This seminar provides a forum for works in progress that explore the history of working-class people, communities, and culture; class and state policy; unions and popular political movements; and other related topics. We are particularly interested in works that deal with gender, sexuality, race, migration, and the social history of work. Our focus has been on U.S. history, but we welcome papers on North America generally, and on transnational aspects of labor history.
In 2024-25, some sessions will meet virtually via Zoom and others will meet in person at the Newberry Library in Chicago.
The seminar's co-coordinators are Peter Cole, Western Illinois University; Colleen Doody, Depaul University; Liesl Orenic, Dominican University; and Elizabeth Tandy Shermer, Loyola University Chicago.