This week will introduce sociological theories of social movements.  What social factors cause movements to emerge when they do?  What causes them to decline even though the underlying issues are still unresolved.  We will use the Civil Rights Movement in the US as a case example.

Quiz Three in Sakai will open by February 7 and must be taken before class on February 11.  You may take the quiz twice and the highest score will count.  You have 30 minutes to answer the questions.  Most of the items refer to the social movement theories.  Several items refer to exit poll results from the Nov 4 primary election in New Jersey.  If you wait until February 11 to try the quiz the first time, you assume the risk of computer problems.  There are 16 questions, your score will be out of 16.

Writing Assignment Due February 8.  There are three options. You should write two paragraphs, each at least 100 words.  In each case, the second paragraph should apply the model of ideological scripts from Chapter Two of Turncoats and Two Believers to the descriptive information in the first paragraph.  Option One: The first paragraph should describe a belief you have about a controversial social issue.  The second paragraph should discuss which of the ideological scripts in Turncoats best describes the beliefs, values and personality traits that underlie your beliefs (there can be more than one).  If none does, explain what underlying beliefs, values or personality traits best explain why you believe what you do.  Option Two:  If you prefer not to write about yourself, you may choose one of the individuals in Table One of Chapter Two of Turncoats and True Believers.  You'll find the information you need in one of the later chapters of the book  How does the subjects' life reflect one or more of the ideological scripts in Turncoats and True Believers? Option Three:  You may write about your choice of a presidential candidate in this season's election campaign.  What is it that attracts you to your candidate?  How does it reflect underlying beliefs, values or personality traits?  How do your beliefs relate to the ideological scripts discussed in Chapter Two of Turncoats and True Believers?  If none does, explain what underlying beliefs, values or personality traits best explain why you believe what you do.  Instructions:  Write your paragraphs in a word processor and check them carefully for spelling and grammar.  Then copy and post them into the Discussion List on Sakai by February 8.  (Use Control-V for pasting if right clicking on the mouse doesn't work).  Later, we will read and comment on each other's essays.  Grammar and spelling will count in grading the essays, as will writing style and the effective use of language.  Use the skills you have learned in English composition classes.

Reading: 

1. Anthony Oberschall, "Social Movements and Collective Action," in SAKAI. 
   
2. "Social Movements Theories" in Wikipedia.  Follow the links to read about collective behavior, relative deprivation, value-added, resource mobilization, frame analysis and new social movement theories. 
   
3. The Civil Rights Movement by Rhoda Lois Blumberg (together with an Introduction covering social movement theories)
4. Exit Poll Results for the New Jersey Democratic and Republican Primary Election
   

Class Materials and Links:

1. Civil Rights Movement Video Clips.  History of Civil Rights Movement.  Martin Luther King "I have a dream" speech. 
   
2. Monks in Myanmar.  2007  Danish cartoon protest in Lebanon.  Danish Cartoon issue. 
   
3. Here is a job opportunity to train as an organizer:
   

Organizing Institute                  www.organize.aflcio.org

January 25, 2008

Dear Supportive Faculty and Staff,

We are writing to inform you that the AFL-CIO Organizing Institute is gearing up for another exciting year of campus recruitment in search of talented, energetic and passionate graduating seniors interested in careers in the Labor Movement as union organizers.  In the past, we have come to you in search of great students to continue to build the American Labor movement and help workers win respect, dignity and a voice on their jobs.  We look to you again to assist in our recruitment efforts.

As you already know, the OI program consists of an intense weekend classroom training followed by a paid 12-week Apprenticeship Program.  Applicants are eligible and can apply to any of the weekend trainings during the Spring 2008 semester (with the exception of the New Brunswick, NJ training April 25-27).  Selected applicants participate in a 3-month, paid, OI Apprenticeship program in which they learn union  building skills first hand.  Upon completion of the Apprenticeship Program, we have a 90% successful placement rate, where participants are hired into positions as union organizers with AFL-CIO affiliate unions.  Starting salaries, depending on the union, range between $32000-$40000 annually, plus excellent benefits.

As you are aware, the AFL-CIO Organizing Institute provides the highest standards of Union Organizer training, mentorship and development for participants in all phases of the OI Field Training while offering applicants a look at a wide variety of unions to match their talents with the union most appropriate for them.

Enclosed is a copy of the schedule of weekend trainings for potential applicants to apply.  Should you or your students have any questions, feel free to contact me at pscott@aflcio.org and/or at 404.766.5050.  They can also visit our website for more information about the OI program and can apply online at www.organize.aflcio.org.

We have enclosed the Spring 2008 OI Training Schedule and an application.  We ask that you encourage interested students to apply.  This program has lasted due largely in part to your thoughts, suggestions and great students that have come to our program through you.  We thank you for all of your support and efforts to assist in building an exciting labor movement.

In Unity,

Patrick Scott, Deputy Director
AFL-CIO Organizing Institute