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Core Coursework
Social Movements and Democracy
Courses meeting this requirement address the history of nonviolent social movements and discussion of the place of social movements in democratic and nondemocratic societies. Other areas include developing vision, analysis and strategy within activist groups, the importance of citizen empowerment and values, spirituality and social justice. This may also include introductory level skill-building in organizing and group skills. A sample class that meets this requirement is Nonviolence, Social Movements and Democracy.
Organizing and Building Social Movements
A course in this area explores the theory and practice of social movement building and/or community organizing, using conceptual frameworks from activist theory, sociological perspectives and social work. The course helps students understand the community organizing and movement-building process as well as see how it has worked in a number of social movements in the United States and abroad. This course requirement includes project-based learning in which students participate in activities with one or more local groups. A sample class that meets this requirement is Community Organizing in Action.
Civic Engagement, Policy-making and Government
These classes explore aspects of citizenship and government relevant to social justice work. Areas of study include the role of government, running for political office, political parties and ways citizens can influence the government policy-making process through testifying at hearings, lobbying and related activities. Students also might explore the use of the electoral process as a way to bring about change. Project-based learning could involve lobbying activities or working on a political campaign. A sample class that would meet this core requirement is American Government and Policy-making.
Leadership Development
These courses help students develop practical skills in group leadership, such as meeting facilitation, conflict resolution, and group development, and/or a class with a focus on personal and professional development, encouraging students to see themselves as leaders empowered to initiate projects in their communities. The class could include simulations and/or project-based learning. Sample classes that meet this requirement include:
- Group Facilitation
- Facilitating Democratic Participation
- Group Process
- Transformational Leadership
- Communication for Empowerment
Social Issues
Two courses in social issues, such as the following:
- Wealth and Poverty in America
- Children and Social Policy
- Globalization and Development: Issues in the Global South
- Homelessness
- Race, Racism and Social Justice
- Gay and Lesbian Studies
- Women’s Studies
- Gender Studies
Sample Electives
- Advanced Group Facilitation
- Facilitating Democratic Participation
- Nonviolent Communication
- Diversity, Power and Privilege
- Community Organizing
- Creating a Just, Peaceful and Sustainable Future: Contemporary Organizing Efforts
- Economics
- History courses relevant to the student’s area of interest in social justice
- Additional courses in social issues (such as those listed above)
- Extended internship
Sample Community/Field-based Learning Experiences
- Practicum with a King County youth justice program
- Practicum with a women's domestic violence shelter
- Service learning project with an immigrant rights advocacy program
- Community organizing for enforcement of the endangered species act
Sample Synthesis Projects
- A critical essay on wealth, poverty and a livable minimum wage
- Researching and writing a policy statement for a county government health department to secure medical rights for people living with AIDS
- Designing and hosting a forum for neighbors to come together to address issues of racism in their community
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