Do research on a social movement organization (SMO), not an entire movement as SMOs differ in ideologies, framing and organization, or cult of interest to you. It can be U.S. based or international and/or historical or current.
( I have already chosen Martin Luther King and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference)
Research Sources: In addition to course material use:
One book or three (peer-reviewed) journal articles plus one additional research source such as websites, documentaries, flyers, interviews and/or magazine articles (suggested readings on the syllabus and additional chapters in the texts that have not been assigned can qualify as one peer-reviewed article.
Newspaper coverage of SMO’s or Cults can be found at: ProQuest Newsstand: link in Canvas or go to: http://library.missouri.edu/databases/moreinfo/?id=3165 AND/OR find various other news options on Canvas or at: https://libraryguides.missouri.edu/news/newsdatabases –
Format
In at least seven typed, double-spaced pages (with additional bibliography) do the following:
BEGIN with an introduction that tells the reader what you plan to analyze in your paper. Provide a brief overview of the background of this SMO or cult.
Part 1: ASSESS THE FORMS OF MOBILIZATION USED BY THE SMO OR CULT
Analyze the forms of mobilization that the SMO or cult uses to gain resources and members. How do they do outreach to gain members, for, example social media, direct mail, friendship networks, direct outreach by movement or cult participants or something else?
Part 2: IDENTIFY THE SMO OR CULT’S IDEOLOGY
What ideological orientation(s) best describe the SMO or cult and why have you come to this conclusion? Recall that people and organizations may have characteristics of more than one ideal type political orientation and that ideologies can change over the life course of movements and cults.
Part 3: ANALYZE THE SMO OR CULT’S FRAMING AND HOW THE MEDIA FRAME THE SMO OR CULT
How has the SMO or cult framed their diagnosis, prognosis, and motives for action in mobilization appeals? Provide at least two examples of how the media has framed the SMO or cult based on news coverage (at least two newspaper articles).
Part 4: ANALYZE THE ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE SMO OR CULT
Is the structure more bureaucratic, collectivist democratic, both or something else? What are the advantages and disadvantages of this type of organization for the SMO’s recruitment, commitment and longevity?
Part 4: HOW EFFECTIVE IS THE MOBILIZATION OF THIS SMO OR CULT? COULD IT BE IMPROVED? ARE YOU PERSUADED TO JOIN? WHY OR WHY NOT?
How effective is the mobilization and framing of this organization? Why? Could it’s framing and/or organization be improved to enhance recruitment or produce more positive media framing? How? Given the SMO or cult’s mobilization, ideology, framing, and organization would you be interested in becoming involved with it? Why or why not?
END with a brief conclusion that sums up your findings.