Psychology of Collective Action (C8566)
Psychology of Collective Action
Module C8566
Module details for 2025/26.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 6
Module Outline
This module examines the psychology of collective action, which is one of the primary tools that groups around the world use in order to challenge the social, economic and political conditions and systems they live in, or to defend them. Examples of collective action abound, and include movements such as those fighting around labour rights, gender rights, racial justice, anti-colonialism/imperialism, and environmentalism. Methods vary too, including nonviolent (e.g. petitions, protests, strikes) and violent methods (e.g. riots, or militant group tactics). By drawing on theories and empirical evidence primarily from social psychology, we will examine what motivates people to engage in collective action in different contexts and using different methods, how collective action affects individuals and society, and the social psychological dynamics involved.
Full Module Description
This module examines the psychology of collective action, which is one of the primary tools that groups around the world use in order to challenge the social, economic and political conditions and systems they live in, or to defend them. Examples of collective action abound, and include movements such as those fighting around labour rights, gender rights, racial justice, anti-colonialism/imperialism, and environmentalism. Methods vary too, including nonviolent (e.g. petitions, protests, strikes) and violent methods (e.g. riots, or militant group tactics). By drawing on theories and empirical evidence primarily from social psychology, we will examine what motivates people to engage in collective action in different contexts and using different methods, how collective action affects individuals and society, and the social psychological dynamics involved.
Module learning outcomes
Describe theories and models on the motivations, effects and dynamics involved in the psychology of collective action.
Summarize methods used in research on the psychology of collective action and interpret the published findings.
Critically evaluate research studies conducted on the psychology of collective action.
Apply scholarly literature on the psychology of collective action to understand and evaluate social movement practices
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 30.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Test | T1 Week 8 (1 hour) | 100.00% |
| Essay (1500 words) | Semester 1 Assessment Week 1 Wed 16:00 | 70.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Semester | Lecture | 2 hours | 11111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Dr Rim Saab
Convenor, Assess convenor
/profiles/195068
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