Social Justice and Social Change empowers students to become informed, active, and dynamic problem solvers. Students gain the knowledge to analyze current social issues and the practical skills to address them. Through a focused exploration of these issues, students will develop an understanding of how effecting social change can lead to a more just society.
The major in Social Justice and Social Change is interdisciplinary, yet with a sociological core. Taking a sociological perspective invites students to get a fresh view of a world they have likely taken for granted, to examine their world with the same curiosity and fascination that they might bring to a culture with which they are wholly unfamiliar. Understanding the structure and process of society is necessary before ineffective, unjust, or harmful social arrangements can be changed. Good social policy and the eradication of social problems are not possible without an understanding of what caused the problem, the barriers that stand in the way of a solution, and the problems a particular solution might in turn create.
The major consists of eight core courses which include an introductory sequence, courses in gender, race, theory, and methods, an internship, and a capstone course. Additionally, students will take six elective courses designed to expose them to a range of social issues and/or a variety of academic disciplines. These courses may center on an area of particular interest to the student; for example, environment, gender/sexualities, law, race, religion, youth.
The program prepares students to work in a variety of settings. Among a wide range of opportunities, students majoring in Social Justice and Social Change may pursue careers and/or graduate/professional education in community organizing, creative writing, education, law, legislative advocacy, and politics.
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