Program Overview
The Social Justice Minor at Coastal Carolina University equips students with theoretical and applied knowledge about social justice issues. Through interdisciplinary coursework, experiential learning, and community engagement, students develop critical thinking skills, research abilities, and strategies for promoting social justice and change. The program prepares graduates for careers in non-profit organizations, advocacy groups, government agencies, and other fields related to social justice.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Social Justice Minor at Coastal Carolina University provides students with an opportunity to gain theoretical and applied knowledge about social justice issues that are closely intertwined with sociological theories. The program highlights the complex interplay between theoretical and applied approaches to sociology. Through this minor, students gain insights into the distribution of social advantages and disadvantages, the relationship between social identity, opportunities, and inequality, and the effective integration of research, education, and action to promote social justice and change.
Objectives:
The Social Justice Minor at Coastal Carolina University has several key objectives:
- Enable students to analyze and understand social justice issues through an interdisciplinary lens.
- Help students develop critical thinking skills to examine the root causes of social inequality and injustice.
- Provide students with the tools to effectively research and analyze social justice issues.
- Foster students' ability to design and implement strategies for promoting social justice and change.
- Encourage students to engage in community-based projects to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world contexts.
Description:
The Social Justice Minor at Coastal Carolina University comprises 18 credit hours of coursework. The curriculum delves into the sociological foundations of social justice, social inequalities, and social justice electives, encompassing a wide range of topics and perspectives. The program emphasizes experiential learning opportunities, such as faculty/student collaborative research and community-based internships, to facilitate the practical application of theoretical knowledge.
Outline:
Program Content:
The Social Justice Minor at Coastal Carolina University consists of three core components: 1.
Sociological Foundations of Social Justice:
This section provides students with a foundational understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of social justice and inequality. Students take courses such as SOC 300 - Social Justice to gain a comprehensive overview of the field and its core concepts.
Social Inequalities:
This section delves into the various forms of social inequality, their causes, and their consequences. Students select one course from a range of options, including SOC 301 - Gender and Society, SOC 309 - Social Inequality, or SOC 355 - Race and Ethnicity. These courses examine the impact of social identity factors, such as gender, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, on individuals' life experiences and opportunities.
Social Justice Electives:
This section allows students to explore specific social justice issues and topics in greater depth. Students choose two or three courses from a wide range of electives, including SOC 308 - Community Development and Social Change, SOC 311 - Sociology of Poverty, SOC 313 - Social Welfare and Social Work, and SOC 357 - African American Communities. These electives provide students with specialized knowledge and skills in various areas of social justice.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
The Social Justice Minor at Coastal Carolina University utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate student learning and progress. These methods include:
- Course exams and assignments: Students are assessed on their knowledge and understanding of course content through exams, essays, and other assignments.
- Class participation: Active participation in class discussions and activities is considered in the assessment of students' engagement and critical thinking skills.
- Research projects: Students may be required to conduct research projects, such as literature reviews or community-based research, to demonstrate their research and analytical abilities.
- Presentations: Students may be required to present their research findings or other work to the class or at academic conferences.
Assessment Criteria:
The following criteria are considered in the assessment of student work in the Social Justice Minor:
- Knowledge and understanding of social justice concepts and theories.
- Critical thinking and analytical skills.
- Research and writing abilities.
- Communication and presentation skills.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The Social Justice Minor at Coastal Carolina University employs a variety of teaching methods to facilitate student learning:
- Lectures: Faculty members deliver lectures to provide students with foundational knowledge and an overview of course topics.
- Class discussions: Students actively participate in class discussions to engage with course materials, share perspectives, and analyze issues.
- Collaborative learning: Students work together on projects and assignments to enhance their teamwork and communication skills.
- Experiential learning: The program incorporates experiential learning opportunities, such as guest speakers, field trips, and community-based projects, to provide students with practical experience and real-world applications of concepts.
Faculty:
The Social Justice Minor is taught by a team of experienced faculty members in the Department of Sociology. These faculty members have expertise in various areas of social justice, including inequality, gender, race, ethnicity, poverty, and social policy. They are dedicated to providing students with a rigorous and transformative learning experience.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
The Social Justice Minor at Coastal Carolina University can prepare students for a range of careers in fields related to social justice and social change. Graduates of the program may pursue careers in:
- Non-profit organizations
- Advocacy groups
- Government agencies
- Education
- Research
- Social work
- Community development
- Public policy
- Human resources
- Journalism
- Law
Opportunities and Outcomes:
The Social Justice Minor provides students with valuable skills and knowledge that enhance their professional development and career opportunities, including:
- Strong analytical and research skills.
- Understanding of social justice issues and perspectives.
- Commitment to social justice and equality.
- Experience in community engagement and advocacy.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
- Preparation for graduate study in fields related to social justice.