Course 2026-2027 a.y.

• Social movements
  • Types of social movements and their evolution (e.g., environmental, labor, identity-based, and technology-related movements)
  • Organization, strategies, and tactics of collective action
• Firms and corporate responses
  • Firms as targets, opponents, or allies of social movements
  • Strategic responses to social pressures, including corporate activism, CSR initiatives, and stakeholder engagement
• Markets and industries
  • The role of social movements in shaping market dynamics, consumer behavior, and brand reputation
  • Transformation of industries, including critique, disruption, and the creation of new markets and categories

• Describe the development, organization, and strategies of different types of social movements.
• Explain key theoretical perspectives on social movements and their impact on firms and markets.
• Identify and explain the range of strategic responses adopted by firms in reaction to social movement pressures.
• Describe the interaction between social movements, firms, and market dynamics.
• Explain the role of social movements in shaping industries, including the creation of new markets and the transformation of existing competitive arenas.

• Analyze the impact of social movements on firms, industries, and markets.
• Apply theoretical frameworks to interpret interactions between social movements and corporate strategies.
• Evaluate and compare firms’ strategic responses to social movement pressures, including corporate activism and stakeholder engagement.
• Assess the opportunities, risks, and trade-offs associated with firms’ engagement with social movements.
• Formulate and justify strategic responses that address social movement challenges while balancing organizational and societal demands.
• Communicate analyses effectively in team-based settings, including through presentations and class discussions.

• Lectures
• Collaborative Works / Assignments

The course combines lectures with interactive and discussion-based teaching methods aimed at fostering critical engagement with contemporary social and business issues.

• Case study discussions: Real-world cases are used to examine how social movements interact with firms and markets. Students are expected to prepare cases in advance and contribute to in-class discussions by interpreting complex situations, comparing alternative perspectives, and applying relevant theoretical frameworks.
• Group presentations: Students work in teams to analyze selected cases or topics related to social movements and corporate responses. Presentations emphasize the interpretation of social dynamics, the evaluation of strategic options, and the articulation of well-grounded arguments, followed by class discussion and feedback.
• Class discussions: The course places strong emphasis on open and structured discussions to explore diverse viewpoints on the role of firms in society. These discussions are designed to develop students’ ability to critically assess arguments, engage with conflicting perspectives, and communicate their ideas effectively in a collaborative environment.

Assessment is based on three main components:

• Group presentations (40 points): Students work in teams to analyze cases or topics related to social movements and their interaction with firms and markets. This component assesses the ability to apply theoretical frameworks, interpret complex social and organizational dynamics, and communicate arguments effectively in a team setting.
• Peer evaluation (10 points): This component evaluates individual contributions to group work and supports the assessment of teamwork and collaborative skills.
• Final written exam (50 points): The exam consists of open-ended questions covering course materials as well as content developed during lectures and class activities, including insights emerging from discussions, student presentations, and instructor feedback. Questions may draw on case studies, including their analysis, comparison, and discussion, and assess students’ knowledge and understanding of key concepts and theoretical frameworks, as well as their ability to apply analytical frameworks and provide structured and well-argued answers. A passing grade in the final written exam is required.

Students are required to complete all assessment components to pass the course. The final grade is based on the total number of points accumulated across the three components.

Regular attendance is integral to the learning process and to the effective development of the analytical and communication skills assessed in the course. Attending status requires consistent presence throughout the classes.

Assessment is based on a final written exam (100%), consisting of open-ended questions based on the assigned course materials. Questions may draw on case studies, including their analysis, comparison, and discussion, and assess students’ knowledge and understanding of key concepts and theoretical frameworks, as well as their ability to apply analytical frameworks and provide structured and well-argued answers.

• Lecture slides made available on the course online platform.
• Case studies, which will be made available through the appropriate online platforms (e.g., Library Course Reserves).
• Additional readings may be suggested to support the understanding of specific topics discussed in class.

• Tarrow S. (2022). Power in Movement: Social Movements and Contentious Politics (4th edition). Cambridge University Press.

• Davis J. C. (2017). From Head Shops to Whole Foods: The Rise and Fall of Activist Entrepreneurs. Columbia University Press.

• Case studies, which will be made available through the appropriate online platforms (e.g., Library Course Reserves).