Social Justice    101

3 (crs.)

Introduction to Social Justice (XS)

This is an introductory course focused on social justice, designed to provide an understanding of contemporary issues related to social justice and in identifying and assessing relevant social, economic and behavioral factors which impact people experiencing injustice and oppression. Topics including race, gender, class, disability, gender orientation and environmental injustice, (historic and current) will be explored. Corrective measures which have been used as well as potential corrective measures, will also be explored.

Social Justice    101Q1

3 (crs.)

Introduction to Social Justice (XS)

This is an introductory course focused on social justice, designed to provide an understanding of contemporary issues related to social justice and in identifying and assessing relevant social, economic and behavioral factors which impact people experiencing injustice and oppression. Topics including race, gender, class, disability, gender orientation and environmental injustice, (historic and current) will be explored. Corrective measures which have been used as well as potential corrective measures, will also be explored.

Social Justice    102Q1

3 (crs.)

Introduction to Social Justice (XS)(ES)

This is an introductory course focused on social justice, designed to provide an understanding of contemporary issues related to social justice and in identifying and assessing relevant social, economic and behavioral factors which impact people experiencing injustice and oppression. Topics including race, gender, class, disability, gender orientation and environmental injustice, (historic and current) will be explored. Corrective measures which have been used as well as potential corrective measures, will also be explored.

Social Justice    303

3 (crs.)

Women, Politics and Policy – A Global Perspective (GS)

This course examines how women’s political power varies around the globe. Topics may include women’s representation in government, women’s movements locally and globally, and gender policy that affects women’s political and economic empowerment. Cross-listed: POLI SCI 303/ SOC JUST 303/WG STDS 303. POLI SCI 101 or 105 is recommended but not required.

Social Justice    304

3 (crs.)

Race and Ethnicity in United States Politics (ES)

How issues of race and ethnicity have been defined and by whom, and their impact on communities of color; the strategies used by minority groups to become equal participants in the political system; how economic and social conditions might affect political opportunities for minority groups. This course will examine these topics in a historical perspective, with an eye to the interplay between national, state, and local political outcomes. Cross-listed: POLI SCI 304/SOC JUST 304.

Social Justice    307

3 (crs.)

The Economics of Sex, Race, and Love

This course will employ economic theories to understand differences in economic outcomes by gender, sexual orientation, race, and other personal characteristics. Empirical work testing economic theories and policies aimed at alleviating group-level differences will be discussed. We will apply economic perspectives to the choices made with respect to love and sex, such as who we choose to date and marry. Cross-listed: ECON 307/SOC JUST 307/WG STDS 307. Prerequisites: (ECON 201 or 209 and ECON 202 or 208 with a grade of C or better in both courses) AND EITHER (Admitted to the SOB; Admitted Econ Bus majors; Econ BS majors & minors) OR (30 credits and 2.2 GPA). Special course fees may apply.

Social Justice    309

3 (crs.)

Theorizing in Hmong Studies (ES)

Hmong Studies is a growing field that speaks back to multiple disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, history, psychology, political science, public health, education research and much more. Despite Hmong Studies originally being developed by colonial, missionary, and western scholarship, contemporary Hmong Studies has a been a place of contestation, resistance, and reclamation about knowledge production, power, agency, and the larger human experience. This course will sample some of the key theories influential to and further advanced by Hmong Studies, including feminist theory, postcolonial theory, and cultural studies. Cross-listed: ANTHRO 309/HMONG ST 309/SOC JUST 309/WG STDS 309.

Social Justice    313

3 (crs.)

Politics of Genocide

In this course, we examine the sad phenomenon of genocide from two distinct perspectives in our discipline: comparative politics and international relations. In the beginning of the course, we look inside the state to get an idea of the social, economic and political situations that make a state more susceptible to genocide and see if there are indicators common to most genocides. The second part of the course examines several genocides in detail. In the final section of the course, we attempt to figure out why preventing and punishing genocide and other crimes against humanity is so difficult, and evaluate the methods used for prosecution and punishment to date. Cross-listed: POLI SCI 313/SOC JUST 313.

Social Justice    317

3 (crs.)

Sociology of Health & Illness

Patterns of health and illness related to social organization and institutions. Issues include the social aspects of physical and mental illness, health related to culture, social structure, class, race, gender and ethnicity, social constructions of the body, changes in patterns of health and illness over time, health organizations and the socio-economic basis of the health care system. Cross-listed: SOC JUST 317/SOC 317. Prerequisites: SOC 101, 151 or 203, or instructor consent.

Social Justice    318

3 (crs.)

Religion and Sexuality

In this class, we will explore how religious practice and sexuality intersect, with a particular focus on the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and queer-identified (LGBTQ) individuals in the modern world. By placing LGBTQ issues at the center of study, we will gain a greater understanding of how religious adherents think about the very notion of sexuality itself. We will also become more sophisticated in our ability to engage with civic questions about religion, families, and rights. Cross-listed: GLBL REL 318/SOC JUST 318/WG STDS 318

Social Justice    325

3 (crs.)

Collective Behavior and Social Movements

Collective Behavior provides an analysis of spontaneous, emergent and transitory behavior in relatively unstructured social situations. Social Movements considers formation and dynamics of collective efforts to change or maintain the status quo or to return to some antecedent state. Cross-listed: SOC JUST 325/SOC 325. Prerequisites: SOC 101, 151 or 203 or instructor consent. Strongly recommended: Minimum of 6 credits in Sociology.

Social Justice    331

3 (crs.)

Social Stratification

Systems of hierarchical ranking in American and other societies. Castes, estates, and social classes. Stratification theory. Significant American studies of social class structure, power and mobility. Cross-listed: SOC JUST 331/SOC 331. Prerequisites: SOC 101, 151 or 203 or instructor consent.

Social Justice    333

3 (crs.)

Illegal Bias in the Criminal Justice System

An examination of the extent of illegal biases in criminal justice practice. Students will be guided to confront their and others’ attitudes shaped by racial, sexual, and sexual orientation biases. The primary goal is to teach a method of open discourse to negotiate these conflicts in an evolving culture. Cross-listed: CRIM JUS 333/SOC JUST 333. Prerequisite: CRIM JUS 110 or 270.

Social Justice    334

3 (crs.)

Comparative Criminal Justice Policies (XS)(GS)

This course has been designed to broaden student’s awareness of the intertwining historical and contemporary factors underlying differing criminal justice policies through a global perspective of how differing laws, policies, and practices in other nations as well as by some states in the U.S. impact criminal justice systems and broader society so that students can develop an awareness of alternative laws, policies and practices and their outcomes.

Social Justice    347

3 (crs.)

Race, Class, Gender in the Mass Media (ES)

An introduction to the issues of race, socioeconomic class, gender, and sexual orientation focused on representations in media, including film and television. This course examines the interconnected relationship between storytelling and social concepts of identity, using both formal analysis and research-based investigations. Cross-listed: RTF 347/SOC JUST 347/WG STDS 347. Prerequisite: RTF students: RTF 310; Social Justice students: SOC JUST 101; Women’s and Gender Studies students: WG STDS 201; Communication students: COMM 219.

Social Justice    350

3 (crs.)

Ethnographic Methods

This course centers on ethnographic research methods that are fundamental to Cultural Anthropology. Drawing on a collaborative approach with a community partner, the course stresses empowering research participants, addressing the ethical issues of research, interrogating the positionality of the researcher, and building equitable relationships with research participants. The students will be engaged in research practices such as participant-observation, informal interviews, focus groups, and life histories. The course explores Social Justice issues, especially the intersectionality of various factors, race, class, gender, sexual orientation, age, and more, in the everyday lives of individuals. Cross-listed: ANTHRO 350/SOC JUST 350. Prerequisite: ANTHRO 204 or SOC JUST 101 or instructor consent.

Social Justice    355

3 (crs.)

Modern Political Thought

This course examines the theory of how politics works and how it should work by reading and considering major political thinkers from the Renaissance forward to modernity. These thinkers make claims about humans and societies that cross time and context. Thus, we consider how their arguments have been employed and their continued relevance given today’s issues and challenges. A number of theorists we meet are among the most influential writers in human history and we assess how our thinking has been affected by them. Alternative visions of the way things should be and explanations of how society works are considered as well. Cross-listed: POLI SCI 355/SOC JUST 355.

Social Justice    359

3 (crs.)

Sociology of Race and Ethnicity (ES)

Racial and cultural minority groups in the United States, prejudice, types of discrimination and social processes in intergroup relations. Cross-listed: SOC JUST 359/SOC 359. Prerequisites: SOC 101 or 151, or 203 or instructor consent.

Social Justice    366

1 – 3 (crs.)

Service Learning Field Study

In this course, students will apply their Social Justice education in service activities in the community related to social justice issues, under the supervision of an individual at the site and a member of the faculty/academic staff. Students will volunteer for a certain number of hours per week depending upon the number of credits they will receive. Students will also write reflective papers that connect their service experiences with relevant readings. Prerequisites: Instructor consent. (Note: The general prerequisites for Independent Study/Related Readings are waived for this course).

Social Justice    368

3 (crs.)

Sociology of Gender

Analysis of the social construction of gender, which shapes the lives of men and women through the organization of roles or patterns of expectations related to order in society, including sex-typed behavior and self-expression, sexualities, the division of labor, the organization of households, parenting, power and gender-based forms of discrimination. Cross-listed: SOC JUST 368/SOC 368/WG STDS 368. Prerequisites: SOC 101, 151 or 203 or instructor consent.

Social Justice    369

3 (crs.)

Sex, Gender, & Sexuality in the Past

This course introduces students to the history of sexuality by looking at early medical, anatomical, and sexological texts regarding sex, gender, and sexuality, and then exploring how these discourses influenced writers and artists beyond the scientific community, as well as future medical and cultural debates. Cross-listed: SOC JUST 369/WG STDS 369.

Social Justice    377

3 (crs.)

Foundations of American Political Thought

This course introduces some of the key themes, thinkers, and decision points in American history from the American founding forward to the New Deal. The ideas of prevalent commentators and political practitioners will be featured. Through them we will attempt to discern the values which have shaped and influenced the United States government and American attitudes. Alternative visions of government and paths not taken will also be considered. Those who complete the course will come to appreciate the great variety of American political thought. Readings and discussion will help us to discern what kind of community we have been and how ideas have shaped the American nation, matters of utmost concern for the politically literate citizen. Cross-listed: POLI SCI 377/SOC JUST 377.

Social Justice    378

3 (crs.)

Modern American Political Thought

An exploration of key themes, dilemmas, and decision points in American political history from the New Deal to the present. The ideas of influential thinkers and political practitioners like John Dewey, Milton Friedman, Michael Walzer, Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama are featured, as well as those who present alternative visions of the American political landscape. Cross-listed: POLI SCI 378/SOC JUST 378.

Social Justice    386

3 (crs.)

Politics of Developing Countries (GS)

This course examines experiences of economic and political development in the developing world in order to understand the political roots of diverse government policies to confront major development issues such as poverty, injustice, corruption, democratization, environmental degradation, and deadly conflict. Cross-listed: ENV STDS 386/POLI SCI 386/SOC JUST 386. POLI SCI 101 or 115 are recommended.

Social Justice    392

3 (crs.)

Queer, Trans & Nonbinary Studies

This course provides a survey of contemporary arguments and critical terms used in the fields of queer, trans, and nonbinary studies. Emphasis will be on using queer theory and trans studies as lenses through which to analyze cultural representations of queerness, transness and nonbinariness (in fiction, film, media, culture, and history), while also examining the ways in which queer, trans, and nonbinary studies as a field and critical approach challenge heteronormative and cisnormative knowledges and institutions. Cross-listed: SOC JUST 392/WG STDS 392.

Social Justice    393

3 (crs.)

Queer Memoir

This course will explore the lives of members of the LGBTQ community through the genre of memoir. It will also look critically at the genre of memoir and memoir theory. The course considers the struggles of members of the LGBTQ community while also celebrating their lives and achievements. By analyzing a diverse selection of queer memoirs, the course considers the socio-cultural and historical construction of gender and sexual identities, major issues pertaining to the lives of LGBTQ people, historically and in contemporary societies, systems of privilege and oppression, the creation of queer culture, and the impact of queer culture on the dominant culture. Cross-listed: SOC JUST 393/WG STDS 393. Prerequisite: WG STDS  201, 201Q1, 204Q3, 205, 224 OR SOC JUST 101 OR instructor consent.

Social Justice    395

3 (crs.)

Special Topics: Optional Content

A course on a topic not normally covered in the curriculum. Each time it is offered, the topic will be announced in the timetable. May be repeated with a different content.

Social Justice    399

3 (crs.)

Special Topics in Off-Campus Study

In this course, students will learn what social justice issues are prevalent in another country or region of the United States and what actions are being taken to address them. The off-campus experience will be led by a Social Justice faculty/academic staff member, looking at such issues as poverty, human rights, prejudice and discrimination, and gender activism. Students will interact with community members and be immersed in the culture of that country or region. Student will also write reflective papers that connect their experiences with relevant readings. Prerequisite: Instructor consent.

Social Justice    403

3 (crs.)

Feminist Thought and Practice

Explores the distinct but intersecting explanations for women’s personal, professional, and political conditions, as well as various recommendations for improving or transforming those conditions.  This course may be offered using different content. Cross-listed: ENGLISH 403/POLI SCI 403/SOC JUST 403/WG STDS 403.

Social Justice    427

3 (crs.)

Rhetorical Criticism

Ancient and contemporary approaches to rhetorical criticism with emphasis on the description, analysis and evaluation of public messages. Cross-listed: COMM 427/SOC JUST 427 Prerequisites: Communication students: COMM 219Q1 or 219; Prerequisite or Co-requisite COMM 368. Social Justice students: SOC JUST 101; or instructor consent.

Social Justice    446

1 – 3 (crs.)

Independent Study

See Independent Study under Course and Academic Advisement Policies information for general course description, general prerequisites, and proper contract form requirements.

Social Justice    450

3 (crs.)

Early Women’s Rights Rhetoric

This course introduces students to primary rhetorical texts of the U.S. women’s rights movement, from the 1830’s to 1920. Emphasis on the analysis of the arguments, appeals, and ideas of the movement. Cross-listed: COMM 450/SOC JUST 450/WG STDS 450. Prerequisite for Communication majors/minors: COMM 219Q1 or 219; and Prerequisite or Co-requisite: COMM 368; or instructor consent. Prerequisite for non-majors and minors: SOC JUST 101 or WG STDS 201; or instructor consent.

Social Justice    451

3 (crs.)

Feminist Rhetorics and Social Change

This course explores feminist activism in a variety of forms and contexts. Integrated throughout the course is an analysis of iconic images, speeches, marches, protests, and digital activism. Cross-listed: COMM 451/SOC JUST 451/WG STDS 451. Prerequisite for Communication majors/minors: COMM 219Q1 or 219; and Prerequisite or Co-requisite: COMM 368; or instructor consent. Prerequisite for non-majors and minors: SOC JUST 101 or WG STDS 201; or instructor consent.

Social Justice    499

3 (crs.)

Social Justice Capstone

This course is the culminating experience within the Social Justice Minor Program. It will combine theory, knowledge and practical experience. It will offer an opportunity for students to meet the student learning outcomes of the Social Justice Minor Program through research, writing, critical thinking, communication, and activism. The student learning outcomes will be met through a thematic exploration of global issues. Prerequisite: Completion of SOC JUST 101 or SOC JUST 102 and at least three elective course offerings or instructor consent.