Social Movements in Action

3 Credits · Level: Graduate

Empowerment and resistance are powerful forces that have shaped social and political change throughout history. Marginalized communities—including women, racial and ethnic minorities, indigenous peoples, and LGBTQ+ groups—have long organized to challenge systems of oppression and fight for justice, equity, and representation. While research shows that peace and stability thrive when marginalized voices are included in decision-making, persistent challenges such as political polarization, rising authoritarianism, and colonial legacies continue to obstruct meaningful progress. Empowerment and Resistance: Social Movements in Action delves into these dynamics, exploring how social movements have emerged as transformative agents in resisting oppression and advancing rights. By examining both historical and contemporary movements, this course highlights the strategies, setbacks, and triumphs of resistance efforts across diverse cultural and political contexts. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the intersectional forces that shape social movements and develop practical skills to support justice and equity in an era of mounting anti-democratic pressures.