Not in Our Town Northern California: Summer of Hate - Redding and Sacramento, CA

Abstract:: "Not In Our Town Northern California: When Hate Happens Here" looks at five communities that are dealing with hate violence. This Educator Guide addresses events that took place in Sacramento and Redding, California. In a three-week period in the summer of 1999, three synagogues in Sacramento were fire-bombed, and a prominent gay couple in Redding was murdered. This guide includes discussion ideas and activities related to hate crimes.

Social Movements in Comparative Perspective, Spring 2005

Abstract:: Subject explores why people join mass political organizations and social movements; what accounts for the ultimate success or failure of these organizations; how social movements have altered political parties and institutions. Critically considers a range of theoretical treatments and a variety of national cases. Graduate students are expected to pursue the subject in greater depth through reading and individual research. This course seeks to provide students with a general understanding of the form of collective action known as the social movement. Our task will be guided by the close examination of several twentieth century social movements in the United States. We will read about the U.S. civil rights, the unemployed workers', welfare rights, pro-choice / pro-life and gay rights movements. We will compare and contrast certain of these movements with their counterparts in other countries. For all, we will identify the reasons for their successes and failures.