The main aim of this course is to examine the socioeconomic, cultural, and political conditions that bring about social and political movements. At the same time, why and how these movements emerged, why and how they changed, and most importantly, what effects they had on the cultural and political structure will be examined in the course. Social and political movements are the only means by which collective action can take place. Within the framework of this course, collective movements will be examined as dependent variables of social structure. In line with this perspective, students are expected to evaluate social theory to understand the sources of collective action.

While this course focuses on social structure and collective action, we will also focus on theories of social action, political culture as well as social movements such as student, youth labour, peace, environmental, feminist, and civil rights movements. At the same time, ideologies, values and social movements, the emergence of new middle classes and social movements, religious movements, identity and social action, the globalization of social movements will be examined.