SY3018 - Power and Protest in a Globalising World

Protest has long been a driving force of social change in society, but many people argue that it has substantially changed in recent years. Is it still an important method of changing social inequalities? What is the relationship between states, corporations, and social movements? In this subject, students will use case studies of social movements to gain an in-depth understanding of how social change happens and the effects that social movements have on society and on the activists who participate in them. This will be done through a lens of agency and power - who is powerful? How do the "powerless" bring about change? In particular, we look at the shifting power base from nation-states to corporations, the global reach of business interests, and the possibilities for global civil society.

Learning Outcomes

• discuss and critically evaluate key theoretical debates in sociology and their application to social movement studies and collective action;
• apply appropriate theoretical frameworks and concepts to specific examples of social movements and collective action;
• design, create and appraise the strategies and tactics of social movements.

Subject Assessment

• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (40%) - Individual
• Podcast OR Presentation OR Report OR Essay - (40%) - Group & Individual
• Participation > Online participation - (20%) - Individual.

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.