Activism and Theories of Change
CSPL 235
Spring 2026
| Section:
01
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| Crosslisting:
FGSS 236, AFAM 235, IDEA 235 |
In this course we will explore strategies and theories of change that shape social justice movements, with particular reference to recent movements in the United States. We will discuss the benefits and risks of the many available strategies including direct action, grassroots mobilization, impact litigation, legislative campaigns, electoral campaigns, artistic protest, and public education. We will apply concepts and lessons from past movements to explore organized actions intended to protect communities and resist authoritarianism in our current climate. What strategic, ethical, or moral questions are raised by various types of protest and communications? What do history, research, and current events teach us about what causes social change? How do we measure whether various strategies and tactics work? The instructors will draw on their own experiences as activists for women's rights, queer rights, and social and economic justice. The course will be co-taught by Distinguished Visiting Professor of Public Policy Leslie Gabel-Brett and guest instructor Beverly Tillery, former Executive Director of the Anti-Violence project in New York City, who will focus on the ways BIPOC and Queer BIPOC communities are reshaping the social justice landscape by addressing the safety of trans people, challenging the gender binary, and rethinking accountability and the carceral legal system. We will allow time to apply the course concepts to events occurring in real time during the semester. The instructors are deeply committed to maintaining a safe space for inquiry and learning where divergent opinions are welcome and respected. This course will be relevant to students interested in public policy, feminism, racial justice, gender and sexuality studies, and other social sciences, and will provide useful insight for current and future organizers and activists, lawyers, and public policy advocates. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS ALLB |
| Course Format: Lecture | Grading Mode: Student Option |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (African American Studies)(Civic Engagement Minor)(Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies)(Human Rights Advocacy Minor)(Integrated Design, Engineering, Arts & Society Minor)(Integrated Design, Engineering, Arts & Society) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: 50% - 74% |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore and on reserve.
Sample Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore and on reserve at Olin Library including:
Cathcart, Kevin M and Gabel-Brett, Leslie J., editors; The New Press, 2016. Love Unites Us: Winning the Freedom to Marry in America.
Garza, Alicia; One World, 2020. The Purpose of Power: How We Come Together When We Fall Apart
adrienne marée brown, AK press, 2017. Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds.
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Examinations and Assignments:
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Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
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| Instructor(s): Gabel-Brett,Leslie Times: ..T.R.. 10:20AM-11:40AM; Location: ALLB304; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 20 | | SR major: 0 | JR major: 0 | | |
| Seats Available: 0 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 7 | JR non-major: 7 | SO: 3 | FR: 3 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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