SOC-200 PERSPECTIVE CONSCIOUSNESS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
The course focuses on "perspective consciousness," that is 1) realizing that values, beliefs and world-views are socially constructed; 2) understanding the importance of finding one's "own voice," of analyzing one's own thinking and the thinking of others, and of dealing with dissonance; and 3) understanding the importance of praxis - to reflect and to act upon the world in order to transform it. Critical interrogation of several key social institutions and cultural dynamics; analysis of contradictions between dominant ideological or mythical claims and everyday social practices and experiences are also included. The conceptual and practical skills necessary to 1) challenge the perspective that difference and diversity must be controlled by exclusion, discrimination and inequality and 2) create and participate in democratic institutions and organizations based on social justice and equality are also covered. Enrollment is limited to majors in the School of Arts and Sciences.