Sociology 432: Social Movements

This course analyzes social movements: more or less organized attempts by relatively powerless groups to change politics or society. We seek to build a general sociological theory of social movements that will help us answer a number of questions about social movements

We will build this theory by looking at a variety of concrete case studies. These include:

• an extended look at one social movement: the feminist movement,
• several films of social movements,
• readings from sociological analyses of social movements,

and, most importantly,
• through each student's own investigation of a local social movement.

The films (see the schedule) are available on video at the Hornbake non-print media center.

One of the most important things we will do is your analysis of a case of a local social movement. These cases will provide the material for class discussion and a term paper . You must be able to secure access to this movement in order to be able to interview members, observe collective action, and debate alternative tactics and strategies. You need to compare and contrast your movement with the movements described in the films and readings.

There will be a midterm and a final exam that cover the lecture material and the readings.

Grading:	term paper	33%
	midterm	17%
	final	33%
	class participation	17%

If you have a documented disability, the Sociology Department is experienced in making accommodations. Please contact me by the end of the first week of classes and we'll discuss those arrangements.

The web address of this home page is http://www.vanneman.umd.edu/socy432