Social Movements: Analyzing Collective Action and Global Change

Social movements are the engine of major political and cultural shifts, but how do they start, grow, and succeed? Learn the mechanics behind organized collective action that reshapes societies. By the end of this course, you will possess a robust framework for analyzing the causes, strategies, and outcomes of significant social movements, both past and present. What you'll learn: * Understand the foundational theories (e.g., resource mobilization, political opportunity structures) that explain the rise and trajectory of social movements. * Analyze historical case studies, including civil rights and workers' movements, to identify cross-national patterns of success and failure. * Compare and contrast the organizational structures and strategic choices of movements across different national and political contexts. * Practice dissecting how digital technologies and social media platforms are utilized for modern mobilization, framing, and sustaining momentum. * Identify the critical factors—from internal cohesion to external political openings—that determine whether collective action achieves its stated goals. The course begins with essential terminology and theoretical models for understanding collective action. We then move into close examinations of diverse 20th and 21st-century movements, applying comparative methods to evaluate their impact. This introductory course is designed for absolute beginners interested in political science, sociology, history, and activism. No prior knowledge of theory or specific historical events is required. Start reading today to deepen your understanding of how citizens drive fundamental social transformation.