Social Movements and Protest

About

From labour strikes and climate protests to neo-fascist and nationalist rallies, citizens everywhere are on the move. Social movements shape our world, not only through the pursuit of impactful changes, but also through struggles that seek to resist change. This one-week summer course explores how citizens organize, resist, and react to social issues across the political spectrum. Drawing on sociology and related disciplines, the course introduces students to the study of social movements, protest, and activism in contemporary societies. Working from a global comparative perspective, we will examine the emergence, expansion and impacts of a variety of social movements as well as reactionary counter-movements. Through a mix of interactive lectures, engagement with case studies, and foundational readings, students will address key questions such as: What motivates people to join social movements? How do movements sustain themselves? When and why do social movements go into decline? How do social movements experience and engage with structures of repression and social control? What role do communication media and digital technologies play in social movements? What counts as “success” in the grassroots politics of contention?
By the end of the course, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of how social movements and counter-movements interact to shape societies, thus revealing the complex interplay between activism, resistance, and the broader forces of social and political transformation

Course leader

Kai Heidemann

Target group

Enrolled as an undergraduate student or holder of an undergraduate diploma, including those pursuing advanced studies or professional careers.

A basic working knowledge of social/political science is needed. Some background knowledge in sociology, political science and/or social psychology is useful

Course aim

By the end of the course, the students are expected:
• To gain a working understanding of social movement theories and methods
• To be able to evaluate social movement scholarship in a critical but constructive manner
• To be able to develop original and impactful research on social movements
• To reflect upon the role and relevance of social movements within our contemporary world

Fee info

Apply before February 16 2026 to save 50 euros on this course! Offer applies to applications completed (paid) before the deadline.