Social Justice (BA)
The major in Social Justice supports students in developing the knowledge, analytical tools, experience, and skills needed to address the systemic and structural causes of marginalization and inequity. Through exposure to a wide range of religious and ethical perspectives and concepts, and first-hand experience collaborating with community partners, students develop their vision of justice and the capacity to work with others to create flourishing communities. Central to this exploration is finding solidarity with marginalized communities,listening to and learning from community members, and mentorship from social change advocates and practitioners. . .
The work of this major culminates in a sustained research project, guided by a faculty mentor, that addresses a current issue faced in our local community.
Community-engaged research provides a robust opportunity to learn and implement a collaborative and humanizing methodology. Students gain research skills based in human relationships, care, and respect for the dignity and knowledge of community members. The skills and knowledge developed through this approach are highly transferable to many professional and civic endeavors.
Students with this major may only apply 8 f shared units to a minor in Community Action and Social Change or Philosophy and Religion. There is no limit for double-dipping major classes with Core Curriculum requirements. Please see the catalog for university policies regarding “double-dipping” of units.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students will:
- Reflect critically on their own positionality and responsibility in the context of power, privilege, and structures of inequity.
- Critically analyze social structures (historical, economic, political, cultural, religious) that cause and perpetuate social and environmental injustice.
- Apply critical theories to larger social justice contexts.
- Act creatively and collaboratively in diverse community contexts to address inequities and advocate for social justice.
Required Courses:
Select a Service-Learning (SL) designated Religion course or Service-Learning (SL) designated Philosophy course in consultation with the advisor.
Select one Religion course or Philosophy course in consultation with the advisor.
Select one upper division Religion course in consultation with the advisor.
| Upper Division Elective | 4.00 units |
Electives in the Major
Select Social Justice themed courses drawn from English, Global Public Health, History, Literature, Political Science, Philosophy, Religion, Psychology, or Sociology in consultation with the advisor. One course must be upper division.
| Elective | 4.00 units |
| Upper Division Elective | 4.00 units |
Signature Work
Student takes
CASC 3405 to initiate their capstone and then enrolls in
CASC 4901 to complete their capstone with a faculty mentor.
Total Credit Hours: 40