SOCI 395: Special Topics in Sociology

SOCI 395-DL1: Nonviolent Civil Resistance
(Spring 2026)

Online

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Section Information for Spring 2026

This course will examine a number of historical and contemporary cases, theories, and perspectives on the use of nonviolent civil resistance as well as building the skills necessary to participate in and organize civil resistance. We will consider the strengths and weaknesses of this method of social change, particularly in the context of achieved outcomes, as well as its effects on those committed to this method of struggle. The past three decades have witnessed a number of nonviolent revolutions, some ending in triumph, as demonstrated in Serbia and Czechoslovakia; some petering out, as with the global Occupy movement; while still others, such as those in Egypt and Syria, ending in renewed tyranny and bloodshed. People have always tried to make positive changes in their communities and societies, but much more historical attention has been paid to those actors that prioritized the place of violence as key to their struggles. Nevertheless, there is a long tradition of peace and nonviolent movements that have also worked for change, resulting in innovations in both strategies and tactics of nonviolent civil resistance, as well as the development of a significant body of scholarship on social movements and activism.

This is an online asynchronous section.

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Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Introduces the research interests of the faculty, offering new courses that reflect current issues not yet incorporated into the curriculum. Offers, in addition, advanced study into topics covered in the standing curriculum. Topics change by semester. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 18 credits.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Recommended Prerequisite: SOCI 101
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

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