Social Justice Advocacy
This certificate in social justice advocacy includes several approaches through multidisciplinary coursework. This will give students a broad range of knowledge and options in how to strive for and achieve change and social justice for all. This certificate will give individuals education that focuses on the opportunities to use a combination of multiple approaches to get to change and social justice, providing the individual with varying degrees of skills where one may feel competent and able to actively address the issues faced by people of all backgrounds.
Social Justice Advocacy Certificate Declaration of Intent
Coursework
Required Core Courses (Complete 3)
- SW3550 Social Diversity & Cultural Understanding (3 | DV)
- ENVST3365 Environmental Justice (3 | DV, CEL)
- Course prerequisites waived for SJA certificate students. Submit a permission code request form.
- SW5535 Social Justice Advocacy Techniques & Skills (4)
- NOTE: Only offered Spring Semester
Core Areas
Take one course from each core area.
Global Understandings
Students can expect to gain a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of social justice issues on a global scale. Through a multidisciplinary approach, students will explore multiple perspectives and develop critical thinking skills to address challenges faced by immigrant, local, and global communities worldwide. They will engage in topics such as geopolitical conflict, global distributive justice, and the impact of globalization, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to the pursuit of social justice across borders.
- CLCS3960 Cultures in Contact (1-3)
- GEOG1400 Human Geography (3 | BF)
- PHIL3640 World Religions (3 | HF, IR)
- PHIL3730 Justice & International Affairs (3 | IR)
- POLS2200 Introduction to Comparative Politics (3 | BF)
- POLS3680 Globalization & World Politics (3 | IR)
- POLS3700 Urban Politics (3)
- PRT3610 The Global Citizen: Responsible Travel & International Life (3 | IR)
- SW4100 Global Community Based Research (3 | IR)
- THEA1760 American Political Theatre (3 | DV, FF)
Dynamics of Power
Students will delve into the complexities of power dynamics within society and how they impact social justice issues. They will develop a nuanced understanding of how power structures influence communication, law, culture, and societal norms. Through their studies, students will explore how language, policy, and entrepeneurship can be leveraged to challenege existing power structures and advocate for social change. They will also learn to critically analyze and navigate power dynamics in various contexts, preparing them to be effective advocates for social justice in their communities.
- COMM3030 Communication & Social Responsibility (3 | HF, CW)
- CMP4260 Land, Law, & Culture (3 | CW)
- ENGL3600 Introduction to Critical Theory (3 | CW)
- ENTP2030 Social Entrepreneurship & Innovation (3)
- GNDR3635 The Price of Gender: Inequality at the Intersection of Family, Gender, & Sexuality (3 | QI)
- SOC3650 Population & Society (3 | IR, QI)
- WRTG3870 Writing as Social Practice (3 | HF)
- WRTG4890 Writing, Persuasion, & Power (3)
Communication with Stakeholders
Students can expect to develop advanced communication skills essential for effective social justice advocacy. They will learn how to engage with stakeholders, analyze complex arguments, and craft persuasive messages. These skills are crucial for advocating for social change, as they enable students to effectively communicate with communities, policymakers, and other stakeholders. Additionally, students will develop the necessary competency and practical experience needed to engage with populations locally and globally, equipping them with the communication tools necessary to advocate for social justice and drive meaningful change.
Elective
- Choose one additional course from any of the core areas (3)
Course substitutions may be available. Contact an academic advisor for more information.