ATS2558 · Rebellion and revolt: Protest movements in the post-World War II world

Overview

What can we learn from the past about how to effect change? This unit explores protest movements from around the world in the second half of the twentieth century. You will become familiar with selected case studies in the contemporary history of political activism; these may include peace/anti-war movements, 1960s student protests, the women’s and gay liberation movements, and the disability rights movement. You will explore the ways that historians have analysed political activism and how historical methods and concepts are useful for understanding the growth, development, strategies and success (or otherwise) of protest movements. Drawing on social movement theory and particularly the idea of ‘contentious repertoires’, you will examine the reasons people rebelled, the ways activists defined and legitimised their struggles, the methods of protest they employed and the reasons for their choices, e.g. violence or non-violence. Particular attention will be paid to the transnational flow of ideas and activist strategy and the figure of the ‘transnational activist’.

Areas of study: History Human Rights

Offerings

The Handbook publishes no offerings for this unit.

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. explain the historical reasons for and tools used in rebellion, resistance, and revolt;
2. evaluate and engage with historiographical debates about, and theories of social mobilisation;
3. research and critically analyse texts (including contemporary documents and historical scholarship);
4. work collaboratively with peers;
5. communicate research effectively through writing and verbal presentation.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.