International Relations 321 - Culture and Social Movements

How does culture influence cooperation and communication among NGOs and transnational social movements operating in world politics? In exploring this question, this course provides an introduction to the study of culture focusing on sociological theories of social movements, ethnography, sociolinguistics and narrative analysis. First, we will look at culture as a set of discourses and practices structuring inter-state relations and trans-national floats of communication. Second, we will investigate culture within transnationally operating non-state organizations such as NGOs and activist groups. The class concludes with recent debates on global democracy.

Prereq: Politics 116.