SOC 251 Working for Justice, Working for Change

So you want to make a difference? But where to begin? This course examines a range of organized efforts to promote social justice and social welfare in contemporary society. The course identifies and surveys the major approaches to social change work, including direct service provision, policy advocacy, and popular organizing and mobilization. Sociology provides us the tools to better understand and compare these various models of social change. Developing a deeper understanding of these efforts and their theoretical foundations will help ensure that our attempts to "make a difference" are done in informed and thoughtful ways. In this course, you will have the opportunity to volunteer and make site visits to nonprofit and governmental service providers, public policy and advocacy organizations, and social movement organizations, as well as hear from guest speakers. This course is designed for social science majors or others who are interested in working in local organizations to make a difference. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Social Science (SS), Depth in Sciences (DSCI). (3)