Class Calendar Length
Semester-Long
Grade Levels
11, 12
Class Schedule
Mon, Tue, Fri 10-10:40 am
Course Description
The American Radical Tradition explores the historical significance and evolution of radical social movements across the United States from 1776 to the present day. This course investigates how diverse individuals and organized groups have continually challenged established political, economic, social, and cultural systems in pursuit of expanded democracy, equality, and profound social transformation.
Spanning historical touchpoints from the American Revolution, abolitionism, and early labor struggles to civil rights, modern feminism, environmentalism, and contemporary activism, students analyze primary and secondary sources to carefully evaluate the core ideas, strategies, conflicts, achievements, and limitations defining this vital and dynamic historical tradition today.
Key Outcomes
- Trace U.S. radical movements from the revolutionary era onward.
- Analyze political, social, and economic conditions driving them.
- Interpret diverse primary sources across historical eras.
Mass. State Standards
- HSS.GOV.T1.09: Democratic Realities
- HSS.GOV.T4.03: Interest Groups
- HSS.GOV.T4.07: Public Policy
About the Instructor
Oris T. Bryant is a veteran educator at the Noble and Greenough School, where he has spent sixteen years teaching social science and humanities to students in grades nine through twelve. Originally from Mattapan, Oris holds a degree in Law and Public Policy from Brown University and earned his Juris Doctor from Rutgers Law School.
Before entering education long ago, he practiced corporate law, a background that now informs his work advising student groups like the Mock Trial club. Beyond the classroom, Oris is a key member of his school diversity and inclusion department, dedicated to fostering student legal advocacy.