Course Description
Collective action is the fundamental subject of political science. This course offers students an interdisciplinary perspective to questions about how and why individuals come together to solve the social/economic/political problems faced by their communities, understanding why these efforts either succeed or fail, and strategies for overcoming collective action problems.
Athena Title
Politics of Collective Action
Prerequisite
POLS 1101 or POLS 1101E or POLS 1101S or POLS 1105H
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
By the conclusion of this course students will: 1) Be able to identify everyday, unresolved collective action problems faced by their communities. 2) Understand the social, cognitive, and institutional mechanisms that facilitate or inhibit collective action. 3) Use this information to conceptualize strategic approaches to resolving collective action problems. 4) Develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between institutions and individual/group behaviors.
Topical Outline
Weeks 1 and 2: Introduction to Collective Action and Social Dilemma Weeks 3 and 4: The Logic of Collective Action Week 5: Evolutionary Theories of Collective Action Weeks 6 and 7: Collective Action and Human Cognition Weeks 8 and 9: Social Influences on Collective Action Weeks 10 and 11: Collective Action and American Political Development Weeks 12 and 13: “Gaming the System” Weeks 14 and 15: Designing Systems Resistant to Political Gamesmanship
Syllabus