Power and Social Change

Course Description

A critical examination of theories of power, including the relationship of power to culture, social class, the economic order, government, ideology, poverty, race, sex and other topics. Studies community, national and international power structures and institutional leaderships.

Learning Outcomes

  • Discuss and differentiate the directions and limits of power and authority in American society.
  • Describe how power arises and is manifested in various institutional contexts.
  • Discuss how power is exercised, via social movements, to bring about social change.
  • Describe how an individual can gain, use and respond to power.
  • Distinguish between power, authority, and influence.
  • Define ideology and describe its relationship to power.
  • Compare and contrast ‘elitist’ vs. ‘pluralist’ views of power.

Prerequisites

Why Choose National University?

We’re proud to be a Veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners. Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 230,000 alumni worldwide.

Four-Week Courses

Focus on one subject at a time — one month at a time — and finish your degree faster.

75+ Degree Programs

Choose from associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, plus credentials and certificates.

On Campus or Online

Study when and where it’s convenient for you with evening, weekend, and 100% online classes.

Year-Round Enrollment

Apply or transfer any time. Classes start monthly, and applications are accepted year round.

20+ Locations

Attend class and learn onsite at one of over 20 locations in California.

Military Friendly

As a Yellow Ribbon school, we offer tuition discounts to servicemembers and dependents.

School of Arts, Letters, and Sciences

“Our faculty are established scholars and creators in their own fields. They are dedicated to making your entry into their disciplines a successful one, preparing you for your career as well as graduate study.”
School of Arts, Letters, and Sciences
Jackson M., Class of 2021, Military Veteran