A biographical essay on Emma Goldman is included, as well as an annotated list of six recommended films and videos and a 60-item annotated bibliography. (LBG)