Social Justice Coursework

• Spring 2018-LGST 1250: Legal Research and Writing

A writing-intensive course with emphasis on the development of legal research, analysis, and drafting skills. An introduction to legal methodology and materials is presented by lecture, in-class exercises with out-of-class research, and writing exercises, utilizing print and electronic research materials.

 

• Spring 2018-LGST 1110: Legal Systems in American Society

Content: An exploration of the American legal system with special emphasis on the role of law in the American social order. Working models of the judicial system are studied and the legal decision-making process is examined. Emphasis is placed on basic values of the legal system: justice, equality, and fairness.

 

• Spring 2018-PHIL 1140: Ethics

The concepts of goodness, right, duty, obligation, responsibility, and freedom; important moral theories of the Western tradition; contemporary moral issues in light of these theories.

​

• Fall 2018-HIST 3760: Topics in the History of Imperialism: Myth and History in Colonial Encounter

This course focuses on the history of cross-cultural interactions during the age of European colonial expansion (1500-1850). Early encounters proved consequential in structuring later relationships between the empires of Spain, Portugal, Britain, France and the Native nations of the New World. They also generated enduring myths and stereotypes which continue to shape popular ideas about the past. In this class we will read and discuss accounts generated by the experience of cross-cultural contact in the context of European colonial expansion. We will probe the differences between myth and history as two ways of conveying different kinds of meaning and examine why some myths become more powerful than the more complex histories they often obscure.

​

• Fall 2018-SOCJ 1100: Introduction to Issues in Social Justice 

This course will introduce students to major streams of social justice thought, including historical social justice movements, theoretical problems having to do with social equality, personal freedom, access to social resources, marginalization, and stigmatization, and the ways in which communities respond to these issues.

​

• Spring 2020-HECUA: Understanding the Politics of the Northern Ireland Conflict

This course focuses on building awareness and knowledge of the local and global implications of the conflict in Northern Ireland. Students deepen their understanding of the characteristics and constituent parts of the conflict. The course presents the key social, cultural, and political dynamics, as well as the key events and their impact upon society. Specific topics covered include: the historical roots of the Northern Ireland conflict; the role of religion in the conflict; ethnic, frontier/contested society; an introduction to conflict theory; cultural and political identities; perspectives on conflict; key events like Bloody Sunday, Enniskillen, etc.; young people and their roles; gender; the roles of prisoners/ex-combatants; sectarianism, division; victims/survivors.

 

• Spring 2020-HECUA: Northern Ireland Internship Placement and Seminar

Through the Northern Ireland Democracy and Social change internship students develop new skills and acquire new insights into how different facets of society in Northern Ireland are working towards the development of a sustainable and effective democracy. Students work 200 hours total during the internship. Students reflect on their experiences in weekly seminar sessions, which are designed to facilitate deepened self-awareness and a critical understanding of the internship site. Reflection journals aid discussion at seminars. Seminars are held Mondays during the seven weeks of the intensive internship.

 

• Spring 2020-HECUA: Building a Sustainable Democracy

This course has a particular focus on promoting awareness and understanding of the actions people can take in the pursuit of peace and an inclusive, sustainable, and effective democracy. Students develop an understanding of the dynamics of conflict transformations and the development of sustainable and effective democratic processes, as well as a critical understanding of the effectiveness of social, civic, and political initiatives working for peace. Specific topics covered include: the political peace process; the Belfast Agreement; the Human Rights and Equality Agendas; educational responses to conflict; good relations and community development; segregation and integration; young people and civic engagement; opportunities and challenges; moving from a divided to a “shared society”; legal, policy, and value levers for social change; “dealing” with the past.

 

• Fall 2020-SOCJ 5900: Social Justice Capstone

This course will permit major students to integrate theory, knowledge, and practical experience gained in their major using a series of readings, fieldwork experiences, and a major project.

​

​