Social Movements in Europe

The course defines phenomenon of social movements that is perceived as one of main instruments of social change in modern world. During the course following issues will be discussed: theories of social movements (the Marxist class conflict theory, resource mobilization theory, theory of new social movements, etc.); case study of chosen social movements (environmental movements, women’s movements, LGBTI+ movements, nationalist movements, populist movements, etc.). The course examines how social movements engage with the policy process and the ways in which social movements influence the policy formulation and implementation. It examines the nature, past and present role of social movements and their potential capacity in shaping social policy. The course covers theoretical arguments and examines empirical examples and case studies.

This course aims to:

1. Explain the concept of social movements,

2. Discuss the origins, organization, leadership, ideologies, social base, increase and decline of social movements in Europe,

3. Examine the distinctions between the old and new social movements,

4. Investigate the processes of globalisation and internationalization of social movements,

5. Examine the various dimensions of social movements,

6. Investigate the significance of social movements activity in the modern society,

7. Describe the processes of the structural change of the society and the state caused by social movements.

The course is designed to acquaint students with problems of the contemporary world. Our social and political life is changing all the time and these modifications are caused by very different reasons. It is important to understand mechanisms of change and actors of these process. Classes concern questions as: environmental movements ; women’s movement; modern nationalism; populist movements; LGBTI+ movement; social movements in times of austerity, etc.

The aim is to show comparisons between these activities as the phenomenon of modern political life and to present social movements as a very important and desired instrument of democratic society.

Knowledge:

After completing the course a graduate:

• Can define the role of human being in the social life and interactions with the nearest social surrounding (K_W02)

• Knows the theories explaining the formation of social movements (K_W06)

• Can indicate the rules of the functioning of the social movements (K_W02)

• Can characterise different types of social movements acting in past and present in Europe (K_W02)

• Can assess the contribution of the social movements to the democratization and development of the civil society in Europe (K_W06)

• Based on theoretical framework can define the differences in goals and forms of action between old and new social movements (K_W06)

Skills:

• Can analyse the role of social movements in contemporary world (K_U01)

• Can explain the impact of social movements on the democratic state (K_U01)

• Can recognize and categorize the main dilemmas related to the functioning of social movements in the contemporary world (K_U01)

• Based on the theoretical framework can interpret the dynamic of development of social movements in Europe, changes in their goals and forms of activity (K_U02)

Social competences:

• Is ready to play an active role in social movements (K_K03)

• Can contribute to establishment of the civil society organization (K_K03)

Active participation in discussion, presentation, Kahoot quizzes, final test, essay.