Social Justice College Courses Fall 2008

To join the Social Justice College, select up to three of the following courses as your top foundation seminar preference (in order of preference).

ENGL 090 05 CRN: 13970
Hip Hop Culture
Prof. James Peterson
Fulfills the following requirements:
Humanities; Engineering Humanities; First-year course; Writing Level 1

Over the last 30 years Hip Hop culture has developed from a relatively unknown and largely ignored inner city culture into a global phenomenon. The foundational elements of Hip Hop Culture (DJ-ing, MC-ing, Breakdance, and Graffiti/Graf) are manifest in youth culture across the globe, including Japan, France, Germany, South Africa, Cuba, and the UK. Considering its humble beginnings in the South and West Bronx, the global development of Hip Hop is an amazing cultural feat. Its current popularity suggests and reflects its culturally rich origins. Moreover, the presence of rap music and other elements of the culture in television, film, marketing and advertising signal American mainstream acceptance. In fact, its dominance in popular culture often obscures the negative and at times malicious treatment of Hip Hop (and its youthful constituents) in the public sphere. With all of its attendant complexities and apparent contradictions, Hip Hop Culture is dense subject matter for critical inquiry.

FOUN 099 01 CRN: 13940
Citizen Action & Social Justice
Janice Butler
Fulfills the Following Requirements:
First-year course; Writing Level 1, Engineering Social Science

How do we define justice? How have groups of people historically responded to injustice? What actions have brought about change? By exploring ways that people have worked to transform U.S. society, this course will promote a better understanding of social justice movements. Collaborative research on current dilemmas such as the growing class divide, immigration, gay marriage, and other issues selected by students will allow participants to reach informed opinions and consider appropriate action for social change.

FOUN 099 20 CRN: 12302
Struggle for Justice
Prof. Kim Daubman
Fulfills the following requirements:
First-year course; Perspectives on Human Diversity; Writing Level 1

A number of questions will frame our exploration of pressing social issues. How do we determine whether something is fair? What are the fundamental human rights? How has American society promoted and denied these rights to its various members? How are people affected by living in unjust circumstances? How have individuals and organizations struggled for justice? We will explore a number of pressing social concerns including the growing gap between the rich and the poor, immigration policy and practices, human trafficking, treatment of prisoners and detainees, and other issues selected by students.