Canyon College: Interest Groups & Social Movements

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online Interest Groups & Social Movements course at Canyon College

online Interest Groups & Social Movements course at Canyon College

COURSE SYLLABUS: INTEREST GROUPS & SOCIAL MOVEMENTS

Course Title:
Course Number:
Instructor:

Interest Groups & Social Movements
PS396
Joe Pulli, MSW, MS - E-Mail | Vita

Text: Online Bookstore

Collective Behavior & Social Movements, Curtis & Aguirre, 1/e, 1993, Allyn & Bacon Publishers ISBN #: 0-205-14533-7

Mobilization, Participation, & Democracy in America, Rosenstone & Hansen, 1/e, 2003, Pearson Education, ISBN 0-321-12186-4

Note: BOTH texts are required for this course

Course Description: This course introduces students to the concepts of social movements, collective behavior, and interest groups related to the political process in the United States and elsewhere.

Course Objective: Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

Explain the concept of collective behavior from a sociological perspective

Describe trends in political social movements over the past 100 years

Describe how interest groups at times lead to political change

Describe collective behavior during various political and social movements

Examinations: There are two exams a student must successfully complete during this course. Both the midterm and final exams are essay-type tests and must be completed according to the instructions located in the course site online.

Each exam has three essay questions related to student reading assignments in the text. The exams are not timed, so students have as long as needed to complete them. Students should email me their course number, student number, and password at least one day prior to the time they want to take the exam so I can grant you access.

Course Schedule: Since enrollment in this course is open, students are expected to complete the following assignments prior to taking either the midterm or final exams:

Weeks 1-4
Reading Assignments: Collective Behavior & Social Movements Articles 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 18, 19
Reading Assignments: Mobilization, Participation & Democracy Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4
Exam: Midterm exam on above after completion of readings

Weeks 4-8
Reading Assignments: Collective Behavior & Social Movements Articles 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35
Reading Assignments: Mobilization, Participation & Democracy Chapters 5, 6, 7, 8
Exam: Final exam on above after completion of readings

Student Participation: Although this course is completed by independent study, it is important that each student maintain contact with the instructor throughout the duration of the course. I would like at least one weekly progress report emailed to me (jp2996@aol.com). This report doesn't have to contain extremely detailed information, just the progress you've made in your reading, questions you may have, etc.

Students are expected to complete all course work within 8-9 weeks. If circumstances prevent a student from completing coursework within 8-9 weeks, the student will need to contact me in order to discuss a schedule which will allow them to finish as soon as possible.

Students wishing to complete the course in less time than the scheduled 8-9 weeks should email me to discuss this and work out an appropriate schedule for course completion.

Midterm Exam

Final Exam

Participation

Total
40%
40%
20%
100%

After I have reviewed your midterm or final exam, I will notify you of your grade by email within 2-3 days after receipt of the exam. If you have any questions about your grade or the grading criteria used, please feel free to email me.