Theory and Contemporary Case Studies
David A.
Sonnenfeld, Ph.D.
Washington State University Tri-Cities
Fall 2004
Office hrs. MW 10:30-11:45 am, & by appt.
tel. (509) 372-7375, fax (509) 372-7100
e-mail: crs@tricity.wsu.edu
What are social movements? Where do they come from? What brings individuals to participate in them? What happens to individuals once they participate in social movements? How have social movements differed in various times and places? How are new movements influencing societies around the globe? This course explores such questions using texts, films, lectures, discussion and research. Participants will be introduced to social movement theory, and use it to help understand dynamics of the American civil rights, and farmers/ farm workers' movements, and new, transnational advocacy networks. Students design & carry out semester-long research projects on local, national, or international social movements of their choosing. Some may wish to use print media for their research, others electronic sources, and still others participant observation, supplemented by archival research.
last updated August 23, 2004