Social Justice Studies is an interdisciplinary minor that reflects Alfred University’s commitment to social justice and honors the university’s roots in 19th century social justice movements. Social justice movements work toward a society characterized by equitable distribution of various kinds of resources (political, economic, cultural, etc.) to all identity groups.
In the Social Justice Studies minor, students develop the tools to analyze and the vocabulary to talk about systems of advantage and disadvantage that perpetuate inequality at the interpersonal, institutional, and cultural level. They acquire familiarity with social movements and strategies that have been used historically to dismantle systemic inequality and to effect social change. They examine their own identities and actions in light of their learning, and engage in experiential learning—getting outside of the classroom environment to develop and implement action plans and then reflecting on their experience.
The course of study includes both the breadth of an introductory core course and the depth and autonomy of a faculty-supervised capstone experience. Students also take courses from a variety of disciplines and are strongly encouraged to take advantage of experiential learning opportunities.
SJST Learning Objectives
1. Students will develop the tools to analyze and the vocabulary to talk about systems of advantage and disadvantage that perpetuate inequality at the interpersonal, institutional, and cultural level.
2. Students will demonstrate an understanding of different concepts of justice, and apply those definitions in evaluating specific social institutions.
3. Students will demonstrate familiarity with social movements and strategies that have been used historically to dismantle systemic inequality and to effect social change.
4. Students will examine their own identities and actions in light of their learning, demonstrating how their course of study prepares them to actively work toward a more just society.
5. Students will engage in experiential learning, getting outside of the classroom environment to develop and implement action plans and then reflecting on their experience.
Required courses:
Elective Courses
Beyond the core and capstone, students complete 14 credits of electives. At least 10 elective credits must be unique to the SJST minor (i.e., not double-counting toward any other major or minor). Courses available as electives for the minor include: (Most are cross-listed as “SJST” in Class Schedules)
Special Topics Courses (SJST 200/300/400)
Other classes may be included in the minor with permission from the Director or board. Special topics classes are taught once or twice to capture a specific interest or explore a new area, and may count toward the minor as electives. In the past instructors have offered special topics courses in a wide array of subject areas. On average, there are approximately 1-3 SJST special topics courses offered in a given academic year. Most recently, the following topics courses have been offered:
- PHIL / SJST / WGST 300 Feminist Thought (Spring 25)
- PHIL / SJST 300 Justice (Spring 25, Spring 23)
- HIST / WGST / SJST 360 Topics: History of American Medicine: Race, Class, Gender, & Science (Spring 25)
- PHIL / SJST 300 Topics: Comedy, Social Justice, and Censorship (Fall 24, Fall 22)
- HIST / WGST / SJST 360 Topics: Sex, Power & Politics (Spring 23)
- PHIL / POLS / SJST / WGST Feminists Philosophy (Spring 23)