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Political Activism and Social Change

Key information

  • Module code:

    6SSES006

  • Level:

    6

  • Semester:

      Autumn

  • Credit value:

    15

Module description

What is political activism? How and why do people collectively and politically mobilise? How do they bring about social change?

This module is an option within the BA Social Sciences. It explores how people engage in political activism to challenge structures of domination and oppression, and to bring about social and political change. It explores key debates about political activism and social change in contemporary societies, drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives (e.g. sociology, political science, cultural studies, oral history) and different case studies (e.g. public housing, environment activism, gender and LGBTQ activism, anti-racist movements, black power movements, workplace and labour activism, student activism). It explores how social movements develop, and how they interact with wider social structures of inequality, domination and oppression. Students will be encouraged to consider their own experiences, attitudes and identities in relation to issues of political activism and social change.

Assessment details

  • Reading blog (worth 20%)
  • 2,500 word essay (worth 80%)

Educational aims & objectives

  • Understand formations of political activism in different historical and contemporary contexts.
  • Examine contemporary theories and key debates around political activism and its intersection with social inequalities.
  • Analyse how political activism and different collective strategies of political mobilisation impact and shape social change.
  • Consider the opportunities and challenges faced by political activists seeking to enact social change in contemporary contexts.

Subject areas

Department

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.