
- UCAS course code
- VL53
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course unit details:
Power and Protest
Unit code | SOCY30461 |
---|---|
Credit rating | 20 |
Unit level | Level 3 |
Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
Offered by | Sociology |
Available as a free choice unit? | Yes |
Overview
The course introduces a range of theories and perspectives for analysing social movements and protest. It looks at key social movements, including the shift from the labour movement to new social movements, global social movements, and ‘ugly’ social movements, like terrorism. It also considers arguments about levels and forms of protest in modern societies, from debates about how the pandemic has (and might) affect protest, to suggestions that contemporary protest has changed from collective to more individualised forms.
Aims
The course introduces you to a range of perspectives for analysing social movements and protest, and aims to link levels and forms of protest to competing views of power. We look at several theories drawn from the field of social movement studies and consider them in dialogue with case studies of historical and contemporary movements. We look at key social movements, including the shift from the labour movement to new social movements, global social movements, and ‘ugly’ social movements, like terrorism. We also consider arguments about levels and forms of protest in modern societies, from debates about how the pandemic has (and might) affect levels and forms of protest, to those who suggest that contemporary protest has changed from collective to more individualised practices of resistance.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this unit successful students will be able to:
- Deploy a range of theories and perspectives to analyse historical and contemporary social movements
- Critically evaluate theories of protest
- Relate levels and forms of protest to theories and debates about the nature of power in modern societies
- Develop new approaches and arguments through independent research
Teaching and learning methods
3-hour weekly sessions, consisting of 2-hour lecture and 1-hour workshop
Assessment methods
Method | Weight |
---|---|
Written exam | 50% |
Written assignment (inc essay) | 50% |
1 non-assessed assignment (protest journal and roundtable event)
1 assessed coursework essay (3000 words, 50% of mark)
1 online open book exam (2 hours/2 answers, 1250 words per answer as guidance)
Feedback methods
Recommended reading
Edwards, G. (2014) Social Movements and Protest. Cambridge University Press (course textbook)
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours | |
---|---|
Assessment written exam | 2 |
Lectures | 30 |
Independent study hours | |
---|---|
Independent study | 168 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
---|---|
Gemma Edwards | Unit coordinator |