Protests and social movements arise in virtually all political
systems, no matter how democratic or repressive. In this course, we
will explore why movements emerge when they do, what forms they take,
and what outcomes they produce. What does it take to generate
sustained political contention? What makes individuals join protests?
And why do some situations not generate any contentious action at
all, even if they seem to cry out for mass protest? Why are some
movements local, while others spread across many countries? Why are
some movements peaceful, whereas others resort to violence? How do
relations between the state and society change in the course of
contentious action?
	We will examine sociological and political theories of
contention through the lens of case studies. Cases will include the
US civil rights movement, labor, women, the Chinese democracy
movement, guerillas in Latin America, ethnic mobilization, and
religious movements.
	You should be prepared to read ca. 200 pages per week and
participate actively in seminar discussion. There will be little
lecturing by the instructor. Assignments will include book reviews,
to be circulated before class, and a research paper of approximately
5000 words.