79-724 Social Movements

12 units, Carnegie Mellon University

In this seminar, we will examine the methodological, theoretical, and ethical questions that historians face when studying social movements. How have historians approached social movements and what sources have they relied on to understand them? How have historians of social movements grappled with theories of social change? While we will explore these questions across distinct time periods and national boundaries, this is not a comprehensive survey of social movements. Rather, we will focus on time periods, regions, and social movements that are of particular interest to each of us in the course. Our goal will be to learn from how historians have studied social movements, and to apply these lessons to our own research and writing.

Prerequisites: none listed

Offered: Fall 2026

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