Interest Groups and New Social Movements

3 credits · Undergraduate

(3 hrs Lecture) This course examines the roles of interest groups and social movements in influencing and shaping public policy. The course explores the concept of participation and representation by examining the organization of interests outside of mainstream political parties. The methods by which interest groups and social movements organize themselves, and, in particular, issues of democracy and accountability within these organizations, will be explored. Topics include theoretical perspectives on new social movements, as well as the experiences of workers' movements, women's movements, anti-poverty movements, environmental movements and the role of corporations and economic interest groups.