Organizing for Social Change

In this course we will examine the theory and practice of building peoples’ movements for social change. We will consider problems of power and powerlessness, political organization, collective action, social movements, and reform versus revolution. As a crash course in organizing for change, we will practice the hands-on tactics and strategies that social movement organizers employ to foment social transformation from the grassroots: creating a campaign strategy, mobilizing workers and communities, power structure analysis, and leadership development. Students will craft political manifestos, draft strategy reports and press releases, and respond to readings and films.