Social Movements

Anthropologist Margaret Mead once said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." This course examines contemporary social movements which organize and mobilize people to effect change, and which therefore challenge existing institutions, cultures, and social orders. We will consider issues related to participation, leadership, organization, strategy, scale, technology, and media representation, among others. We will read and discuss both theory and ethnography, and you will have the opportunity to practice various research methods by working on two substantial research projects. Also offered as AFS 331. Students who take the course as AFS 331 must write their library-based research paper

on an African topic. Offered in rotation in the spring.