Structure of the Curriculum

Sociology of Social Movements (YE)

Course PDF
Sociology of Social Movements (YE)
COURSE OUTLINE
GENERAL
SCHOOLSchool of Economics and Political Science
DEPARTMENTSociology
Level of StudyUndergraduate
COURSE CODE431036
COURSE TITLESociology of Social Movements (YE)
Independent Teaching Activities Weekly Teaching Hours CREDIT UNITS
Lectures - assignment 3 6
TOTAL 3 6
Course TypeSpecial Background
Prerequisite CoursesNo
Teaching and Examination LanguageGreek
THE COURSE IS OFFERED TO ERASMUS STUDENTSYes (in the form of assignments in English)
Course Webpage (URL)https://eclass.uoa.gr/courses/SOC200/
(2) LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:

  • understand the basic concepts and themes of collective action
  • distinguish the differences of the basic methodological approaches/schools of social movements
  • understand and analyze the historicity of social movements and distinguish them from other forms of collective action
  • analyze the special characteristics of contemporary social movements and understand the difference between old and new social movements
  • they correlate the emergence of social movements with the transformations of the state and social organization
  • they monitor the academic debate and literature regarding social movements.

General Capabilities

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:

  • they have a critical perception of the historicity of the era and society,
  • understand the different aspects of power in the modern context of ongoing and interrelated crises,
  • analyze complex social issues with a critical approach,
  • apply sociological analyses to the contemporary political and social environment,
  • they exercise criticism and self-criticism,
  • present their arguments publicly in a structured and coherent manner.
(3) COURSE CONTENT

The course focuses on the study and analysis of collective action and social movements as key agents in shaping social, political, cultural, and economic reality. The course consists of 13 lectures divided into two thematic units: 1) Basic theories of social movements and 2) Case studies of social movements. In the first thematic unit, the lectures cover the basic theories of social movements, specifically providing an overview of collective behavior theories, rational choice and resource mobilization theory, as well as new social movement theory and the analysis of framing processes. The second unit consists of lectures on cases of social movements and their evolution over time. Specifically, we study the distinction between traditional and new social movements, movements against neoliberal globalization, as well as recent mobilizations against austerity. Finally, the unit concludes with an overview of movements developing in the Global South, along with a discussion surrounding the different theoretical foundations they offer for the study of social movements.

(4) TEACHING & LEARNING METHODS – EVALUATION
DELIVERY METHODFace to face
Information and Communication Technologies

PowerPoint presentations, organization of small groups for discussion on specific topics and assignment presentations, screening of related film material, support of the learning process through the e-class electronic platform.

Activity Semester Workload
Lectures 39
Work 39
Standalone Study 69
Participation in exams 3
Course Summary 150
Student Evaluation
Process Description Evaluation

The evaluation process is conducted in the Greek language with a final examination on the entire curriculum and includes a written exam with essay questions.
The answer to the questions is considered complete when it is factually accurate, satisfactorily justified, and clearly formulated.
An important role in the evaluation of students is also played by active participation in the class, as well as in assignment presentations.
There is the option of writing optional assignments on a topic related to the course's themes, which students choose after consulting with the instructor. The assignments are accompanied by a presentation during classes.

(5) RECOMMENDED BIBLIOGRAPHY

Suggested Bibliography

  • Della Porta, D. and Diani, M. (2010) Social Movements. An Introduction. Kritiki
  • Serdedakis, N. (2023) Sociology of Collective Action and Social Movements. Gutenberg
  • Serdedakis, N. and Tombazos, S. (eds.) Aspects of the Greek Crisis. Contentious cycle of protest & institutional outcomes, Gutenberg Publications
  • Psimitis, M. (2017) Social Movements in Everyday Life: Identity, Solidarity and Prefiguration in Contemporary «Cosmopolitan Communities». Tziola Publications
  • Psimitis, M. (2010) Introduction to Contemporary Social Movements. Diadrasi
  • Tilly, C. (2010) Social Movements 1768-2004. Savvalas

Related Scientific Journals

  • The Review of Social Research
  • Contemporary Issues
  • Social Movement Studies
  • Mobilization
  • Participation and conflict

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