DSOC 27A14 - How and Why Social Movements Matter

This course will offer students an introduction to social movement studies through a semester-long focus on the protests that have occurred in the United States since the 2007-2008 financial crisis. Indeed, the 2010s and 2020s in the US have been characterized by innovative forms of contentious politics that directly challenged the political status quo and neoliberal hegemony while attempting to redefine core values like equality, justice, and democracy. Against the backdrop of the climate emergency, which gives particular salience to questions of climate action and commitment, the course will tackle key issues such as the forms and conditions of possibility of contentious politics, group and identity formation processes, and the effectiveness of collective action.

• Participation in class 25%
• A 5-minute individual oral presentation 25%
• A final written exam 50%