Subject details

At the completion of this subject students will be able to:

  1. describe and critique theories of power and identity politics, social movements and post-colonialism
  2. use appropriate technologies to locate and critically appraise relevant social movement literature
  3. analyse and communicate social movement theories and methods
  4. critically evaluate activist/advocacy campaigns using social movement theories.

  • Topics

    • Social movements and power
    • Women's rights and activism
    • Saul Alinsky: citizen participation and organisation
    • Non-violent protest and environment activism in Australia
    • Civil disobedience
    • Frantz Fanon and the Algerian independence movement
    • Indigenous protest and activism in Australia
    • Human rights and LGBTIQ activism
    • Transnational advocacy networks
    • Refugee rights and activism

  • Study resources

    • Instructional Methods

      • Disscusion forum/Discussion Board
      • Online assignment submission
      • Podcasting/Leacture capture
      • Streaming Multimedia
      • Web links

In order to enrol in this subject, you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:

Core
  • CUR-HRI-MAS-2018
  • CUR-HRI-GCE-2018
Elective
  • OUA-PSU-GCE-2018

Special requirements

  • EquipmentDetails - Audio/Visual equipment

This subject explores the role of social movements, advocacy groups and different forms of activism in bringing about change. It covers theories of power and identity politics, social movement theories and postcolonial theories. It also explores specific movements and methods such as Gandhi's non-violence and satyagraha campaigns, Fanon and the Algerian independence movement, the US civil rights struggle, Indigenous peoples' struggles for recognition and land, trade unions and women's movements.

Please Note:  If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.

Find out more about the Academic Integrity module.

  • Discussion Points - Part 1 (30%)
  • Discussion Points - Part 2 (30%)
  • Essay (40%)

Textbooks are subject to change within the academic year. Students are advised to purchase their books no earlier than one to two months before the start of a subject.

View textbooks

Related Degrees

postgraduate OUA-PSU-GCE-2018

Postgraduate Single Subjects