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Handbook 1997 : Faculty of Arts : Sociology

166-257/357 Sociology of Social Movements and Action

Credit Points:

16.7 2nd and 3rd year

Prerequisite/s:

Normally, 25 points of first-year Sociology.

Timetable:

Semester 2

Contact:

Two 1-hour lectures and one 1-hour tutorial per week for one semester

Content:

This subject examines major sociological approaches to the analysis of contemporary social movements and collective mobilisation, explored with reference to both postindustrial societies and social movements of the Asia- Pacific region. Major frameworks of analysis are examined, from theories of resource mobilisation and opportunity structures, exchange, sociologies of action, experience and identity, and network analysis. Research strategies framed by each these orientations are examined through a series of case studies. Key movements examined are the womens movement, ecology movements and labour movements. The sociology of counter movements is also examined, based on sociological explorations of terrorism, racism and fundamentalist communitarianism. The subject involves a team-based fieldwork exercise.

Assessment:

A fieldwork report of 1000 words; a 1-hour class test and a 3000 word essay.

Prescribed Texts:

  • A. Morris & C. Mueller, Frontiers in Social Movement Theory, New Haven: Yale University Press, 1992.
  • L. Maheu (ed), Social Movements and Social Classes: the Future of collective action, London: Sage, 1995.
  • E. Larana et.al., New Social Movements: From Ideology to Identity, Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 1994.
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Handbook 1997 : Faculty of Arts : Sociology 
Status:                   OFFICIAL 1997
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Copyright © University of Melbourne 1997.