query: social change syllabus

[colist at comm-org.utoledo.edu]

[ed:  joe invites some discussion regarding Linda's query and Peter
offers a resource.]

From: "Joe and Jenn Catania" <JCC_JLW at peoplepc.com>

Re: Social Movement Theory  Syllabus

I think it would be a mistake to focus only on the work in social
movements.
I think it is important to also take from other areas (both geographically
and academically).  For example, what about the role of learning/education
in social movements? The literature of social movements nearly ignores
this.
Also, rational choice theory seems to dominate the literature, but I would
make sure the european, neo-marxist tradition is covered (Habermas,
Touraine, Melucci and Bourdieu).

joe catania

***********************

From: Peter Cox <peter.cox at chester.ac.uk>

Another thought

While I see Kristina Smock's name in a recent post I am reminded of her
invaluable Democracy I action: community organizing and urbamn
change Columbia Univ. Press.

Dr. Peter Cox
Programme Leader in Community Studies
Department of Social and Communication Studies
University College Chester
Parkgate Road
Chester CH1 4BJ
01244 375444 xt2039

> From: "Donaldson, Linda P." <DONALDSON at cua.edu>
>
> Dear colleagues,
>
> We are in the process of developing a course in our graduate social 
> work program on the Theories of Social Change, and I was wondering if 
> anyone would be willing to share a syllabus that they may have already 
> developed in this area.
>
> Our current thinking is to to spend the first part of the semester 
> going over important theories and then the second half applying them 
> to three or so social movements. Some of the obvious theories we would 
> want to include are conflict theory, resource mobilization theory, 
> relative deprivation, etc. Students are already exposed to 
> power-dependence theory and the use of power in other aspects of our 
> program. Also, I'm sure there that a thorough search of the social 
> movement literature will be fruitful in terms of this. But, it would 
> be great to benefit from some of the work members on this list have done.
>
> Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.
>
> Linda
>
> Linda Plitt Donaldson, Ph.D.
> Assistant Professor
> Catholic University of America
> National Catholic School of Social Service
> Shahan Hall
> Washington, DC 20064
> (202) 319-5478 (p)
> (202) 319-5093 (f)
> ________________________________________