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STRC 0801 Contemporary American Social Movements
Spring 2013
Tuesday-Thursday 11:00-12:20
Barton 307
Instructor
Phone
Office
Office Hours
E-mail
Tom Wright
(215) 204-1886
212 Weiss
T: 8:30-9:15, 12:30-1:30
W: 2:00-4:00
R: 8:30-9:15
tswright@temple.edu
Visiting me during my office hours or scheduling an appointment offers the best and most immediate way for me to answer
your questions or address your concerns. The easiest way for you to contact me, other than my office hours, is by email. I
will respond to your email within 24 hours (unless I receive your message after 5:00 PM on Friday or during a university
holiday or break). Your e-mail correspondence to me should be more formal rather than less formal. The text of your email should state who you are, which course you are enrolled in, and why you are writing.
Outside of our time in the classroom, email and Blackboard announcements are our primary means of communicating.
You are responsible for reading your Temple University email and checking Blackboard regularly.
Required Text
Readings supplied by instructor. The readings will be available on Blackboard under "Course Documents."
Course Overview
The course introduces students to the study of contemporary American social movements from a rhetorical perspective.
While we do discuss the study of social movements from different theoretical and applied perspectives (psychology,
political science, sociology, and economics), our primary focus is on the symbolic strategies movements use to attract
members, address counter-movements, and engage dominant social institutions. In addition, we analyze the strategies and
tactics movements use to communicate with (and attempt to persuade) the public and institutions.
US Society Objectives
Contemporary American Social Movements is a US Society Gen/Ed course. It is geared to developing your understanding
of the history, society, culture and political systems of the United States. This course's specific aims are to teach you how to
interpret historical and cultural materials and articulate your own point of view while enhancing :your critical thinking
skills, information literacy, ability to examine historical events through a variety of interdisciplinary disciplines, develop
your understanding of historical and contemporary issues in context, and help you engage, both locally and globally, in the
issues of our day.
General Objectives/Skills:
At the completion of this course, students will:
1. demonstrate improved written communication skills.
2. demonstrate improved presentation skills.
3. demonstrate improved critical thinking skills.
4. demonstrate improved information literacy.
5. demonstrated an improved ability to address issues from a strategic and tactical level.
Specific Objectives
At the completion of the course, students will be able to:
1. describe the characteristics of a social movement.
2. identify and apply different theories to the study of social movements.
3. identify and critique the basic strategies and tactics used by social movements.
4. identify and apply accepted methods of rhetorical analysis.
5. identify and discuss a specific contemporary American social movement.
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Class Format
Lecture: Many students are not well acquainted with the theories and methods used to study social movements. Lecture
sessions provide a means by which students gain familiarity with the relevant theories and methods of analysis. It is my
goal to help you better understand the course material.
Discussion: On the other hand, discussions provide students an opportunity to address the course materials in a less
structured way. There is an emphasis placed on peer-to-peer interaction and having students articulate their understanding
of the material. During discussions, all students are responsible for raising questions, sharing ideas, and engaging in
constructive dialogue with classmates and the instructor
Application: An important goal for the course is to improve a student’s skills in analyzing discourse, events, and
experiences using the theories and methods studied in class.
Assignments
Social Movement Organization Profile
You will identify a contemporary American social movement organization of your choice and prepare a profile of the
organization using primary and secondary research. The primary materials you use should be produced by the organization
for communication with the public, with legislative institutions, and with its members while the secondary research should
be from reputable, popular publications. After reading through the materials, you are to develop a profile of the
organization. In general, the goal is to produce both an overview of the organization and place it within the context of a
contemporary social movement.
Interview with a Social Movement Organization Representative
You will identify a social movement organization representative in the greater Philadelphia to interview. You may chose to
conduct an interview with a representative of the social movement organization you profiled, or you may choose a different
organization within the same social movement, or a new social movement organization. The person you interview should
be a member of the staff or an active member. During the interview, your goal is to elicit information regarding the
person’s role within the organization, the reasons s/he became involved with the organization, how the organization situates
itself within the larger movement, major victories and obstacles, and a response to the opposition or detractors.
Analysis (Small Group)
Conspiracy
You and a small group of your peers will analyze a conspiracy related to a contemporary social movement.
Documentary
You and a small group of your peers will analyze a documentary that addresses a contemporary American social issue.
Each group members also write a short essay evaluating her/his experiences in the small group. The essay will contain two
sections. The first section asks you to reflect back on the semester and apply what you have learned to a deeper
understanding of your chosen documentary. The second section reflects on your experiences with the small group.
Exams
Two exams will be given throughout the course of the semester. The exams will cover assigned readings, discussions, and
lectures. Testing will require application, integration, and analysis/evaluation of course content. Exams may incorporate a
variety of question types, including true/false, multiple choice, matching, short answer, and essay.
Homework/In-Class/Quizzes
We have three scheduled quizzes (75 points total) and four homework assignments (80 points total). The course instructor
has the right the assign additional homework, administer planned or "pop" quizzes, and/or graded in-class activities.
Participation
Your participation grade will be given based on: your participation in class discussions, paying attention to
presentations/lecture, arriving to class on time, and/or not disrupting class.
You are NOT permitted to text message or receive calls during class unless you receive prior approval from the instructor.
You are NOT permitted to use a laptop in class unless you received prior approval from the instructor.
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Written Work
All of your work will be neatly typed, reflect original thinking, and be in an appropriate form. All of your work should be
typed. There are no exceptions. Margins and font should be reasonable. Proper form, grammar, punctuation, spelling,
typing, and writing style are expected.
Your papers need to follow the APA style guide. An APA style guide and links for RefWorks and EasyBib are available on
the STRC 0801 Research Guide posted on Blackboard.
You should always keep a back up copy of your written work.
Grading and Evaluation
The instructor retains the right to quiz students over readings, lectures, discussions, and presentations.
Final grades for this course will not be curved.
Final grades are not “rounded” up or down.
There will be no extra credit.
Assignments
Research and Writing
SMO Profile
SMO Interview
Homework
Point Value
75
50
80
Evaluation
Quizzes
Exam #1
Exam #2
75
75
75
Presentations
Conspiracy
Documentary Analysis (Presentation/Paper)
50
125
Additional
Participation
20
Total
625
Grading Scale:
A
AB+
B
B-
100 – 94%
93 – 90%
89 – 87%
86 – 83%
82 – 80%
C+
C
CD+
D
DF
79 – 77%
76 – 73%
72 – 70%
69 – 67%
66 – 63%
62 – 60%
59% and below
Grading
All of your grades will be posted on Blackboard. It is important that you frequently check your grades.
Your final grade may not be the same as the final grade posted on Blackboard if you miss more than the allowed number of
excuses absences. Grade deductions for unexcused absences can only be made outside of the Blackboard grade system.
Please see the attendance policy.
For each assignment, students are expected to fulfill the requirements of the assignment. These requirements, as well as
detailed criteria for each assignment, are available on Blackboard. Assignments that simply meet the stated criteria will be
evaluated in the “C” range (average to fair), “B” range (good) means work meets all of the requirements/criteria and
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exceeds in several areas, and “A” range (excellent) work excels expectations in all areas. “D” work (below average) work
exhibits failure to meet expectations in one or more areas, and failing work is deficient in multiple areas.
Questions regarding individual grades will not be entertained during class time or via email. If you have a question about a
specific grade, a meeting with the instructor during her/his office hours should be arranged. Students should wait 24 hours
after receiving a grade and thoroughly read the comments/evaluation prior to scheduling a meeting. Concerns or questions
regarding a specific grade should be brought to the instructor’s attention within one week of receiving the grade.
Due Dates
The instructor reserves the right to modify the course schedule during the semester. Students will be made aware of those
changes as the course progresses.
Assignments are due at the start of class unless otherwise specified.
Late work will only be accepted if you have an excused absence or with the instructor’s approval.
The grade penalty for accepted late work is 20% off the original point total.
No work will be accepted if it is more than two working days later than the due date.
Electronic submissions will not be accepted without prior approval.
Attendance
In this course, learning is enhanced significantly when students attend class regularly and prepare for and participate in
class discussions.
Attendance will be taken at every class meeting.
You are permitted two unexcused absences before your grade final grade will be lowered by 1/3 letter grade for each
additional absence. Your two “unexcused” absences are your two “free” days. You do not have to contact me to use one of
your two “free-days”/unexcused” absences.
An unexcused absence or “free day” does not apply to days in which in which we have a scheduled, graded activity or an
in-class assignment. Any assignment that is missed during an unexcused absence/“free-day” will result in a score of zero.
Excused absences can only be granted by the instructor and will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Excused absences are
generally only granted for documented illness or a death in the family. Documentation, such as a physician’s note or death
announcement, will be required for an absence to be excused. Documentation must be provided to the instructor the class
period following an unexcused absence.
Tardiness is unprofessional. Being late will negatively impact your participation grade. If you are late to class, it is your
responsibility to enter the classroom in an appropriate manner and time that is not disruptive. If you are late to class, you
are responsible for informing the instructor at the end of class period that you are in attendance.
Ethical Student Conduct
“Temple University believes strongly in academic honesty and integrity. Plagiarism and academic cheating are, therefore,
prohibited. Essential to intellectual growth is the development of independent thought and a respect for the thoughts of
others. The prohibition against plagiarism and cheating is intended to foster this independence and respect.
Plagiarism is the unacknowledged use of another person's labor, another person's ideas, another person's words, another
person's assistance. Normally, all work done for courses -- papers, examinations, homework exercises, laboratory reports,
oral presentations -- is expected to be the individual effort of the student presenting the work. Any assistance must be
reported to the instructor. If the work has entailed consulting other resources -- journals, books, or other media -- these
resources must be cited in a manner appropriate to the course. It is the instructor's responsibility to indicate the appropriate
manner of citation. Everything used from other sources -- suggestions for organization of ideas, ideas themselves, or actual
language -- must be cited. Failure to cite borrowed material constitutes plagiarism. Undocumented use of materials from the
World Wide Web is plagiarism.
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Academic cheating is, generally, the thwarting or breaking of the general rules of academic work or the specific rules of the
individual courses. It includes falsifying data; submitting, without the instructor's approval, work in one course which was
done for another; helping others to plagiarize or cheat from one's own or another's work; or actually doing the work of
another person.” (http://www.temple.edu/bulletin/Responsibilities_rights/responsibilities/responsibilities.shtm#honesty)
Students must assume that all graded assignments, quizzes, and tests are to be completed individually unless otherwise
noted in writing in this syllabus. I reserve the right to refer any cases of suspected plagiarism or cheating to the University
Disciplinary Committee; I also reserve the right to assign a grade of "F" for the given presentation, quiz, etc.
Statement on the Student and Faculty Academic Rights and Responsibilities:
Policy (#03.70.02), such as: Freedom to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic freedom. The
University has a policy on Student and Faculty and Academic Rights and Responsibilities which can be accessed through
the following link: http://policies.temple.edu/getdoc.asp?policy_no=03.70.02.
Civility
It is important for students and instructors to conduct themselves is a professional and appropriate manner at all times. An
open, democratic society requires that citizens respect the views others with whom they may disagree. It is my expectation
that each student treat me and other students in a civil manner. Disruptive, abusive, or obscene behavior will not be
tolerated. The following definition of disruptiveness is adapted from Gerald Amada’s article, "Dealing With the Disruptive
College Student: Some Theoretical and Practical Considerations":
The disruptive student is one who persistently makes inordinate demands for time and attention from faculty and
staff, habitually interferes with the learning environment by disruptive verbal or behavioral expressions, verbally
threatens or abuses college personnel, willfully damages college property, misuses drugs or alcohol on college
premises, or physically threatens or assaults others. The result is disruption of academic, administrative, social, or
recreational activities on campus.
For a detailed overview of Temple University's policy on civility in the classroom, please go to:
http://www.temple.edu/studentaffairs/counseling/CivilityonCampus.htm.
School of Media and Communication Grievance/Grade Appeal Policy
STRC 0801 follows the School of Media and Communication grievance policy which can be found on our Blackboard site
under “Course Information.” A grade appeal may only be pursued after the completion of the semester in which the alleged
improper, unfair, or arbitrary academic action took place.
Disability Statement
This course is open to all students who meet the academic requirements for participation. Any student who has a need for
accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss the specific situation as
soon as possible. Contact Disability Resources and Services at 215-204-1280 in 100 Ritter Annex to coordinate reasonable
accommodations for students with documented disabilities.
Policy on Religious Holidays
If you will be observing any religious holidays this semester which will prevent you from attending a regularly scheduled
class or interfere with fulfilling any course requirement, your instructor will offer you an opportunity to make up the class
or course requirement if you make arrangements by informing your instructor of the dates of your religious holidays within
two weeks of the beginning of the semester (or three days before any holidays which fall within the first two weeks of
class).
Course & Teaching Evaluations
Temple University is committed to high quality instruction in graduate, undergraduate and professional programs. Student
feedback regarding instruction is an integral part of assuring quality in the University’s educational programs. Student
evaluations of faculty occur toward the end of semester. This is your opportunity to voice your opinion regarding my
effectiveness and the course overall. Also, this process allows you to assist us as we strive to constantly improve upon
efforts and make this a better experience for those students who follow you. For more information about student
evaluations of courses and teaching, please refer to Policy #02.78.14 which can be found on the University’s Policy &
Procedures website at http://policies.temple.edu.
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University Writing Center for Students
The University Writing Center provides services to students across the University. These services include tutoring,
technology, a computer classroom, a resource library, workshops, and seminars. Many of these services, including tutoring,
are accessible online through the Center’s Website at http://www.temple.edu/writingctr/. All services are free-of-charge to
you. Tutoring services are offered on a drop-in basis or by appointment.
Class Cancellation:
In case of class cancellation due to inclement weather or illness on the part of the instructor, assignments will be completed
during the next class meeting. I reserve the right to use the final exam date to complete the assigned work for the semester.
During the winter months, the University participates in an inclement weather notification program with the City of
Philadelphia and local radio and television stations. The University's hot line (215-204-1975) announces the status of
classes in bad weather as well as updates on campus news. The Temple website (www.temple.edu) also carries current
information. As appropriate, the University’s e- mail system will be used to send messages to faculty, staff and students.
Per Temple University Policy and Procedures Manual (Policy on Course Syllabi; 02.78.13), the following syllabus is in
compliance and will be our commitment to one another this semester.