Social Justice Studies

Interdisciplinary programs in the Center for Social Justice Studies offer a solid foundation for many careers and graduate programs in a changing world that values adaptable skill sets and creative approaches to complex problems. American Studies, Black and Africana Studies, and Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies all provide a deeper understanding of cultural issues by examining them from more than one disciplinary lens. Courses in these programs extend their concerns with diversity, pluralism, power, equity, and inclusion beyond the classroom through integrative and applied learning. This microcredential in Social Justice Studies develops cultural competency together with analytical, writing, research, and communication skills that are valuable for professional success in business, education, health care, law, public advocacy, and other professions.

Program Learning Outcomes

In completing this microcredential, students will:

Understand and think critically about social justice issues in the United States and global contexts.
Understand the value of an interdisciplinary approach to social justice studies.
Reflect on what they have learned and their outlook on social justice issues to make personal, professional and civic plans based on that self-reflection.

Requirements:

1. Three courses from at least two different prefixes (9-11 credits):
AMST 200 - Race, Prisons and Policing Credit(s): 3
AMST 201 - Topics in American Studies: (subtitle) Credit(s): 4
BLKS 200 - Introduction to Black Studies Credit(s): 3
HUMN 222 - Black Humanities Credit(s): 4
WGST 100 - Introduction to Gender, Sexuality, & Women’s Studies Credit(s): 3
WGST 310 - Race, Class, and Gender Credit(s): 3
WGST 320 - Gender and Sexualities Credit(s): 3
2. One integrative or applied learning experience, selected in consultation with the faculty coordinator (0-3 credits), including a self-reflective statement:
AMST 395 - American Studies Internship Credit(s): As arranged
AMST 490 - Research Seminar Credit(s): 3 or BLKS 490 - Research Seminar or WGST 490 - Research Seminar
WGST 332 - Safe Zone Train-the-Trainer Credit(s): 3
WGST 495 - Internship Credit(s): As arranged
Black Studies internship, directed study, or study abroad
XLRN 250 - Intergroup Dialogue Credit(s): 3
May include: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Educators (DICE); leadership in student organizations such as African Student Association, Black Student Union, Caribbean Student Association, PRIDE Alliance; college or departmental service; service learning