Understanding Revolutions: History, Ideologies, and Social Transformation

This course aims to study revolution from a multidisciplinary perspective (sociology, political science, and history). It starts by outlining the role of governments and militaries in responding to mass uprisings and protests. Based on a global survey of forty "dictator's endgames" from 1946 to 2014, it examines how dictators and their militaries react to protests and the consequences on the survival of authoritarianism or the emergence of democracy.

The course will then cover the different revolutionary ideologies, trying to help define what revolution means, why it occurs, and its impact. Karl Marx's views on social or class conflict within society will be explained. Next, you will learn about global inequality, how the concept of modernity was centred in Western Europe and how industrialization and the socioeconomic stratification it created led to revolution.

You will next learn about the English Revolution of 1688 and Oliver Cromwell's role, actions, and importance. The ideology of Thomas Hobbes and John Locke will be discussed. You will also comprehend how human rights are integral to modern revolutions. Magna Carta (1215), the Petition of Right (1628), and the English Bill of Rights (1689) are the foundations of many of today's traditional conventions, which will be addressed in extensive detail.