Overview
Social Justice Studies introduces students to the theoretical and practical foundations of social justice and the social processes that create and resist oppression.
Social Justice Studies (SJS) Courses
SJS 299 Experimental Offering in Social Justice Studies
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2023
This is the experimental courses description.
SJS 300 Introduction to Social Justice Studies
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); AA/AS Area VI; CSU Area D; IGETC Area 4
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2023
This interdisciplinary course introduces students to the theoretical and practical foundations of social justice and the social processes that create and resist oppression. It covers the sociology, history and psychology of oppressions based upon race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality and other group identities in the United States and the corresponding social justice movements for liberation. It investigates how creating and undoing asymmetrical power relations are linked to social structures, institutional processes and culture. Additionally, it provides a basis for a better understanding of socio-economic, political and cultural conditions of key social groups in the United States. Topics include theoretical foundations of social justice and oppression, history and politics of group identity, culture and ideologies, forms of oppression, privilege and forms of resistance.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- define the foundational theories within social justice studies.
- explain how social, economic and political institutions create asymmetries of power, privilege and wealth.
- analyze processes of identity formation and group formation.
- recognize the historical roots of oppression in the United States and how they shape the experience of individuals according to race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality and sexual orientation.
- assess the complex intersections and relationships within and across race, ethnicity, class, gender and sexual orientation.
- apply analytical concepts to the study of social movements.
- analyze various efforts for social justice and liberation.
- understand theories on how and why groups resist.
SJS 310 Introduction to LGBTQ Studies
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU (effective Fall 2023); UC (For Fall 2023 start) (effective Fall 2023)
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b)
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2023
This course introduces students to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) studies. It explores how LGBTQ+ individuals and communities are impacted by various social, cultural, historical, and political factors. Topics include politics of sexuality and sexual identities; forms of oppression including heterosexism, homophobia, and transphobia, as well as resistance to oppression, violence against LGBTQ+ individuals and communities, and queer activism. This course also includes contemporary issues in families, education, religion, and the law.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze the various ways people identify their sexual orientation and/or their gender identity and expression.
- explore the intersections of homophobia, sexism, heterosexism, transphobia, racism, classism, ageism, ableism and other intersecting identities within the context of LGBTQ+ political struggles in the United States.
- assess theories about sexual orientation and gender identity and expression within the context of feminist theory, gender theory, and queer theory.
- examine the continuous evolution of legal policies and societal views of LGBTQ+ people on a global level.
- examine sexual orientation and gender identity within Native American, African American, Chicano/a and Latino/a, Asian American, Pacific Islander, and recent immigrant communities in the United States.
- identify key individuals and describe their roles and contributions to domestic and international LGBTQ+ struggles for full human rights.
- assess the impact of hate crimes on LGBTQ+ individuals, the LGBTQ+ community, the community at large, and public policy.
- research the history of public health policy in the United States as well as internationally to explore the ways that LGBTQ+ people have consistently suffered under homophobic, biphobic, and transphobic policies.
- examine the evolution of LGBTQ+ culture in literature, the media, and the arts.
- explore the evolution of our education system on the ability of LGBTQ+ individuals and communities to achieve social justice and equity.
SJS 499 Experimental Offering in Social Justice Studies
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2023
This is the experimental courses description.
