American politics, it has been argued, is unique because of its relative lack of social revolution. This course will examine this claim critically by asking how we account for the emergence and disappearance of political protest and social movements in American political history. How do we explain their character? How does the American political system create protest groups and then subdue them by partially incorporating their concerns? After grounding ourselves in theories of political power, we will examine instances of mass political protest, and small group resistance. Case studies will include the abolitionist movement, the Populist movement, mass labor strikes in the 1920s and 30s, and the Civil Rights movement, as well as contemporary social movements and grassroots neighborhood groups organizing for change. We will analyze what strategies are effective and explore the limits of protest in the American political context, what happens when movement demands are co-opted by mainstream politics and integrated into institutions, and why the claim that America lacks conflict (particularly class conflict) resonates in our political culture. Requirements: one 6- to 8-page paper, one midterm and one case study analysis. Prerequisites: any class in American Politics or Political Theory or permission of the instructor. American Politics Subfield

SHERIDAN