Course description
The aim of the course is to develop and deepen the participants’ knowledge about (1) new theoretical and methodological perspectives on social movements and resistance; (2) new perspectives on social change and power by studying these phenomena through the lenses of theories about social movements and resistance. Perspectives that will be discussed during the course include: Social movements and social change: This section focuses on theories of social movements and of social change, re-visiting some of the classical works in light of recent theoretical developments. The social forms of activism: This section explores the social organization of activism and resistance beyond the conventional focus on formal organizations. Space, field and protest: Space and field are crucial analytical dimensions for understanding the dynamics of protest and popular resistance. This section explores how protest conditions –and is conditioned by – spatial and field dynamics. Analytical and methodological approaches: This section focuses on methodological questions and concrete methods, particularly focusing analytical perspectives that emphasize discourses, narratives, processes, and emotions.
Requirements and Selection
Entry requirements
Qualifying applicants are persons admitted to postgraduate studies within the social sciences or humanities at the University of Gothenburg or another university.
Very good knowledge of English, both in speech and writing, is a required for being able to take the course.
Selection
PhD students at the Department of Sociology and Work Science, University of Gothenburg will be given priority. Other applicants will be assessed and admitted based on the relevance of their PhD project.
Other information
The course participants are expected to have read the recommended literature and come prepared to the campus part 3-5 June. Therefore, the course formally starts on April 29 with a short introduction in Zoom, and the participants should prepare time for reading course literature in May. The course participants will be given the summer to complete the course exam papers, and in September there will be a seminar on Zoom, at which the course participants give feedback on each other’s papers.
If the course is given for more than five doctoral students, the forms of instruction are lectures and seminars. If the course is given for five or less doctoral students, the forms of instruction may consist of readings, application and supervision.
Link to website
https://www.gu.se/en/research/civil-society-social-movement-and-resistance-research-csm-resist
Course syllabus
SC30011
Reading and reference list
Reading and reference list for the course
Department
Department of Sociology and Work Science
Subject
Humanities, Social Science
Type of course
Subject area course
Keywords
social change, resistance, social movements