Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - SA 321 D100

Social Movements (S) (4)

Class Number: 4934

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Baran Fakhri
    afakhri@sfu.ca
    Office Hours: Tuesday, 10:00-11:00 AM, in person

  • Prerequisites:

    SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A study of the sources, development and effects of social movements in transitional and modernized societies. Specific types of movements will be analysed.

COURSE DETAILS:

We live in a strange time – one that asks us to rethink social movements in light of tech-authoritarianism, surveillance, militarism and a culture of political apathy. This course is concerned with the history of social movements worldwide, as well as the theoretical scholarship that both informs them and emerges in their wake. We will examine the rising fascism of our contemporary moment, alongside the emancipatory politics that counter it, imagining how to carry them forward. We explore contemporary movements from the Global North and South: from Black Lives Matter, Indigenous movements on Turtle Island, and student encampments for Palestine, to the Arab Spring and Jin, Jiyan, Azadi.

Specific questions guide our exploration: Under what conditions do social movements arise? How are social movements organized and mobilized? Who participates? What tactics are used? What is the role of (new) media, the public, and the government? What about alt-right movements? How do the poor and the dispossessed resist oppression in the absence of any organized movements? How do movements respond to repression and violence? Where are bodies, emotions, and affect in movements? How is memory and forgetfulness central to politics and protests? How does space facilitate or inhibit protest? How does neoliberal capitalism influence politics and protesting?

 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Gain a broad grasp of contemporary social movements, and critically see what they can entail beyond dominant discourses
  • Develop a critical approach to understanding the rise of alt-right movements and late fascism
  • Identify influential theories and concepts in the field and develop a conceptual and theoretical toolkit to investigate social movements
  • Practice and sharpen skills in discussion, analytical writing, and film analysis
  • And above all, engage in social movements and emancipatory politics around you

Grading

  • Attendance and Participation 20%
  • Thematic Reflections (3 each 10%) 30%
  • CINE/RESISTANCE (Film Analysis) 10%
  • Research Paper 40%

NOTES:

Grading: Where a final exam is scheduled and the student does not write the exam or withdraws from the course before the deadline date, an N grade will be assigned. Unless otherwise specified on the course syllabus, all graded assignments for this course must be completed for a final grade other than N to be assigned. An N is considered as an F for the purposes of scholastic standing.

Grading System: The Undergraduate Course Grading System is as follows:

A+ (95-100) | A (90-94) | A- (85-89) | B+ (80-84) | B (75-79) | B- (70-74) | C+ (65-69) | C (60-64) | C- (55-59) | D (50-54) | F (0-49) | N*
*N standing to indicate the student did not complete course requirements

Academic Honesty and Student Conduct Policies: The Department of Sociology & Anthropology follows SFU policy in relation to grading practices, grade appeals (Policy T20.01), and academic honesty and student conduct procedures (S10‐S10.05). Unless otherwise informed by your instructor in writing, in graded written assignments you must cite the sources you rely on and include a bibliography/list of references, following an instructor-approved citation style. It is the responsibility of students to inform themselves of the content of SFU policies available on the SFU website.

Centre for Accessible Learning: Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need classroom or exam accommodations are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (1250 Maggie Benston Centre) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.

The Sociology and Anthropology Student Union, SASU, is a governing body of students who are engaged with the department and want to build the SA community. Get involved!  Follow Facebook and Instagram pages or visit our website.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

All required texts and material are listed in the weekly course schedule. These readings and assigned material will be available on Canvas, through SFU Library, or online as otherwise indicated. There are a number of films and documentaries to watch that will be available via Canvas.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.