Social Change

Earn a Social Change degree from Graceland University and prepare to enter the world as a leader ready to make positive change.

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Make a Difference with a Social Change Degree

Social Change programs are designed with a curriculum to prepare students to improve the world around them. It's focused on innovation and large-scale, fast-moving change in a complicated world. You'll be tasked with the responsibility of finding solutions to things like global poverty, inequality, and injustice.

A Social Change degree from Graceland is a way to give students an education that cultivates and creates a transformative community beyond the walls of the university. The Social Change Major is designed for students in all fields to prepare them to enter the work world as leaders who are enabled to create positive change. Graceland’s community is shaped to provide students with the tangible skills and tools to go into communities to provide meaningful and sustainable change. With half of the credits for the major available through the Equality & Peace track of Graceland’s essential education, students can easily double major in the study of social change and an additional program, providing endless career opportunities in a more socially conscious world.

Offerings
Major
Field of Study
Humanities, Social Sciences
Format
Lamoni Campus
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Now more than ever, we know that big structural change is needed in every community connected to Graceland students. The social change major will have an impact in all fields of study, from pre-med to computer science to education.
Casey Main '22 Graceland Student Government President, 2021-22 Communications
Social Change Courses & Curriculum
  • BA Degree – Social Change Major

    The Social Change major at Graceland University prepares students to be “difference makers” in their communities. Through an innovative, interdisciplinary curriculum, students learn about the history and context of their chosen concentration and are empowered with the practical tools that will best equip them to drive change in their careers and advocacy efforts. This major is intentionally designed to be partially completed through the General Education curriculum, making it very easy to add as a second, complimentary major.

    In addition to the general education requirements, majors in social change must complete 36 semester hours as prescribed below:

    Core Requirements 18 s.h.

    Context  (Choose 12 hours from the list of options; at least 6 hours must be upper division; no more than two courses can be from the same discipline):

    Tools of Change Courses (6 hours from the following; at least 3 must be upper division; courses should not be from the same discipline):

    Recommended for General Education:

    Courses Offered
    • ARTS1680Graphic Design 1
      ARTS1680 Graphic Design 1 - 3 s.h.

      A technical course exploring the digital tools used in the graphic design industry. Students are exposed to the function, theory, and use of industry-standard computer hardware, software, and basic digital design principles utilized in the production of graphic design. 

    • ARTS2240Art for Social Change
      ARTS2240 Art for Social Change - 3 s.h.

      This course aims to create social and political change through collaboration with individuals, communities, and institutions through the creation of participatory art. This discipline often values process over final product and become lifelong pursuits. Some examples include artistic activism, community-based art, creative placemaking, cultural organizing, performance, participatory art, social engagement, and social sculpture. No prior art experience necessary.  ELO5 Arts - World Citizenship, ELO5 Arts - Equality and Peace

    • ARTS2330Art History: Innovation and Politics
      ARTS2330 Art History: Innovation and Politics - 3 s.h.

      Theme-based art history course exploring topics such as innovation, power, politics, architecture, entertainment, sacred spaces, sustainability, and eco art throughout art history to the present. ELO5 Arts - Innovation, GE3A Liberal Learning-Arts.

    • ARTS3110Art History: Activism, Empathy and Justice
      ARTS3110 Art History: Activism, Empathy and Justice - 3 s.h.

      Theme-based art history course that explores topics such as activism, empathy, justice, disability, mental illness, feminism, sexuality, queer art, social and civic engagement, labor, and race throughout art history to the present. ELO5 Arts - Equality, ELO5 Arts - Equality and Peace, GE3A Liberal Learning-Arts.

    • ARTS3200Printmaking
      ARTS3200 Printmaking - 3 s.h.

      This introductory printmaking making course introduces students to non-toxic printmaking techniques including relief printing, monotype, silkscreen, and other contemporary processes. The course explores how these traditional methods have been used as a means for informing, gathering, protesting, and celebration.  Studio Fee required. ELO5 Arts - Innovation

    • ARTS3220Photography
      ARTS3220 Photography - 3 s.h.

      An exploration into visual story telling through digital photography, imaging, and editing. Course will focus on capturing high quality images to use in professional design work. Studio Fee required.

    • BUAD3210Social Media Marketing
      BUAD3210 Social Media Marketing - 3 s.h.

      This course provides a comprehensive overview, with hands-on experience, of Social Media Marketing. The most basic objectives of the course are to provide students with a broad introduction to social media marketing concepts and techniques using the latest online tools combined with practical "real world" application. There will be an emphasis on strategic use of tools, effective design and contemporary marketing techniques. Students will build and maintain real world marketing campaigns.

    • COMM2110Intercultural Communication
      COMM2110 Intercultural Communication - 3 s.h.

      An examination of concepts that have application to communication across cultural boundaries, with emphasis on relating them to effective intercultural communication skGE3C Liberal Learning-Humanities. ELO4 Global Learning - World Citizenship, ELO4 Global Learning - Equality and Peace, GE3C Liberal Learning-Humanities. +This course is only offered every other year.

    • COMM2220Communication and Advocacy
      COMM2220 Communication and Advocacy - 3 s.h.

      An examination of rhetorical and political communication theories and practices that are fundamental to social change advocacy. Students will become familiar with basic tools of organizing and advocating for social change, with hands-on application of various communication theories and approaches. +This course is only offered every other year.

    • COMM2500Introduction to Mass Media
      COMM2500 Introduction to Mass Media - 3 s.h.

      An examination of the various landmark theories, such as rhetorical, Marxist, and feminist to analyze popular culture, with an emphasis on the importance of communication in the production and consumption of culture. Students will study the development of culture by applying different theories or 'lenses' to cultural artifacts including music, movies, advertisements, clothing, etc. GE3C Liberal Learning-Humanities +This course is only offered every other year.

    • COMM3210Conflict Management and Dialogue (Also SOCI/PEAC3210)
      COMM3210 Conflict Management and Dialogue (Also SOCI/PEAC3210) - 3 s.h.

      An examination of conflict theories and approaches, negotiation process, conflict ethics, and third party mediation. In this class, students will become familiar with the causes of conflict as well as ways strategies and tactics used in conflict management. Further, this class will explore the foundational theoretical concepts and models of dialogue in the context of conflict management. +This course is only offered every other year.

    • COMM3240Environmental Communication
      COMM3240 Environmental Communication - 3 s.h.

      This course will extend scientific knowledge to understand how nature and the environment influence communication and society. Students will learn about significant environmental controversies, from toxic waste to climate change, to pro-environmental behaviors. Using a foundation of persuasion, the course focuses on social responsibility and the history of mediated communication within the context of environmental movements and human-made crises.

    • COMM3500Digital Discourses in Media
      COMM3500 Digital Discourses in Media - 3 s.h.

      An exploration of the emergence of new communication practices as well as their social, political, cultural, and economic impact in personal, community, cultural, social, institutional, and international life. Specific attention will be given to the ways social media influence and shape matters of ethics and privacy, how we see ourselves and others, how we interact formally and informally, and how we do business. ELO4 Global Learning - Innovation +This course is only offered every other year.

    • COMM3900Topics in Communication
      COMM3900 Topics in Communication - 1-3 s.h.

      Advanced study in specific topics in communication, to be announced the semester before they are offered. May be repeated for credit as topics change.

    • CRMJ2460Multicultural Policing (also SOCI2460)
      CRMJ2460 Multicultural Policing (also SOCI2460) - 3 s.h.

      This course focuses on the challenges present in policing multicultural settings. Issues pertaining to understanding diverse cultures and effective communication across cultures from the standpoint of law enforcement are explored in detail. Recommended prerequisite: CRMJ1200.

    • CSIT1060Introduction to Web Programming
      CSIT1060 Introduction to Web Programming - 3 s.h.

      Basics of how the World Wide Web works and web site construction using HTML and CSS. Related technology skills will be covered.

    • CSIT2110Introduction to Geographic Information Sciences (also SUST2100)
      CSIT2110 Introduction to Geographic Information Sciences (also SUST2100) - 3 s.h.

      Students will learn theoretical and practical foundations related to geographic information systems and spatial analysis. Emphasis on teaching students to integrate and analyze spatial information from various sources. Includes a weekly laboratory section. Prerequisite: MATH1380.

    • ECON1320Principles of Microeconomics
      ECON1320 Principles of Microeconomics - 3 s.h.

      Analysis of the fundamental principles of the American economic system, centering on price, production, market structures, and a survey of contemporary economic problems, e.g. sustainability. ELO5 Social Science - Sustainability

    • ECON3200Public Finance
      ECON3200 Public Finance - 3 s.h.

      An examination of the taxation policies and expenditure programs of the public sector. Related topics include public goods, income distribution, and public choice theory. Prerequisite: ECON1320. ELO5 Social Science - Equality, ELO5 Social Science - Equality and Peace. Offered odd years Spring. +This course is only offered every other year.

    • EDUC2120Human Relations
      EDUC2120 Human Relations - 3 s.h.

      Analysis of various societal subgroups and how such groups recognize and deal with dehumanizing biases. Students learn to relate effectively to various groups to foster understanding and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion. Emphasis on self-awareness in human relations issues and how this awareness can be translated into positive relationships. Introduction to ethnographic analysis and pedagogical, curricular, and social considerations involved in working with and educating various societal subgroups. ELO3 Ethical Thinking and Action - Equality, ELO3 Ethical Thinking and Action - Equality and Peace, GE3E Liberal Learning-Social Sciences

    • ENGL2350American Ethnic Literatures
      ENGL2350 American Ethnic Literatures - 3 s.h.

      A survey of multi-ethnic U.S. literature, including African American literature, Latino/a literature, Asian American literature, Native American literature, and American Jewish literature. As a complement to literary texts, students will also examine a range of introductory theoretical texts in the interdisciplinary field of ethnic studies. ELO5 Humanities - Equality, ELO5 Humanities - Equality and Peace. ++ This course is on a four-year cycle.

    • ENGL2370World Literature
      ENGL2370 World Literature - 3 s.h.

      Examines literary works by authors from a broad range of artistic and cultural traditions. Designed to offer students an introduction to literature as a point of access into global communities such as Western European, Middle Eastern, African, Asian, Indigenous, and Latinx. ELO5 Humanities - World Citizenship, ELO5 Humanities - Sustainability, GE3C Liberal Learning-Humanities. +This course is only offered every other year.

    • ENGL2380Our Bondage and Our Freedom: Literature of the Americas, 1491-Present
      ENGL2380 Our Bondage and Our Freedom: Literature of the Americas, 1491-Present - 3 s.h.

      Survey of American Literature stretching from the advent of European colonization in the Western Hemisphere to the present. The course will pay special attention to the legacies of colonialism and slavery, the history of social movements for freedom and equality, the making (and unmaking) of U.S. national mythologies, the major formal transformations that have taken place in U.S. Literature, and the function of literature as an innovative and adaptive technology that expands human capacities.

    • ENGL2390Modernity and the Modern World: Survey of British Literature and Culture
      ENGL2390 Modernity and the Modern World: Survey of British Literature and Culture - 3 s.h.

      The course employs visual and literary texts to examine the various social, cultural, political, artistic, and philosophical movements from modernity to the present. By critically engaging with both colonial and postcolonial texts, the course attempts to understand the ways in which the concepts like modernity, empire, coloniality, postcoloniality, and world-building intersect as well as shape our contemporary world. Considering the influence of modernity and the expanse of British empire, this course aims to enable students to understand their own lives as citizens of a world that has been shaped by these movements.

    • ENGL2410Creative Writing: Poetry
      ENGL2410 Creative Writing: Poetry - 3 s.h.

      Study of poetry writing through the lens of sustainability. Investigates the maintenance of various systems that meet human needs (e.g. emotional, physical, social, environmental) through extensive poetry writing and class discussion. Emphasis on poetry as a means of self-discovery as well as an art form. ELO5 Humanities - Sustainability +This course is only offered every other year.

    • ENGL2420Creative Writing: Fiction
      ENGL2420 Creative Writing: Fiction - 3 s.h.

      Study of fiction writing through the lens of sustainability. Investigates the maintenance of various systems that meet human needs (e.g. emotional, physical, social, environmental) through extensive fiction writing and class discussion. Emphasis on fiction as a means of self-discovery as well as an art form. ELO5 Humanities - Sustainability. +This course is only offered every other year.

    • ENGL2540Global Eco-Cinema
      ENGL2540 Global Eco-Cinema - 3 s.h.

      A transnational survey of films that deal with environmental issues and, more broadly, with human relationships to the nonhuman world. An examination of the impact of urbanization on rural communities, the mysterious allure of wild and uncultivated landscapes, the threat of climate change to daily life around the world, and the cinematic representation of environmental apocalypse. Explores different genres and styles, including neo-realism, eco-horror, anime, and avant-garde cinema. ELO5 Humanities - Sustainability +This course is only offered every other year.

    • ENGL2600Gender and Sexuality
      ENGL2600 Gender and Sexuality - 3 s.h.

      An exploration of issues of gender and sexuality in literature, with a focus on fiction, drama, and poetry by women and LGBT+ writers. As a complement to literary texts, students will also examine a range of introductory theoretical texts in the interdisciplinary field of gender and sexuality studies. ELO5 Humanities - Equality, ELO5 Humanities - Equality and Peace ++ This course is on a four-year cycle.

    • ENGL2900Topics in English
      ENGL2900 Topics in English - 3 s.h.

      Special studies in English designed primarily for the non-English major. Content may vary and will be announced at time of offering. When content changes, course may be repeated for credit.

    • ENGL3110Critical Theory
      ENGL3110 Critical Theory - 3 s.h.

      Advanced study of literary, cultural, and moving image theory, and the application to written and filmic texts. +This course is only offered every other year.

    • ENGL3240Literatures of Social Justice
      ENGL3240 Literatures of Social Justice - 3 s.h.

      An investigation of the role of literature as a vehicle for social change. With a focus on the literatures of emancipatory social movements, this global survey course includes a range of modern authors who merged the personal with the political. Students examine how literature and narrative forms of storytelling function as a means of engaging ethical and social concerns, and eliciting emotions in readers-from rage and defiance to observation and understanding-that might serve to promote social justice. ELO5 Humanities - Peace, ELO5 Humanities - Equality and Peace +This course is only offered every other year.

    • ENGL3260American Environmental Literature
      ENGL3260 American Environmental Literature - 3 s.h.

      What makes a work of literature "environmental"? How have humans thought about nature throughout history, and how does that intellectual and artistic history affect us today? Can works of literature help humans prevent environmental catastrophes like climate change and species extinction? We'll seek answers to these questions as we engage with fiction, nonfiction, drama, and poetry. We'll discuss the ways that literary and cultural forms can shape who we are, what we value, and what we imagine for the future. We'll also work to build your skills of critical reading, analytical thinking and persuasive writing, skills that will serve you in the future, in whatever environment you inhabit. ELO5 Humanities - Sustainability.

    • ENGL3320Creative Writing: Nonfiction
      ENGL3320 Creative Writing: Nonfiction - 3 s.h.

      Study of nonfiction writing through the lens of sustainability. Investigates the maintenance of various systems that meet human needs (e.g. emotional, physical, social, environmental) through extensive nonfiction writing and class discussion. Emphasis on nonfiction as a means of self-discovery as well as an art form. ELO5 Humanities - Sustainability.

    • ENGL3420Language and Culture
      ENGL3420 Language and Culture - 3 s.h.

      An introduction to languaging and grammatical structures of the English language. Emphasizes the history and development of English in different cultural communities as a means to understand, rather than prescribe, how English-speakers use language. Students will engage with cultural interpretations of linguistics as a field of study to better understand the relationship between the evolution of languages and how that evolution plays a part in social justice issues. ELO5 Humanities - Innovation.

    • ENGL3480Cultural Studies
      ENGL3480 Cultural Studies - 3 s.h.

      Explores cultural systems of meaning and attendant issues of power, particularly in terms of class, gender, nation, race, nature, and sexuality. Emphasis on commercial and media culture. ELO5 Humanities - Equality, ELO5 Humanities - Equality and Peace. +This course is only offered every other year.

    • ENGL3530Digital Filmmaking
      ENGL3530 Digital Filmmaking - 3 s.h.

      A hands-on introduction to digital film production and editing. Introduces the technical knowledge need to investigate the creative possibilities of composition, light, motion, color and sound in shooting digital film. Examines the fundamentals of nonlinear editing, including continuity development, logging clips, audio tracks, and transitions. Additional fee required. Prerequisites: ENGL2510 or instructor consent. +This course is only offered every other year.

    • ENGL3570Documentary Film
      ENGL3570 Documentary Film - 3 s.h.

      Explores the history, economics, and formal qualities of the “documentary tradition” in filmmaking, with a special focus on documentary films that engage issues of sustainability, broadly defined (environmental, social, and economic). ELO5 Humanities - Sustainability.

    • HIST1200History of the African Diaspora
      HIST1200 History of the African Diaspora - 3 s.h.

      A history of the people of African descent in the Americas, including the United States, as well as the Caribbean, Central and South America. Issues of survival and resistance, the persistence of racism and white supremacy, and struggles for freedom, across countries and time periods, will be stressed. ELO5 Histories - Equality, ELO5 Histories - Equality and Peace, GE3B Liberal Learning-Histories.

    • HIST3220History of Inequality in the United States
      HIST3220 History of Inequality in the United States - 3 s.h.

      This course examines the causes and consequences of social, political, and economic inequalities in modern United States history. Through the examination of primary sources, students will engage in discussion of the cultural impact that inequality has had in shaping modern US society.

    • HLTH3120Human Sexuality
      HLTH3120 Human Sexuality - 3 s.h.

      Discussion of sexual biology, psychology, and sociocultural dimension of human sexual health and behavior. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major.

    • HLTH3220Personal and Community Health
      HLTH3220 Personal and Community Health - 3 s.h.

      A foundational course designed for students to become informed about health as well as becoming responsible and active participants in the maintenance of their personal health and affecting the health of their community. The course is intended to provide coverage of health promotion, mental health, stress management, afflictions and diseases, aging, environmental health, consumerism and health care and promotion. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major. ELO4 Global Learning - Sustainability.

    • INTD4710Social Change Capstone
      INTD4710 Social Change Capstone - 3 s.h.

      Capstone project designed to allow students to synthesize knowledge across their social change major through the production of an original work (research paper, creative project, etc.). Must be developed under the supervision of a social change advisor. Students who are completing more than one major may elect to complete this requirement by approaching another major's capstone project through a social change lens. A social change contract to be filled out by the student, the student's social change advisor, and the faculty teaching the capstone in the aforementioned major is required for this option.

    • MATH1360Statistics for Critical Thinking
      MATH1360 Statistics for Critical Thinking - 3 s.h.

      A critical thinking approach to data analysis, measures of central tendency, dispersion, correlation, probability, estimation and hypothesis testing. ELO6 Math, GE2B Foundational Skills-Mathematics/Quantitative.

    • MUSC3340Musical Citizenship: Artistic Activism and Social Justice
      MUSC3340 Musical Citizenship: Artistic Activism and Social Justice - 3 s.h.

      This course will focus on how music has historically been used for social justice, activism, and reform both within the United States and worldwide. Additionally, it will foster critical discussion and reflection on a wide range of artistic activism and applied research. What is musical activism? What kind of social responsibilities do music researchers have? Can music be used to bring about social justice? Music has long been used by movements seeking social change. People from around the world have used music as a platform to speak up and sing out about injustices. This course will focus discussion on the sounds and sentiments of social activism in the public sphere and the value and challenge of cultural advocacy in civil society. From protest songs of the Civil Rights Movement, to music concerts for charity causes, to freedom songs of the African Americans, to the Singing Revolution of the country of Estonia, to songs of the LGBTQ movement, to the Sigauque Project in Mozambique, to the protest songs of the American union movement… and so on. Through readings, discussion, and in-depth analysis of these different songs and movements, students would gain knowledge of efforts to bring about both cultural and social change throughout the world. ELO5 Arts - Equality and Peace, GE3A Liberal Learning-Arts.

    • PHIL2440Social Dimensions of Equality
      PHIL2440 Social Dimensions of Equality - 3 s.h.

      An examination of different conceptions of ethical social relationships and ethical behavior. Considers varying accounts of theories of value and right action with critical analysis of systemic and social influences on individual and collective interactions. ELO3 Ethical Thinking and Action - Equality, ELO3 Ethical Thinking and Action - Equality and Peace.

    • PSYC3370Cross Cultural Psychology
      PSYC3370 Cross Cultural Psychology - 3 s.h.

      Study of psychological theories and empirical findings relating to variations in cultures. Prerequisite: PSYC1300. ELO4 Global Learning - World Citizenship, ELO4 Global Learning - Equality and Peace.

    • RELG3540Peace and Justice in the Christian Tradition
      RELG3540 Peace and Justice in the Christian Tradition - 3 s.h.

      Christian theology is a centuries-long conversation about the meaning of Jesus’ life and message. As theologians have interpreted their faith, they have often pondered questions of justice and peace. How can the nonviolent message of Jesus challenge cultures of oppression? Can war ever be ‘just’? What insights might theological traditions offer to help critique forces that perennialize poverty? What ethical resources can Christian traditions apply to environmental degradation or the search for gender justice? This course explores such questions by focusing them through the thought of key theologians from across the centuries: e.g., Augustine of Hippo, Julian of Norwich, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Oscar Romero, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Letty Russell. We explore how these thinkers’ questions and proposals remain ethically meaningful in the contemporary World. ELO3 Ethical Thinking and Action - Peace, ELO3 Ethical Thinking and Action - Equality and Peace.

    • SOCI2460Multicultural Policing (also CRMJ2460)
      SOCI2460 Multicultural Policing (also CRMJ2460) - 3 s.h.

      This course focuses on the challenges present in policing multicultural settings. Issues pertaining to understanding diverse cultures and effective communication across cultures from the standpoint of law enforcement are explored in detail. Recommended prerequisite: CRMJ1200.

    • SOCI4330Social Inequality
      SOCI4330 Social Inequality - 3 s.h.

      Examines the intersection of race, ethnicity, class, gender, and other minority statuses and the relationships to personal identity and social structure. Helps to develop an awareness and understanding of diverse values, life-styles, beliefs, and attitudes of various racial, cultural, and ethnic minorities. Focuses on the social, legal, economic, and political aspects of prejudice and discrimination on socially disadvantaged groups. Prerequisite: SOCI1300 (with grade of C or better) and senior standing.

    • SUST2100Introduction to Geographic Information Sciences (also CSIT2110)
      SUST2100 Introduction to Geographic Information Sciences (also CSIT2110) - 3 s.h.

      Students will learn theoretical and practical foundations related to geographic information systems and spatial analysis. Emphasis on teaching students to integrate and analyze spatial information from various sources. Includes a weekly laboratory section. Prerequisite: MATH1370.

    ARTS1680Graphic Design 1 ARTS2240Art for Social Change ARTS2330Art History: Innovation and Politics ARTS3110Art History: Activism, Empathy and Justice ARTS3200Printmaking ARTS3220Photography BUAD3210Social Media Marketing COMM2110Intercultural Communication COMM2220Communication and Advocacy COMM2500Introduction to Mass Media COMM3210Conflict Management and Dialogue (Also SOCI/PEAC3210) COMM3240Environmental Communication COMM3500Digital Discourses in Media COMM3900Topics in Communication CRMJ2460Multicultural Policing (also SOCI2460) CSIT1060Introduction to Web Programming CSIT2110Introduction to Geographic Information Sciences (also SUST2100) ECON1320Principles of Microeconomics ECON3200Public Finance EDUC2120Human Relations ENGL2350American Ethnic Literatures ENGL2370World Literature ENGL2380Our Bondage and Our Freedom: Literature of the Americas, 1491-Present ENGL2390Modernity and the Modern World: Survey of British Literature and Culture ENGL2410Creative Writing: Poetry ENGL2420Creative Writing: Fiction ENGL2540Global Eco-Cinema ENGL2600Gender and Sexuality ENGL2900Topics in English ENGL3110Critical Theory ENGL3240Literatures of Social Justice ENGL3260American Environmental Literature ENGL3320Creative Writing: Nonfiction ENGL3420Language and Culture ENGL3480Cultural Studies ENGL3530Digital Filmmaking ENGL3570Documentary Film HIST1200History of the African Diaspora HIST3220History of Inequality in the United States HLTH3120Human Sexuality HLTH3220Personal and Community Health INTD4710Social Change Capstone MATH1360Statistics for Critical Thinking MUSC3340Musical Citizenship: Artistic Activism and Social Justice PHIL2440Social Dimensions of Equality PSYC3370Cross Cultural Psychology RELG3540Peace and Justice in the Christian Tradition SOCI2460Multicultural Policing (also CRMJ2460) SOCI4330Social Inequality SUST2100Introduction to Geographic Information Sciences (also CSIT2110)
    Course Descriptions
    ARTS1680 Graphic Design 1 - 3 s.h.

    A technical course exploring the digital tools used in the graphic design industry. Students are exposed to the function, theory, and use of industry-standard computer hardware, software, and basic digital design principles utilized in the production of graphic design. 

    ARTS2240 Art for Social Change - 3 s.h.

    This course aims to create social and political change through collaboration with individuals, communities, and institutions through the creation of participatory art. This discipline often values process over final product and become lifelong pursuits. Some examples include artistic activism, community-based art, creative placemaking, cultural organizing, performance, participatory art, social engagement, and social sculpture. No prior art experience necessary.  ELO5 Arts - World Citizenship, ELO5 Arts - Equality and Peace

    ARTS2330 Art History: Innovation and Politics - 3 s.h.

    Theme-based art history course exploring topics such as innovation, power, politics, architecture, entertainment, sacred spaces, sustainability, and eco art throughout art history to the present. ELO5 Arts - Innovation, GE3A Liberal Learning-Arts.

    ARTS3110 Art History: Activism, Empathy and Justice - 3 s.h.

    Theme-based art history course that explores topics such as activism, empathy, justice, disability, mental illness, feminism, sexuality, queer art, social and civic engagement, labor, and race throughout art history to the present. ELO5 Arts - Equality, ELO5 Arts - Equality and Peace, GE3A Liberal Learning-Arts.

    ARTS3200 Printmaking - 3 s.h.

    This introductory printmaking making course introduces students to non-toxic printmaking techniques including relief printing, monotype, silkscreen, and other contemporary processes. The course explores how these traditional methods have been used as a means for informing, gathering, protesting, and celebration.  Studio Fee required. ELO5 Arts - Innovation

    ARTS3220 Photography - 3 s.h.

    An exploration into visual story telling through digital photography, imaging, and editing. Course will focus on capturing high quality images to use in professional design work. Studio Fee required.

    BUAD3210 Social Media Marketing - 3 s.h.

    This course provides a comprehensive overview, with hands-on experience, of Social Media Marketing. The most basic objectives of the course are to provide students with a broad introduction to social media marketing concepts and techniques using the latest online tools combined with practical "real world" application. There will be an emphasis on strategic use of tools, effective design and contemporary marketing techniques. Students will build and maintain real world marketing campaigns.

    COMM2110 Intercultural Communication - 3 s.h.

    An examination of concepts that have application to communication across cultural boundaries, with emphasis on relating them to effective intercultural communication skGE3C Liberal Learning-Humanities. ELO4 Global Learning - World Citizenship, ELO4 Global Learning - Equality and Peace, GE3C Liberal Learning-Humanities. +This course is only offered every other year.

    COMM2220 Communication and Advocacy - 3 s.h.

    An examination of rhetorical and political communication theories and practices that are fundamental to social change advocacy. Students will become familiar with basic tools of organizing and advocating for social change, with hands-on application of various communication theories and approaches. +This course is only offered every other year.

    COMM2500 Introduction to Mass Media - 3 s.h.

    An examination of the various landmark theories, such as rhetorical, Marxist, and feminist to analyze popular culture, with an emphasis on the importance of communication in the production and consumption of culture. Students will study the development of culture by applying different theories or 'lenses' to cultural artifacts including music, movies, advertisements, clothing, etc. GE3C Liberal Learning-Humanities +This course is only offered every other year.

    COMM3210 Conflict Management and Dialogue (Also SOCI/PEAC3210) - 3 s.h.

    An examination of conflict theories and approaches, negotiation process, conflict ethics, and third party mediation. In this class, students will become familiar with the causes of conflict as well as ways strategies and tactics used in conflict management. Further, this class will explore the foundational theoretical concepts and models of dialogue in the context of conflict management. +This course is only offered every other year.

    COMM3240 Environmental Communication - 3 s.h.

    This course will extend scientific knowledge to understand how nature and the environment influence communication and society. Students will learn about significant environmental controversies, from toxic waste to climate change, to pro-environmental behaviors. Using a foundation of persuasion, the course focuses on social responsibility and the history of mediated communication within the context of environmental movements and human-made crises.

    COMM3500 Digital Discourses in Media - 3 s.h.

    An exploration of the emergence of new communication practices as well as their social, political, cultural, and economic impact in personal, community, cultural, social, institutional, and international life. Specific attention will be given to the ways social media influence and shape matters of ethics and privacy, how we see ourselves and others, how we interact formally and informally, and how we do business. ELO4 Global Learning - Innovation +This course is only offered every other year.

    COMM3900 Topics in Communication - 1-3 s.h.

    Advanced study in specific topics in communication, to be announced the semester before they are offered. May be repeated for credit as topics change.

    CRMJ2460 Multicultural Policing (also SOCI2460) - 3 s.h.

    This course focuses on the challenges present in policing multicultural settings. Issues pertaining to understanding diverse cultures and effective communication across cultures from the standpoint of law enforcement are explored in detail. Recommended prerequisite: CRMJ1200.

    CSIT1060 Introduction to Web Programming - 3 s.h.

    Basics of how the World Wide Web works and web site construction using HTML and CSS. Related technology skills will be covered.

    CSIT2110 Introduction to Geographic Information Sciences (also SUST2100) - 3 s.h.

    Students will learn theoretical and practical foundations related to geographic information systems and spatial analysis. Emphasis on teaching students to integrate and analyze spatial information from various sources. Includes a weekly laboratory section. Prerequisite: MATH1380.

    ECON1320 Principles of Microeconomics - 3 s.h.

    Analysis of the fundamental principles of the American economic system, centering on price, production, market structures, and a survey of contemporary economic problems, e.g. sustainability. ELO5 Social Science - Sustainability

    ECON3200 Public Finance - 3 s.h.

    An examination of the taxation policies and expenditure programs of the public sector. Related topics include public goods, income distribution, and public choice theory. Prerequisite: ECON1320. ELO5 Social Science - Equality, ELO5 Social Science - Equality and Peace. Offered odd years Spring. +This course is only offered every other year.

    EDUC2120 Human Relations - 3 s.h.

    Analysis of various societal subgroups and how such groups recognize and deal with dehumanizing biases. Students learn to relate effectively to various groups to foster understanding and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion. Emphasis on self-awareness in human relations issues and how this awareness can be translated into positive relationships. Introduction to ethnographic analysis and pedagogical, curricular, and social considerations involved in working with and educating various societal subgroups. ELO3 Ethical Thinking and Action - Equality, ELO3 Ethical Thinking and Action - Equality and Peace, GE3E Liberal Learning-Social Sciences

    ENGL2350 American Ethnic Literatures - 3 s.h.

    A survey of multi-ethnic U.S. literature, including African American literature, Latino/a literature, Asian American literature, Native American literature, and American Jewish literature. As a complement to literary texts, students will also examine a range of introductory theoretical texts in the interdisciplinary field of ethnic studies. ELO5 Humanities - Equality, ELO5 Humanities - Equality and Peace. ++ This course is on a four-year cycle.

    ENGL2370 World Literature - 3 s.h.

    Examines literary works by authors from a broad range of artistic and cultural traditions. Designed to offer students an introduction to literature as a point of access into global communities such as Western European, Middle Eastern, African, Asian, Indigenous, and Latinx. ELO5 Humanities - World Citizenship, ELO5 Humanities - Sustainability, GE3C Liberal Learning-Humanities. +This course is only offered every other year.

    ENGL2380 Our Bondage and Our Freedom: Literature of the Americas, 1491-Present - 3 s.h.

    Survey of American Literature stretching from the advent of European colonization in the Western Hemisphere to the present. The course will pay special attention to the legacies of colonialism and slavery, the history of social movements for freedom and equality, the making (and unmaking) of U.S. national mythologies, the major formal transformations that have taken place in U.S. Literature, and the function of literature as an innovative and adaptive technology that expands human capacities.

    ENGL2390 Modernity and the Modern World: Survey of British Literature and Culture - 3 s.h.

    The course employs visual and literary texts to examine the various social, cultural, political, artistic, and philosophical movements from modernity to the present. By critically engaging with both colonial and postcolonial texts, the course attempts to understand the ways in which the concepts like modernity, empire, coloniality, postcoloniality, and world-building intersect as well as shape our contemporary world. Considering the influence of modernity and the expanse of British empire, this course aims to enable students to understand their own lives as citizens of a world that has been shaped by these movements.

    ENGL2410 Creative Writing: Poetry - 3 s.h.

    Study of poetry writing through the lens of sustainability. Investigates the maintenance of various systems that meet human needs (e.g. emotional, physical, social, environmental) through extensive poetry writing and class discussion. Emphasis on poetry as a means of self-discovery as well as an art form. ELO5 Humanities - Sustainability +This course is only offered every other year.

    ENGL2420 Creative Writing: Fiction - 3 s.h.

    Study of fiction writing through the lens of sustainability. Investigates the maintenance of various systems that meet human needs (e.g. emotional, physical, social, environmental) through extensive fiction writing and class discussion. Emphasis on fiction as a means of self-discovery as well as an art form. ELO5 Humanities - Sustainability. +This course is only offered every other year.

    ENGL2540 Global Eco-Cinema - 3 s.h.

    A transnational survey of films that deal with environmental issues and, more broadly, with human relationships to the nonhuman world. An examination of the impact of urbanization on rural communities, the mysterious allure of wild and uncultivated landscapes, the threat of climate change to daily life around the world, and the cinematic representation of environmental apocalypse. Explores different genres and styles, including neo-realism, eco-horror, anime, and avant-garde cinema. ELO5 Humanities - Sustainability +This course is only offered every other year.

    ENGL2600 Gender and Sexuality - 3 s.h.

    An exploration of issues of gender and sexuality in literature, with a focus on fiction, drama, and poetry by women and LGBT+ writers. As a complement to literary texts, students will also examine a range of introductory theoretical texts in the interdisciplinary field of gender and sexuality studies. ELO5 Humanities - Equality, ELO5 Humanities - Equality and Peace ++ This course is on a four-year cycle.

    ENGL2900 Topics in English - 3 s.h.

    Special studies in English designed primarily for the non-English major. Content may vary and will be announced at time of offering. When content changes, course may be repeated for credit.

    ENGL3110 Critical Theory - 3 s.h.

    Advanced study of literary, cultural, and moving image theory, and the application to written and filmic texts. +This course is only offered every other year.

    ENGL3240 Literatures of Social Justice - 3 s.h.

    An investigation of the role of literature as a vehicle for social change. With a focus on the literatures of emancipatory social movements, this global survey course includes a range of modern authors who merged the personal with the political. Students examine how literature and narrative forms of storytelling function as a means of engaging ethical and social concerns, and eliciting emotions in readers-from rage and defiance to observation and understanding-that might serve to promote social justice. ELO5 Humanities - Peace, ELO5 Humanities - Equality and Peace +This course is only offered every other year.

    ENGL3260 American Environmental Literature - 3 s.h.

    What makes a work of literature "environmental"? How have humans thought about nature throughout history, and how does that intellectual and artistic history affect us today? Can works of literature help humans prevent environmental catastrophes like climate change and species extinction? We'll seek answers to these questions as we engage with fiction, nonfiction, drama, and poetry. We'll discuss the ways that literary and cultural forms can shape who we are, what we value, and what we imagine for the future. We'll also work to build your skills of critical reading, analytical thinking and persuasive writing, skills that will serve you in the future, in whatever environment you inhabit. ELO5 Humanities - Sustainability.

    ENGL3320 Creative Writing: Nonfiction - 3 s.h.

    Study of nonfiction writing through the lens of sustainability. Investigates the maintenance of various systems that meet human needs (e.g. emotional, physical, social, environmental) through extensive nonfiction writing and class discussion. Emphasis on nonfiction as a means of self-discovery as well as an art form. ELO5 Humanities - Sustainability.

    ENGL3420 Language and Culture - 3 s.h.

    An introduction to languaging and grammatical structures of the English language. Emphasizes the history and development of English in different cultural communities as a means to understand, rather than prescribe, how English-speakers use language. Students will engage with cultural interpretations of linguistics as a field of study to better understand the relationship between the evolution of languages and how that evolution plays a part in social justice issues. ELO5 Humanities - Innovation.

    ENGL3480 Cultural Studies - 3 s.h.

    Explores cultural systems of meaning and attendant issues of power, particularly in terms of class, gender, nation, race, nature, and sexuality. Emphasis on commercial and media culture. ELO5 Humanities - Equality, ELO5 Humanities - Equality and Peace. +This course is only offered every other year.

    ENGL3530 Digital Filmmaking - 3 s.h.

    A hands-on introduction to digital film production and editing. Introduces the technical knowledge need to investigate the creative possibilities of composition, light, motion, color and sound in shooting digital film. Examines the fundamentals of nonlinear editing, including continuity development, logging clips, audio tracks, and transitions. Additional fee required. Prerequisites: ENGL2510 or instructor consent. +This course is only offered every other year.

    ENGL3570 Documentary Film - 3 s.h.

    Explores the history, economics, and formal qualities of the “documentary tradition” in filmmaking, with a special focus on documentary films that engage issues of sustainability, broadly defined (environmental, social, and economic). ELO5 Humanities - Sustainability.

    HIST1200 History of the African Diaspora - 3 s.h.

    A history of the people of African descent in the Americas, including the United States, as well as the Caribbean, Central and South America. Issues of survival and resistance, the persistence of racism and white supremacy, and struggles for freedom, across countries and time periods, will be stressed. ELO5 Histories - Equality, ELO5 Histories - Equality and Peace, GE3B Liberal Learning-Histories.

    HIST3220 History of Inequality in the United States - 3 s.h.

    This course examines the causes and consequences of social, political, and economic inequalities in modern United States history. Through the examination of primary sources, students will engage in discussion of the cultural impact that inequality has had in shaping modern US society.

    HLTH3120 Human Sexuality - 3 s.h.

    Discussion of sexual biology, psychology, and sociocultural dimension of human sexual health and behavior. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major.

    HLTH3220 Personal and Community Health - 3 s.h.

    A foundational course designed for students to become informed about health as well as becoming responsible and active participants in the maintenance of their personal health and affecting the health of their community. The course is intended to provide coverage of health promotion, mental health, stress management, afflictions and diseases, aging, environmental health, consumerism and health care and promotion. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major. ELO4 Global Learning - Sustainability.

    INTD4710 Social Change Capstone - 3 s.h.

    Capstone project designed to allow students to synthesize knowledge across their social change major through the production of an original work (research paper, creative project, etc.). Must be developed under the supervision of a social change advisor. Students who are completing more than one major may elect to complete this requirement by approaching another major's capstone project through a social change lens. A social change contract to be filled out by the student, the student's social change advisor, and the faculty teaching the capstone in the aforementioned major is required for this option.

    MATH1360 Statistics for Critical Thinking - 3 s.h.

    A critical thinking approach to data analysis, measures of central tendency, dispersion, correlation, probability, estimation and hypothesis testing. ELO6 Math, GE2B Foundational Skills-Mathematics/Quantitative.

    MUSC3340 Musical Citizenship: Artistic Activism and Social Justice - 3 s.h.

    This course will focus on how music has historically been used for social justice, activism, and reform both within the United States and worldwide. Additionally, it will foster critical discussion and reflection on a wide range of artistic activism and applied research. What is musical activism? What kind of social responsibilities do music researchers have? Can music be used to bring about social justice? Music has long been used by movements seeking social change. People from around the world have used music as a platform to speak up and sing out about injustices. This course will focus discussion on the sounds and sentiments of social activism in the public sphere and the value and challenge of cultural advocacy in civil society. From protest songs of the Civil Rights Movement, to music concerts for charity causes, to freedom songs of the African Americans, to the Singing Revolution of the country of Estonia, to songs of the LGBTQ movement, to the Sigauque Project in Mozambique, to the protest songs of the American union movement… and so on. Through readings, discussion, and in-depth analysis of these different songs and movements, students would gain knowledge of efforts to bring about both cultural and social change throughout the world. ELO5 Arts - Equality and Peace, GE3A Liberal Learning-Arts.

    PHIL2440 Social Dimensions of Equality - 3 s.h.

    An examination of different conceptions of ethical social relationships and ethical behavior. Considers varying accounts of theories of value and right action with critical analysis of systemic and social influences on individual and collective interactions. ELO3 Ethical Thinking and Action - Equality, ELO3 Ethical Thinking and Action - Equality and Peace.

    PSYC3370 Cross Cultural Psychology - 3 s.h.

    Study of psychological theories and empirical findings relating to variations in cultures. Prerequisite: PSYC1300. ELO4 Global Learning - World Citizenship, ELO4 Global Learning - Equality and Peace.

    RELG3540 Peace and Justice in the Christian Tradition - 3 s.h.

    Christian theology is a centuries-long conversation about the meaning of Jesus’ life and message. As theologians have interpreted their faith, they have often pondered questions of justice and peace. How can the nonviolent message of Jesus challenge cultures of oppression? Can war ever be ‘just’? What insights might theological traditions offer to help critique forces that perennialize poverty? What ethical resources can Christian traditions apply to environmental degradation or the search for gender justice? This course explores such questions by focusing them through the thought of key theologians from across the centuries: e.g., Augustine of Hippo, Julian of Norwich, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Oscar Romero, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Letty Russell. We explore how these thinkers’ questions and proposals remain ethically meaningful in the contemporary World. ELO3 Ethical Thinking and Action - Peace, ELO3 Ethical Thinking and Action - Equality and Peace.

    SOCI2460 Multicultural Policing (also CRMJ2460) - 3 s.h.

    This course focuses on the challenges present in policing multicultural settings. Issues pertaining to understanding diverse cultures and effective communication across cultures from the standpoint of law enforcement are explored in detail. Recommended prerequisite: CRMJ1200.

    SOCI4330 Social Inequality - 3 s.h.

    Examines the intersection of race, ethnicity, class, gender, and other minority statuses and the relationships to personal identity and social structure. Helps to develop an awareness and understanding of diverse values, life-styles, beliefs, and attitudes of various racial, cultural, and ethnic minorities. Focuses on the social, legal, economic, and political aspects of prejudice and discrimination on socially disadvantaged groups. Prerequisite: SOCI1300 (with grade of C or better) and senior standing.

    SUST2100 Introduction to Geographic Information Sciences (also CSIT2110) - 3 s.h.

    Students will learn theoretical and practical foundations related to geographic information systems and spatial analysis. Emphasis on teaching students to integrate and analyze spatial information from various sources. Includes a weekly laboratory section. Prerequisite: MATH1370.

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