Course Syllabus

POLITICAL SCIENCE 3403

SOCIAL MOVEMENTS--FALL 2016

 

 

Professor:   Michael Givel

Office:            Cate Center 4, Room 232

Phone:            325-8878

Email:             mgivel@ou.edu

Canvas:          http://canvas.ou.edu

Office Hours:     Wednesdays, 1-2:45 PM and by appointment.

 

General: This course will focus on how social movements mobilize and impact for political change. In particular, we will conduct an overview of the historical development of social movement theories from the classical theories of social movements by such 19^th century theorists as Le Bon and Durkheim to modern theories related to on-line organizing, contention, and culture. As a foundation for these theoretical assessments, we will also examine when and why social movements occur, who joins or supports social movements, how social movements are organized, what are the impacts of social movements, and the role of the state and social movements.

 

Course Objectives:

1. To comprehend and analyze how and why social movements mobilize to advance policy change.

2. To provide new comprehension of the impact of various social movements on policymaking.

3. To understand the political and economic factors influencing social movement efforts to shape public policymaking.

4. To assess and compare the similarities and differences between classical, 20^th century, and modern theories of social movements.

 

 Required Readings

 Castells, Networks of Outrage

 Buechler, Understanding Social Movements

 Material on electronic reserve at the Bizzell Memorial Library located at: http://guides.ou.edu/ereserves

 

 Regarding Free Inquiry and Expression In This Class

 

As quoted in the University of Oklahoma Faculty Handbook, Section 3.2.1:

 “Membership in the academic community imposes on students, faculty members, administrators, and trustees an obligation to respect the dignity of others, to acknowledge their right to express differing opinions, and to foster and defend intellectual honesty, freedom of inquiry and instruction, and free expression on and off the campus.

 The expression of dissent and the attempt to produce change, therefore, may not be carried out in ways, which injure individuals or damage institutional facilities or disrupt the classes of one's teachers or colleagues.”

 It is likely that ideas of different members of this class might conflict. But it is not the proper role of the professor or students to attempt to shield members of the class from ideas and opinions they disagree with. In this class while we value civility and mutual respect including no personal ad hominem attacks, there is no justification for closing off discussion of ideas even if some members of the class disagree with them in all or part.

 It is the general policy of this class that the only trigger warning as to the manner of analysis and material discussed related to this class is solely the above.

 

Course Content:

 August 24, 2016—Introduction to the Class; What is Public Policy?; Critical Analysis Defined

 

August 31, 2016— Classical Social Movement Theories

Read: Buechler, pages 1-58

 

September 7, 2016—Traditional Social Movement Theories

 Read: Buechler, pages 59-108

 

 September 14, 2016---Paradigm Shift in Social Movement Theories

 Read: Buechler, pages 109-176

 

September 21 2016—Why Social Movements Happen and Who Joins?

 Read: Goodwin and Jasper eds., pages 11-14, 55-90 at: Bizzell Memorial Library located at: http://libraries.ou.edu/eresources/reserve

 

September 28, 2016— How are Social Movements Organized?

 Read: Goodwin and Jasper eds., pages 189-225, at: Bizzell Memorial Library located at: http://libraries.ou.edu/eresources/reserve

 

 

October 5, 2016—What Do Social Movements Do and What Do They Accomplish?

 Read: Goodwin and Jasper eds., pages 313-352; 411-422, at: Bizzell Memorial Library located at: http://libraries.ou.edu/eresources/reserve

 

October 12, 2016---Mid Term Exam

 

October 19, 2016— Modern Trends In Social Movement Theories

 Read: Buechler, pages 177-232

 

October 26, 2016— Internet Social Movement Organizing

 Read: Castells, pages 1-109

 Group Presentation Outline Due

 

November 2, 2016—Internet Social Movement Organizing Continued

 Read: Castells, pages 110-246

 

November 9, 2016---Group Presentations

 

November 16, 2016—Group Presentations

 

November 30, 2016--- Conclusion and Review

 

December 7, 2016---Final Exam

 

 Grades:

 

Attendance and Participation:                                   11%

Written Analysis Paper # 1:                                       10%

Written Analysis Paper # 2:                                       10%

Class Presentation Outline:                                          5%

Class Presentation:                                                     15%

Mid Term Exam:                                                          20%  

Final Exam:                                                                  29%

 Total:                                                                          100%

 

            Each point that you receive equals one percentage point of your grade. You can receive a maximum total of 100 points, which would equal 100%, or a perfect score. I will be using the traditional 100-90 (A); 89-80 (B); 79-70 (C); 69-60 (D); and 59 and below (F) grading method.

 Attendance and Class Participation: In order to maximize the learning process, students are expected to attend all classes on time and participate in classroom discussions and activities. Each student will begin with 11 points applied to their final grade. Starting with the class period after the last official University of Oklahoma day to drop or add classes, I will be taking attendance and assessing student participation for each class.

 Except on the first day of class and the day I will give out the Final Exam, toward the end of each class I will hand out an index card. On front side of the index card students will print and sign their names as well provide a date. On the front side of the index card students will write one sentence that describes the most important thing they learned in class on that day. On the back side of the index card, students will write one sentence describing the concept they least understood, if any, in class that day. I will deduct one point per class that an unexcused absence occurs (based on a lack of index card turned in that day) or for written sentences provided that do not reflect the full scope of the class lectures or student critical participation and analysis. The maximum amount that can be deducted is 11 points.

 In addition to be a measure of classroom attendance and participation the purpose of the index card is to ascertain if students have any further questions on the material covered. Sometimes students do not articulate their questions during or after class. Sometimes students believe they understand the lesson, but instead miss key points and not ask questions. Answering questions in the next class also provides a review for all students of the material covered in the prior class.

 Two Written Research Analyses: There will be two written analysis questions handed out, at some point, during the entire class period. The papers are designed to provide critical analyses of academic ideas and concepts associated with social movement theory or practice. The total number of points for papers will be 10 points for each paper. I will also deduct 10% of the total number of possible points for an individual paper if there are more than eight significant grammatical and spelling errors. Also, I will check grammar and spelling via a standard spelling and grammar check software program. In order to ensure academic integrity and to analyze the scope of analysis for each paper, I will also submit the electronic version of the paper to Turnitin.com.

 You should utilize the American Psychological Association (APA) or Chicago Manual of Style or MLA formats in relation to style and format for such items as footnotes, bibliography, and so on. All papers must be turned in both in hard copy and electronic format. The electronic paper should be uploaded to the drop box for this course on http://canvas.ou.edu. The paper will normally be due two weeks after the written analysis question is handed out. I will not require that a paper be due during: a day that a final exam is held, scheduled University of Oklahoma holidays, or final examination preparation week.

 Group Presentations and Outlines

 Group presentations will include a small group of class members. A sign up sheet will be handed out the second day of class for a presentation for one social movement in the U.S. The group presentations will be one hour, followed by one-half hour for questions and answers for one social movement in the U.S. The presentation should cover the following:

• Introduction
• Who joined or supported the social movement
• How the social movements was organized and who joined
• The role of the state and other actors on the social movement’s political goals
• What was the policy impacts, if any, of the social movement
• Conclusion

 You may use any approaches necessary to make your points such as PowerPoint, multimedia, lectures, and so forth. Be prepared for questions from the class and instructor after the presentation.

 Group presentation outlines will be handed in on the date indicated in the Course Content prior to the day of the group presentation for my review and feedback. I will return the graded outline with my comments one week prior to the actual group presentation. The outline must follow the format indicated by the OU writing Center, here: http://www.ou.edu/content/writingcenter/guides/prepare_to_write/outline.html . A tentative bibliography of appropriate scholarly and authoritative sources of one or two additional pages should be attached to this outline. On the day of the presentation, be sure to make copies of your final outline and bibliography to be handed out to the entire class. You should use relevant assigned readings for this class as well as scholarly publications outside of the assigned materials for the class.

 If a preponderance of the evidence indicates a student did not substantially contribute to the preparation of and submission of the presentation outline, then the score for that student for the presentation outline will be zero. Additionally, if a preponderance of the evidence indicates a student did not substantially contribute in the preparation and presentation, then the score for that student for the presentation will be zero.

 Mid Term Exam: This is a closed book essay style examination that will cover all classes prior to the day of the Mid Term Exam as noted in your syllabus. In this exam, you will be responsible for all materials covered in reading assignments and class lectures.

 Final Exam: This is a closed book essay style examination that will cover the entire course. In this exam, you will be responsible for all materials covered in reading assignments and class lectures.

 

Attendance and Tardiness: All students are expected to attend all scheduled class sessions on time.

 

Extra Credit and Ad Hoc Requests to Raise Grades

There are no extra credit assignments in this course. Requests to raise your grade with no reason other than you think your grade should be raised will not occur in this class.

 

Accommodation for Students With Disabilities: Any student in this course who has a disability that may prevent her or him from fully demonstrating her or his abilities should contact me personally as soon as possible so we can discuss accommodations necessary to ensure full participation and facilitate your educational opportunities.

 

Religious Observance: It is the policy of the University to excuse absences of students that result from religious observances and to provide without penalty for the rescheduling of examinations and additional required class work that may fall on religious holidays.

 

Electronic Devices: All audible electronic devices, including but not limited to cell phones, must remain off at all times while the class is in session.

 

Cheating and Plagiarism: Any student who willfully violates the cheating and plagiarism policy, may be subject to disciplinary proceedings within the scope of university due process grievance and hearing rights.

 

E-mail: You should only use email as a tool to set up a one-on-one meeting with me if office hours conflict with your schedule. Use the subject line “Meeting request.” Your message should include at least two times when you would like to meet and a brief (one-two sentence) description of the reason for the meeting. Emails sent for any other reason will not be considered or acknowledged. I strongly encourage you to ask questions about the syllabus and assignments during class time. For more in-depth discussions (such as guidance on assignments) please plan to meet in person or call my office. Our conversations should take place in person or over the phone rather than via email, thus allowing us to get to know each other better and fostering a more collegial learning atmosphere.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

For Social Movements—PsC 3403—Dr. Michael Givel

General

• What is your philosophy on student learning?
• What is your approach to teaching?
• How is the critical thinking analysis approach used in your class?
• What is the reasoning for your attendance and participation grade?
• What is your reasoning for the directed written research assignments?
• Will we cover a topic in class that might significantly have me rethink or expand upon what I have already known or learned?
• Could you explain how and why you assigned the readings for this class
• Can I make an appointment to meet with you about anything related to the class?
• Can I forward this FAQ sheet to my friends?

 Grades and Assignments

• What is your approach to grading?
• What is the first thing I should remember when completing an assignment?
• Why do you check our written assignments with turnitin.com?
• How do I write a top notch written analysis paper?
• How do you conduct student reviews for the mid-term and final exams?
• Do you accept extra credit assignments?
• Do you allow auditing of this class?
• What if I do not agree with a grade I receive?
• What happens if I have a good reason I was late or absent?
• What happens if I have a good reason I missed a test or did not turn in an assignment on time?

 

What is your philosophy on student learning?

I want students to examine, re-examine, and then re-examine again learned knowledge. I want them to build a solid familiarity of the concepts of a subject. I also want them to be able to recognize and critically analyze and discuss concepts associated with the subject.

 

What is your approach to teaching?

Twofold. One part of my class is a traditional lecture designed to cover the major points and concepts of a topic. The other part of my class is based on student participatory critical thinking analysis approaches.

 

How is the critical thinking analysis approach used in your class?

 This is a student-centered and group approach to learning. In this approach, with the assistance when needed of the instructor, students analyze and grapple with concepts and ideas. This is usually done through student group discussions, debates, and analyses again with the assistance of the instructor. Strong critical thinking gives careful consideration of the hard and actual evidence, historical and political context of the evidence, and appropriate theoretical constructs for understanding the problem and the question at hand. Class exercises where you will see the critical thinking analysis approach in action include debates, ad hoc small group discussions and debates, movie reviews, and more.

 

What is the reasoning for your attendance and participation grade?

 Learning occurs and is greatly enhanced only when you are in class.

 

What is your reasoning for the directed written research assignments?

These assignments provide critical support and enhancement to concepts and ideas covered in class. They also increase your research and writing skills in urban government and politics.

 

Will we cover a topic in class that might significantly expand upon or even have me re-think what I already know or have learned?

That is quite possible.

 

Could you explain how and why you assigned the readings for this class?

 The reading assignments are based on and are a supplement to the topic covered for a particular day in class. They provide the needed basis along with classroom teaching and critical thinking approaches to understand topics covered in class.

 

Can I make an appointment to meet with you about anything related to the class?

 Of course. You can do this during normal advising hours or by appointment.

 

 Can I forward this FAQ sheet to my friends?

 Sure.

 

What is your approach to grading?

Pretty simple. Grades must be earned.

 

What is the first thing I should remember when completing an assignment?

 Read and understand all instructions for the assignment from: your syllabus, handouts, and classroom instructions. If you do not understand something contact me and ask. Be sure to follow the instructions for the assignment very carefully.

 

Why do you check our written assignments with turnitin.com?

 Turnitin.com checks for plagiarism and also requires that you write original sentences or sentences that are properly cited. This is a crucial element in writing a good paper.

 

 How do I write a top notch written analysis paper?

 Follow, very carefully, the guidelines provided by the OU Writing Center. This includes developing an initial and sound outline for your assignment. Seek assistance, if needed, from your instructor or the OU Writing Center. Have others such as the OU Writing Center review a draft of your paper. More eyes looking at the paper are better than one and are more likely to catch issues with your paper before you turn it in.

 

How do you conduct student reviews for the mid-term and final exams?

 I do not provide sample questions as that simply is a rote memorization approach. Instead, I use the delayed note taking and review method where students meet in small groups to review, discuss, and report to the rest of the class the main and important themes for a class as written in their notes. This is done, when needed, with the assistance of the instructor. This approach also provides the basis to study for the essay and critical analysis style mid terms and final exams for this class.

 

Do you accept extra credit assignments?

 No. In addition, providing extra credit for some does not afford equal treatment to other students who do not ask for extra credit.

 

Do you allow auditing of this class?

I do not allow auditing of this class after the class begins, due to grade feedback received during the class, or lack of consistent class attendance. Very rarely will I grant a student the right to audit the class prior to the class begins and only for exceptional reasons.

 

What if I do not agree with a grade I receive?

 Meet with me as soon as possible to discuss why you think you deserve a higher grade. Be sure to provide good evidence when you contact me.

 

What happens if I have a good reason I was late or absent?

 Contact me as soon as possible to discuss why your absence or tardiness should be excused. I review each claim on a case-by-case basis.

 

 What happens if I have a good reason I missed an exam or did not turn in an assignment on time?

 Contact me ahead time if at all possible to provide a good cause reason for missing the exam or an assignment. If that is not possible due to circumstances beyond your control contact me after the fact. I review each claim on a case-by-case basis. If I approve a claim, I will reschedule the assignment or exam.