The course introduces students to the study of collective behavior, collective action, and social movements. The issues covered range from the crowds/mobs that characterize revolutions to the formal organizations and interest groups that spring up in the aftermath of disasters and outbreaks of social protest. It explores the role of political opportunity, the repertoire of collective action, media and ideas, and the state. In very particular historical circumstances, these combine to form social movements that may endure over many years. As one of the primary means by which individuals combine to voice their grievances, collective action and social movements both respond to and contribute to major periods of social change
