Course Syllabus
COMC 0801 Contemporary American Social Movements
Fall 2025
3 Credit Hours
Mode: In-Person
Section 02 Tuesday-Thursday 9:30-10:50 Tuttleman 309
Instructor Thomas S. Wright, Ph.D.
Office Hours Tuesday-Thursday 2:00-2:45 or Virtual by Appointment
Contact tswright@temple.edu or via Canvas Inbox/Conversations
Course Communication
The easiest way for you to contact me is by email or Canvas messages.
• I will respond to your email/message within 24 hours (unless I receive your message after 5:00 pm or during a university holiday or break).
• Your email/message should be more formal rather than less formal.
• Your email/message should state who you are, the name of the course, and why you are writing.
• You must check your Temple University email and Canvas regularly.
General Course Information
Course Materials
• There is no required textbook for this course. The instructor provides the readings.
• The readings/videos/links are available on Canvas in each week’s module.
Technology
This course requires students to have access to the following software/apps and devices:
• Zoom (via TUPortal)
• Canvas (via TUPortal)
• Adobe Reader (free to Temple’s students via TUPortal)
• Microsoft Office (i.e., Word, PowerPoint) (accessible to students via Temple ITS)
• All students are required to comply with Temple University’s Computer and Network Security Policy
U.S. Society Objectives
Contemporary American Social Movements is a U.S. Society Gen/Ed course and, as such, is geared to develop your understanding of the history, society, culture, and political systems of the U.S. This course’s specific aims are to teach you how to interpret historical and cultural materials and articulate your point of view about the role social movements have played in American history while enhancing your ability to:
• Access and analyze historical, analytical, and cultural materials,
• Develop observations and conclusions about selected themes in U.S. society and culture,
• Construct interpretations using evidence and critical analysis,
• Communicate and defend interpretations, and
• Analyze the ways differences and heterogeneity have shaped our culture and society.
Course Illustration
The course introduces students to the study of contemporary American social movements from a communication perspective. This course focuses on the symbolic strategies employed by social movements to attract members, address counter-movements, and engage with dominant social institutions. In addition, we analyze and discuss the various ways social movement leaders, members, and followers represent their beliefs using images, text, social media, music, and movies. The course progresses through four related sections: a discussion of the characteristics of social movements, alternative perspectives from fields outside of communication (psychology, economics, political science), an examination of the persuasive tactics used by social movements, and an analysis of the representations used by social movements to connect with their members. These materials and tactics include documentaries, speeches, videos, social media posts, protests, campaigns, and violent acts.
Course Objectives
At the completion of the course, you will be able to:
• Describe and apply the characteristics of a social movement.
• Identify and evaluate the persuasive tactics used by social movements.
• Explain social movement activities and texts using perspectives from different areas of study.
• Apply methods of analysis to persuasive materials created by social movements.
• Connect materials from this course to other courses you have taken or your life experiences.
Class Format
Lecture – Lectures allow you to gain familiarity with the relevant theories, traditions, mechanisms, concepts, and methods used to understand the concept of identity.
Discussion – In-class discussions provide an opportunity to engage with the course materials in a less structured manner. Emphasis is placed on peer-to-peer interaction and having you articulate your understanding of the material. You are responsible for raising questions, sharing ideas, and engaging in constructive dialogue with classmates and me during discussions.
Application – A learning goal of this course is to apply theories, concepts, and perspectives on identity to a diverse range of texts.
Assignments
Assignments
• Detailed information and examples for each assignment are available on Canvas.
• I may modify assignment criteria during the semester. You will be made aware of any changes as the semester progresses.
Research and Analysis
Social Movement Organization Profile (Parts 1 and 2)
You will identify a contemporary American social movement organization of your choice and prepare a profile of the organization using primary and secondary research materials. The goal is to produce an overview of the organization and place it within a contemporary social movement context.
Working Group
Plan an Action (Group Grade): Your working group will create a plan to protest a local organization or institution.
SMO Social Media Analysis (Group Grade): Your working group will analyze social media representations from a contemporary American social movement. Every group member receives the same grade.
Working Group Reflection (Individual Grade): You will write a short paper reflecting on the documentary film your group analyzed, as well as your experience completing the group assignments
Evaluation
Assessments
You will have the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the course material twice during the semester. Each assessment will cover assigned readings, discussions, and lectures, incorporating a variety of question types, including short answers, essays, and applications. Each assessment requires the application, integration, and analysis/evaluation of course content.
Syllabus/Application and Analysis
You will complete one syllabus review and four application/analysis assignments to practice using concepts from class, learn more about various social movements, and come to class prepared.
Evaluation
Syllabus Review 5.0% 50 points
Applications and Analysis (4 x 75 points) 30.0% 300 points
Assessment (2 x 125 points) 25.0% 250 points
Research and Analysis
SMO Profile – Part 1 10.0% 100 points
SMO Profile – Part 2 10.0% 100 points
Working Group
Plan an Action 7.5% 75 points
SM Social Media Analysis Presentation 10.0% 100 points
Working Group Reflection 2.5% 25 points
Grading Policies
Grades on Canvas and Scale
• All your grades are posted on Canvas. You should frequently check your grades.
• Final Grades are based on a 1000-point grading scale. Canvas converts your total points into % out of 1000. For example, 932 points = 93.2%.
A 100-94%
A- 93.9-90%
B+ 89.9-87%
B 86.9-84%
B- 83.9-80%
C+ 79.9-77%
C 76.9-74%
C- 73.9-70%
[Note: C- or better required to fulfill General Education area requirement]
D+ 69.9-67%
D 66.9-64%
D- 63.9-60%
• The final grades are not curved, and there is no extra credit.
• For each assignment, you are expected to fulfill the assignment’s requirements. These requirements, detailed criteria, and grading rubrics for each assignment are available on Canvas. Assignments that only meet the stated criteria are in the “C” range (average to fair), the “B” range (good) means work meets all the requirements/criteria and exceeds in several areas, and the “A” range (excellent) work excels expectations in all areas. “D” work (below average) fails to meet expectations in one or more areas, and failing work is deficient in multiple areas.
• The criteria and rubrics for each assignment are available on Canvas.
• Questions regarding your grade(s) will not be discussed during class or via email. If you have a question about a specific grade, you should arrange a meeting with me during my office hours. Before scheduling a meeting, you should wait 24 hours after receiving a grade and thoroughly read the comments/evaluations. Your concerns or questions regarding a specific grade should be brought to my attention within one week of receiving the grade.
Klein College of Media and Communications Grade Appeal Policy
COMC 0801 follows the Klein College of Media and Communications grade appeal policy. It is in the best interest of the School of Media and Communication to foster a spirit of justice and fairness among students, faculty, and administrators. The school has established a system allowing students to appeal to the academic decisions or actions of faculty, administrators, or other college employees. If you want to appeal an academic decision, consult the document explaining the system via TUPortal. Go to Klein College and search “grade appeal.”
Incomplete Grade
Incomplete (“I”) grades and contracts are granted for documented student health issues or other emergencies that would prevent the completion of coursework on time.
• You must complete at least 51% of the assigned coursework before the end of the semester to qualify for an incomplete grade/contract.
• You must have a passing grade to qualify for an incomplete grade/contract.
• A designated person must approve your incomplete contract in the Klein College Dean’s Office before the end of the semester.
• You should request an incomplete form at least two weeks before the last regular day of class.
Using Generative Artificial “Intelligence”
Your use of AI tools must be appropriately documented and cited to stay within university policies on academic honesty. You are responsible for the information you submit based on an AI query (for instance, that it does not violate intellectual property laws or contain misinformation or unethical content). Please use the APA style guide to cite any AI-generated content. See APA – How to Cite ChatGPT.
Any assignment found to have used generative AI tools in unauthorized ways is subject to the Temple University Academic Honesty Policy (see below). If you are in doubt about permitted usage, please ask for clarification.
Acceptable Use of AI
The use of generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Dall-e, etc.) is permitted in this course for the following activities:
• Brainstorming and refining your ideas.
• Finding general information on your topic (as a starting point for research).
• Drafting an outline to organize your thoughts.
• Checking grammar, style, or citations.
• Generating visual aids that communicate a mood, emotion, vibe, theme, or tone.
Unacceptable Use of AI
The use of generative AI tools is NOT permitted in this course for the following activities:
• Completing all or part of a writing assignment that requires original thinking or research (for example, SMO Profile).
• Writing entire sentences, paragraphs, or papers to complete assignments (for example, answers to Assessment questions).
• Generating visual aids that reference specific information (without a reference).
Attendance, Due Dates, and Accommodations
Attendance and Your Health
Students must attend and participate in classes according to their instructors’ requirements to achieve course learning goals. However, suppose you feel unwell, under quarantine, or in isolation because you have been exposed to the virus or tested positive for it. In that case, you should not come to campus or attend in-person classes or activities. The student’s responsibility is to contact their instructors to create a plan for participation and engagement in the course as soon as possible and plan to complete all assignments promptly when illness delays their completion.
Attendance Policy
The university policy is that students should regularly attend classes to get credit for a course.
Learning is enhanced in this course when you attend class regularly and prepare for and participate in class discussions.
• Attendance is taken at the beginning of every course meeting using the Qwickly attendance app.
• You are permitted three unexcused absences. Your three “unexcused” absences are your three “free days.”
• You do not have to contact me to use your three “free days”/unexcused absences.
• Any additional unexcused absence will result in a 25-point deduction from your final grade for the semester.
Excused Absences
• Excused absences are only granted by your instructor and are managed on a case-by-case basis.
• Excused absences may be granted for documented illness, a family emergency (e.g., death in the family), or civic responsibility (e.g., jury duty). Documentation, such as a physician’s note or death announcement, may be required for an absence to be excused.
• You must provide documentation in-person or electronically during the class period following an unexcused absence.
• Tardiness is unprofessional. If you are late to class, you should enter the classroom at a time that is not disruptive. If you are late to class, you are responsible for informing me that you are in attendance at the end of the class period.
Due Dates
I reserve the right to modify the course schedule during the semester. You will be made aware of those changes as the course progresses.
• Assignments are due at the start of class unless otherwise specified.
• Late work is accepted if you have an excused absence or with my approval.
• The grade penalty for accepted late work is 25% off the original point total.
• No late work is accepted if submitted more than two working days past the due date.
Accommodations for Students with a Disability
Any student who needs accommodations based on the impact of a documented disability or medical condition should contact Disability Resources and Services (DRS) at 100 Ritter Annex (rlrs@templc.edu; 215-204-1280) to request accommodations and learn more about the resources available to you. If you have a DRS accommodation letter to share with your instructor or would like to discuss your accommodations, please contact your instructor the first week of the semester. Your instructor will work with you and DRS to coordinate reasonable accommodations for all students with documented disabilities. All discussions related to your accommodations will be confidential.
• Please be aware that you have free medical care as a full- or part-time student at Temple University. The student health center is located at 1810 Liacouras Walk, 4th
Floor. They have early morning, evening, and Saturday appointments. (215) 204-7500.
• You are entitled to free private and confidential mental health counseling as a full- or part-time student at Temple University. There are several walk-in hours available in the mornings, evenings, and Saturdays. The student counseling center is located at 1700 North Broad St., 2nd Floor. (215) 204- 7276. There is someone available for you to talk to at this number 24 hours a day. You can also call psychiatric services at (215) 707-2577.
• A letter from DRS requesting accommodations does not apply retroactively to graded activities in the course. If you complete a graded activity, for example, a quiz or speech, before my receipt of the accommodation letter, no accommodation may be possible.
• Exceptions to course policies for students with disabilities will not be granted without notification from Disability Resources and Services.
Accommodations for Religious Holidays
If you observe any religious holidays this semester that will prevent you from attending a regularly scheduled class or interfere with fulfilling any course requirement, I will offer you an opportunity to make up the class or course requirement. Please plan by informing me of the dates of your religious holidays within two weeks of the beginning of the semester (or three days before any holidays that fall within the first two weeks of class).
Class Cancellation
In the case of a class cancellation, assignments will be completed during the next class meeting.
• Class may be held virtually or pre-recorded. Be sure to check your email and/or Canvas messages.
• I reserve the right to use the final exam date to complete the assigned work for the semester.
• During the winter, the University participates in an inclement weather notification program with the City of Philadelphia and local radio and television stations. The University’s hotline (215-204-1975) announces the status of classes in bad weather as well as updates on campus news. The Temple website (www.temple.edu) also carries current information. The University will send messages to faculty, staff, and students.
Professionalism in the Classroom
Civility
It is also important to foster a respectful and productive learning environment that includes all students in our diverse community of learners. Our differences, some of which are outlined in the University’s nondiscrimination statement, will add richness to this learning experience. Therefore, no matter how different or controversial they may be perceived, all opinions and experiences must be respected in the tolerant spirit of academic discourse. Treat your classmates and instructor with respect to all communication, class activities, and meetings. You are encouraged to comment, question, or critique an idea, but you cannot attack an individual. Please consider that sarcasm, humor, and slang can be misconstrued in online interactions and generate unintended disruptions. Profanity should be avoided, as should the use of all capital letters when composing responses in discussion threads, which can be construed as “shouting” online. Remember to be careful with your own and others’ privacy. In general, have your behavior mirror how you would like to be treated by others.
For a detailed overview of Temple University’s policy on civility in the classroom, please go here.
Students should also be familiar with the Temple University Student Code of Conduct. Any violation of the student code of conduct will be reported. For a detailed overview of Temple University’s Student Code of Conduct, click here.
Controversial or Challenging Course Content
In this class, we engage in general conversations about social issues—these can vary depending on class contributions and discussions. These issues can be upsetting for all of us. Some material we cover may be triggering, meaning it may cause unique distress that inhibits productive engagement with this course’s purpose and goals. In my effort to create an accessible learning space, I will do my best to tell you in advance when a reading, film, or lecture discusses potentially distressing topics.
If you use content in your presentations that you believe may be triggering for the class, please provide a content warning before your presentation.
If you have questions about the content, please schedule a time to talk with me.
Ethical Student Conduct
The following is taken from the Temple University Undergraduate Bulletin:
Temple University strongly believes in academic honesty and integrity. Therefore, plagiarism and academic cheating are prohibited. Essential to intellectual growth is the development of independent thought and respect for the thoughts of others. The prohibition against plagiarism and cheating is intended to foster this independence and respect.
Plagiarism is the unacknowledged use of another person’s labor, another person’s ideas, another person’s words, another person’s assistance. Normally, all work done for courses -- papers, examinations, homework exercises, laboratory reports, oral presentations -- is expected to be the student’s individual effort presenting the work. Any assistance must be reported to the instructor. If the work has entailed consulting other resources -- journals, books, or other media -- these resources must be cited in a manner appropriate to the course. It is the instructor’s responsibility to indicate the appropriate manner of citation. Everything used from other sources -- suggestions for the organization of ideas, ideas themselves, or actual language -- must be cited. Failure to cite borrowed material constitutes plagiarism. Undocumented use of materials from the World Wide Web is plagiarism.
Plagiarism also includes technology-assisted software and programs like artificial intelligence and chatbots.
Academic cheating is, generally, the thwarting or breaking of the general rules of academic work or the specific rules of the individual courses. It includes falsifying data, submitting, without the instructor’s approval, work in one course that was done for another; helping others plagiarize or cheat from one’s own or another’s work; or doing the work of another person.
All graded assignments, quizzes, and tests are to be completed individually unless otherwise noted in writing in the syllabus. The instructor reserves the right to refer any suspected plagiarism cases or cheating to the University Disciplinary Committee. Instructors also reserve the right to assign a grade of “F” for the presentation, quiz, etc.
Statement on Student and Faculty Academic Rights and Responsibilities Policy 03.70.02
Freedom to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic freedom. The University has a policy on Student and Faculty and Academic Rights and Responsibilities, which can be accessed through the following link: Statement on Academic Rights and Responsibilities.
Recording and Distribution of Course Content
Any recordings permitted in this class can only be used for the student’s personal and educational use. Students are not permitted to copy, publish, or redistribute audio or video recordings of any portion of the class session to individuals who are not students in the course or academic program without the faculty member’s express permission and of any students who are recorded. Distribution without permission may violate educational privacy law, FERPA, and specific copyright laws. Any recordings made by the instructor or University of this course are the property of Temple University.
Student Support Services and Policies
University Writing Center for Students
The University Writing Center provides services to students across the University. These services include tutoring, technology, a computer classroom, a resource library, workshops, and seminars. Many of these services, including tutoring, are accessible online through the Writing Center’s website. All services are free of charge to you. Tutoring services are offered on a drop-in basis or by appointment.
Student Support Services
The following academic support services are available to support you:
• Student Success Center
• University Libraries
• Undergraduate Research Support
• Career Center
• Tuttleman Counseling Services
• Disability Resources and Services
Temple provides resources and support if you are experiencing food insecurity or financial struggles. Notably, the Temple University Cherry Pantry and the Temple University Emergency Student Aid Program are in operation, and a variety of resources from the Office of Student Affairs.
Course & Teaching Evaluations
Temple University is committed to high-quality instruction in graduate, undergraduate, and professional programs. Your feedback regarding instruction is integral to assuring quality in the University’s educational programs. Student evaluations of faculty occur toward the end of the semester. This is your opportunity to voice your opinion regarding my effectiveness and the course overall. This process also allows you to assist us as we strive to continually improve upon efforts and make this a better experience for those students who follow you. For more information about student evaluations of courses and teaching, please refer to Policy #02.78.14 on the University’s policy and procedures website.
Possibility of Changes to Syllabus
Some assignments or due dates in the syllabus/schedule may have to be changed by me in the case of illness, emergency, or inclement weather.
Any changes to the syllabus/schedule will be communicated to the class via email, Canvas, or notes on the syllabus/schedule.
Per Temple University Policy and Procedures Manual (Policy on Course Syllabi; 02.78.13), the following syllabus complies and will be our commitment to one another this semester.