SOCIAL JUSTICE STUDIES (SOCJ)
SOCJ 201 - INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL JUSTICE STUDIES
Various ways of conceptualiziang social justice; how the social sciences can be used to understand questions of social justice; case studies in collective action for social justice.
Credits: 3
Attributes: Social Justice Studies, Social Science
Prerequisites: ENG 102 (may be taken concurrently)
SOCJ 208 - WORKING CLASS STUDIES: FROM COAL MINES TO COVID19
What does it mean to be working class in a nation that pretends to be classless? We’ll discuss memoirs, radio and film documentaries, movies, literary writing, and other texts to explore this question. Who is considered “working class,” and what has this meant culturally, economically, and politically? We will examine the historical and current life experiences of working-class people in the US, and in the Chicago area specifically, paying particular attention to how the experiences of being working class have always intersected with racialized, ethnic, gendered, and sexual identities. How has class impacted our experiences of, and assumptions about, belonging, community, political voice, and educational opportunity? And how have working-class folks always organized for economic and political justice?
Credits: 3
Attributes: Social Science
SOCJ 211 - THE GIG ECONOMY
You may have heard one or more of the following terms: shared economy, independent contractor, temporary worker, 1099, entrepreneur, or contingent worker. Or perhaps you have used Uber, Lyft or Airbnb. Or maybe you work at a job in which your hours vary and you only receive your schedule a week or two in advance. All of these situations are part of an emerging trend in our economy, a move away from full-time permanent employment with benefits toward more precarious work. This course examines what this means for workers, unions, and public policy.
Credits: 3
Attributes: Social Justice Studies, Social Science
SOCJ 213 - TOPICS IN SOCIAL JUSTICE STUDIES
In depth courses on special topics bearing on questions of social justice. Since topics vary by semester, students may register for the course more than once. Check the schedule of classes for its specific title in a given semester.
Credits: 3
Attributes: Social Justice Studies, Social Science
Course Notes: Content of course varies by semester.
SOCJ 214 - ECONOMICS OF GLOBALIZATION
Globalization and global economic crises have become household words, yet what do they really mean, who benefits, and who loses? This interdisciplinary course examines the phenomenon of globalization using economic, sociological, and feminist analyses to explore controversial themes of the globalization debate, some of which include: offshoring, economic development, international migration, sweatshops, transnational corporations, the Global South, and gender equity. We will examine both the benefits and costs that have resulted from the opening and crossing of international boundaries and borders and examine how these changes have impacted people from both rich and poor countries throughout the world.
Credits: 3
Attributes: International Studies, Non-western Culture, Social Justice Studies, Social Science
Prerequisites: ECON 101
SOCJ 225 - LIVING SOCIAL JUSTICE
Social scientists study the social world and are often well-versed in the ‘problems’ of everyday life. In this course we will learn about how to engage in creating social change. Through the planned readings and workshops students will learn theory, advocacy and activist skills, and engage in dialogue about their goals and plans beyond completion of their degrees. In the end, students interested in pursuing graduate school and/or careers informed by a sociological perspective will have tools to connect to or carve a path.
Credits: 3
Attributes: Social Justice Studies
SOCJ 228 - LIVING SOCIAL JUSTICE
Social scientists study the social world and are often well-versed in the ‘problems’ of everyday life. In this course we will learn about how to engage in creating social change. Through the planned readings and workshops students will learn theory, advocacy and activist skills, and engage in dialogue about their goals and plans beyond completion of their degrees. In the end, students interested in pursuing graduate school and/or careers informed by a sociological perspective will have tools to connect to or carve a path.
Credits: 3
SOCJ 326 - THEORIES OF JUSTICE
Economics is not founded upon efficiency, big business, or free markets. Justice is the first virtue of economics. No justice, no price. In this course you will gain vast knowledge, skill, and wisdom by reading and writing about great books by John Rawls, Adam Smith, Karl Marx, Martha Nussbaum, Marcus Garvey, and others. Great preparation for law school, graduate school, and anyone who values goodness, fairness, and justice in society.
Credits: 3
Attributes: Social Justice Studies, Social Science
SOCJ 346 - COMMUNITY ORGANIZING
Examination of community organizing theories and approaches. Focuses on cases studies and hands on experience.
Credits: 3
Attributes: Social Justice Studies
Prerequisites: SOCJ 201 (may be taken concurrently) and ENG 102 (may be taken concurrently)
SOCJ 360 - INTERNSHIP IN SOCIAL JUSTICE STUDIES
Internship in Social Justice.
Credits: 3
Attributes: Social Science
SOCJ 370 - MAPPING FOR SUSTAINABILITY
Maps can help us understand and prepare for many of the world’s most pressing social and environmental problems, from climate change to deforestation. This course trains students in Geographic Information Science (GIS) mapping software so that we can better understand relationships and patterns in our world. Students in the course will be exposed to the rapidly growing world of spatial analysis and cartography using the industry’s leading software tool, ArcGIS.
Credits: 3
Attributes: Social Justice Studies, Social Science
Prerequisites: ENG 102