Peace and Justice Studies

Peace and Justice Studies Minor (15 hours)
Required Courses
RELIG 2250 Religion, Peace and Social Justice	3 hours
Themed Courses: Select at least 12 credits within one theme (the courses must be from at least two different disciplines, and may include appropriate special topics courses and/or internships as approved by the PJS coordinator and appropriate program faculty). Please be aware that several courses in the minor are taught on a rotating basis and therefore are not always available. Students should also take careful note of required pre-requisite(s) for theme courses.	12 hours
Conflict and Peace: Local, National, Global ANTHR 2630 Anthropology of Religion CRMJS 2110 Police and Community ENG 2010 Masterpieces of Literature HIST 1110 World Civilizations: A Survey of the Global Twentieth Century HIST 2110 Introduction to Latin America HIST 2610 Environmental History HIST 3030/HIST 4030 Founding of the Americas HIST 3500/HIST 4500 Myth and the U.S. West POLSC 1090 Introduction to International Relations POLSC 3750 International Security
Issues of Economic Justice BUSAD 4600 Business Ethics ECON 3150 Environmental Economics ECON 3510 Labor Economics ECON 4580 Economic Development ECON 4720 Contemporary Economic Problems of the World HIST 3180/HIST 4180 Topics in Indian History PHYS 1200 Energy and the Global Environment and PHYS 1200L Energy and the Global Environment Lab POLSC 3100 Modernization and Development SOC 3370/SOC 4370 Social Inequality SOC 3530/SOC 4530 Environment, Food, and You SOCWK 2200 Social Welfare Policy, Services, and Delivery Systems
Understanding Diversity, Promoting Justice ANTHR 2530 Latin American Cultures ANTHR 2540 Native American Cultures ANTHR 2550 Sub-Sahara African Cultures ANTHR 2560 Asian Cultures ANTHR 2580 Cultures and Economics of Europe COMM 1500 Intercultural Communication EDUC 2850 Education in a Pluralistic Society ENG 2010 Masterpieces of Literature ENG 3500 Postcolonial and Global Literature GEND 3000 Perspectives in Gender HIST 2540 African-American History HIST 2560 American Indian History HIST 3100/HIST 4100 Voices of Slavery HIST 3550/HIST 4550 Women of the American West IDS 2150/IDS 3500 Urban Diversity PHIL 2300 Philosophies of Race and Gender PHIL 3270 Feminist Theories RELIG 2300 Women and Religion RELIG 2340 Religious Diversity in the United States SOC 1110 Introduction to Sociology SOC 1330/SOC 2330 Race Relations and Minority Groups SPED 2070 Understanding Human Differences
Change Through Social Movements and Individual Action SOC-3950 CRMJS 1010 Introduction to Criminal Justice PHIL 2020 Ethics POLSC 2200 Minority Politics POLSC 2700 Women and Power PSYCH 3400 Social Psychology SOC 1120/SOC 2120 Responding to Social Problems SOCWK 1150 Introduction to Social Work

RELIG 2250 Religion, Peace and Social Justice (3 hours)

This course explores religious responses to social justice issues such as conflict, poverty, oppression, discrimination, and the environment.

ANTHR 2630 Anthropology of Religion (4 hours)

This course summarizes anthropological theories on religious systems and ritual systems. It will also examine relationships between religious systems, popuation density, and environment in pre-industrial societies. Ethnographic studies from pre-industrial Europe, the Near East, Polynesia, and Asia will be included.
(Normally offered alternate years.)

CRMJS 2110 Police and Community (4 hours)

This course provides an analysis of the structure-function of law enforcement and the dilemma confronting the police in relation with the community.
Prerequisite(s): CRMJS 1010 Introduction to Criminal Justice.
(Normally offered alternate years.)

ENG 2010 Masterpieces of Literature (3 hours)

An introductory course designed to help students appreciate the literary record of human relationships with nature, the supernatural, and each other. Each course examines a particular question or condition as it is represented in a restricted number of literary works, with core readings from the Bible, Greek or Roman classical literature, Shakespeare, literature by women, and literature by writers of color. Current offerings include the following.
Prerequisite(s): First Year Writing.
Encountering Others- This course looks at texts that represent moments of contact, conflict, or exchange between different cultures, or between a society and those individuals the society has designated as 'different' in some crucial way.
Coming of Age- Becoming Women, Becoming Men This course looks at texts that represent the forces and processes that are part of maturation, especially those related to gender identity. This course focuses on gender issues and includes feminist perspectives. Note: This course also counts for Gender Studies credit.
Families and Relationships- This course will examine how writers from different historical eras and cultural contexts write about family, in every sense of that word.
Writing the Self 'Who am I?'- This is the quintessential question that all human beings ask. This course examines how writers from different historical eras and cultural contexts use various narrative strategies to construct a sense of self. We will also examine numerous theories that seek to explain what constitutes the 'I' that locates the self as a palpable center of self-awareness, as well as how genre influences the accounting of personal history.
Sexualities- This course is designed to help students appreciate the literary record of romantic relationships. Specifically, the course will explore how writers from different historical periods and cultural milieus address the issue of human sexuality. Note: same-sex relationships will be routinely read about and discussed in the class. Note: This course also counts for Gender Studies credit.
Law and Justice- The courtroom is a place where one's telling and interpretation of stories can mean the difference between life and death, so the analysis of literature and the practice of the law are already intertwined. This course explores the connection further by focusing on literary works that deal with the principle of justice and the application of law.
Revolution- This course looks at texts that represent moments of sudden change, upheaval, and transformation, both within societies and within individuals.
Religion and Spirituality- Religion is a virtually universal constant in recorded human history, but with answers of different religions to humankind's big questions have varied enormously. What is the origin and purpose of evil? What is death? What things should be held sacred? What is the nature of the divine? How should we treat other people - and should we distinguish between those who share our beliefs and those who do not? This course will study some of the ways these questions have been answered, from most ancient times to the present.
The Environment- How are nature and the natural world imagined through literary texts? In the western tradition, "nature" is usually considered separate from humanity - a passive landscape designed to be dominated and used by humans for human purposes. What is the origin of this cultural attitude? What alternative views do we find in the history of western literature? What does the literary record of nature look like in some non-western cultural traditions? Is nature best understood as a universal category apart from human culture or is the idea of nature created by human culture? This course will explore such questions by reading texts from different eras and cultural traditions.
War- Virtually every culture has experienced war, and cultures often define and understand themselves through the memories of their wars. Literature about war, from western civilization's founding epic, Homer's Iliad, to blogs maintained by contemporary soldiers, provides us with not only some of our most memorable images of courage, loyalty, and self-sacrifice, but also compelling evidence of war's cruelty, horror, and senselessness; its themes encompass both enormous historical and cultural change and the most intimate, personal suffering.

HIST 1110 World Civilizations: A Survey of the Global Twentieth Century (4 hours)

This is a world-history survey designed to introduce students to the sweep of social, political, economic, and cultural changes that took place around the world over the course of the twentieth century. Using primary sources, the course allows students to investigate in-depth themes such as European colonialism, the First and Second World Wars, fascism and its consequences, the transformation of East Asia, the Cold War and its consequences, and new challenges to global stability in the modern era.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

HIST 2110 Introduction to Latin America (2 hours)

An examination of the Latin American experience from precontact and the earliest Spanish exploration and colonization. The course will examine the progress of Indian/Spanish, Church/State, Spanish/Portuguese/English/French and Spanish/English/United States relations from the mid-1400s into the 20th century. The dynamics of political, religious, and agrarian movements throughout the many Latin American nations will also be discussed, as will the historic trends behind current events in Latin America.

HIST 2610 Environmental History (4 hours)

A study of environmental history focusing primarily on the United States and including Canada and Mexico as they involve border environmental conflicts. Emphasis will be placed on environmental philosophy, ethnic minorities, power and politics, regionalsim, industrialsim, gender, and literature. Course format will be lecture, class discussions based on assigned readings from assigned texts, as well as supplemental sources, reports, videos, and field trips.
Prerequisite(s): HIST 1010 Topics in United States History to 1877 or HIST 1020 United States Society and Culture Since 1877, or permission of the instructor.

HIST 3030 Founding of the Americas (4 hours)

Colonial powers invaded previously occupied America as early as the fifteenth century. The colonial powers dictated the colonists' encounters with indigenous peoples, just as indigenous cultural traditions dictated responses to the colonial regimes. The course will necessarily investigate and compare the colonial experiences of Spain, France, Holland, Russia, and Great Britain in the Americas, as well as indigenous traditions and responses to the colonial invaders.
Prerequisite(s): HIST 1010 Topics in United States History to 1877.

HIST 4030 Founding of the Americas (4 hours)

Colonial powers invaded previously occupied America as early as the fifteenth century. The colonial powers dictated the colonists' encounters with indigenous peoples, just as indigenous cultural traditions dictated responses to the colonial regimes. The course will necessarily investigate and compare the colonial experiences of Spain, France, Holland, Russia, and Great Britain in the Americas, as well as indigenous traditions and responses to the colonial invaders.
Prerequisite(s): HIST 1010 Topics in United States History to 1877.

HIST 3500 Myth and the U.S. West (4 hours)

The course will focus on Native Americans from the days when pre-contact Native American societies flourished, to subsequent European and Russian domination, and finally their loss of sovereignty under the U.S. government. The course will also emphasize the nineteenth and twentieth centuries when the West became represented different visions of a prosperous future; to the Chinese, it was the "Golden Mountain"; to Spaniards and Mexicans, it was "El Norte"; to the newly-emancipated Africans, the West represented freedom; to many other newly arrived immigrants, it was a land of opportunity; to the Native Americans, it was their sacred home. Special emphasis will be placed on the above issues where clashes have erupted.

HIST 4500 Myth and the U.S. West (4 hours)

The course will focus on Native Americans from the days when pre-contact Native American societies flourished, to subsequent European and Russian domination, and finally their loss of sovereignty under the U.S. government. The course will also emphasize the nineteenth and twentieth centuries when the West became represented different visions of a prosperous future; to the Chinese, it was the "Golden Mountain"; to Spaniards and Mexicans, it was "El Norte"; to the newly-emancipated Africans, the West represented freedom; to many other newly arrived immigrants, it was a land of opportunity; to the Native Americans, it was their sacred home. Special emphasis will be placed on the above issues where clashes have erupted.

POLSC 1090 Introduction to International Relations (3 hours)

This course provides an introduction to a basic understanding of the concepts of international relations. It focuses on the interrelationship of nations and how they coexist and interact with each other. It will expose the student to the theories of international relations and how these theories apply to current problems and experiences.

POLSC 3750 International Security (3 hours)

In this course the student will examine the theoretical body of literature on international security. We will consider traditional topics in international security, such as the role of conventional and nuclear weapons, arms control, the impact of alliances and collective security agreements, and the stability of bipolar vs. multipolar international systems. We will also broaden our defintion of security politics to include environmental degradation, ethnic conflicts, and even organized crime.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or permission of the instructor.

BUSAD 4600 Business Ethics (3 hours)

This course investigates ethical issues and moral dilemmas found in the modern business arena. The conflict between an organization's economic performance and its social obligations are studied. Various economic theories, legal regulations and philosophic doctrines are discussed. Contemporary Western moral philosophy, historic and contemporary Christian ethics, and social theory provide a context for the course. Case studies are integrated throughout the semester.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

ECON 3150 Environmental Economics (3 hours)

This course allows students to investigate resource scarcity, the energy problem, and alternatives for the future. Emphasis is placed on benefits and costs of environmental preservation and the contribution that the economics descipline makes toward the solution of environmental problems. Selected current problems are integrated throughout the course.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C-" or better in ECON 1540 Microeconomic Principles or permission of the instructor.

ECON 3510 Labor Economics (3 hours)

An analysis of labor theory and the labor force including an examination of occupational wage differentials, women in the labor force, investment in human capital, racial discrimination in employment, and the impact of labor unions.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C-" or better in ECON 1540 Microeconomic Principles or permission of the instructor.

ECON 4580 Economic Development (3 hours)

A seminar on the problems of developing nations, using primarily Latin American examples to gain insight into the reasons why poverty persists alongside spectacular affluence. Economic justice is a primary focus. Topics will include the role of gender, transnational corporations, foreign aid, and various proposals to promote change and development, using an interdisciplinary approach.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing a grade of "C-" or better in ECON 1530 Macroeconomic Principles or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered every other spring semester.)

ECON 4720 Contemporary Economic Problems of the World (3 hours)

A course in which selected current topics are studied in depth. The topics could range from local to international economic problems. Extensive use of selected resource materials is required.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C-" or better in ECON 1540 Microeconomic Principles or permission of the instructor.

HIST 3180 Topics in Indian History (2 hours)

A two hours, 8 week, course treating selected topics in Indian history. This will include a broad comparative treatment of Indians of the Americas (North, Central, and South), or more focused treatment of the Inca, Maya, Aztecs, or studying the current state of Indian land and water rights claims, Indian education, life on the reservation, or indigenous sacred rights.

HIST 4180 Topics in Indian History (2 hours)

A two hour, 8 week, course treating selected topics in Indian history. This will include a broad comparative treatment of Indians of the Americas (North, Central, and South), or more focused treatment of the Inca, Maya, Aztecs, or studying the current state of Indian land and water rights claims, Indian education, life on the reservation, or indigenous sacred rights.

PHYS 1200 Energy and the Global Environment (3 hours)

A course covering some of the most critical problems facing the world today - those relating to the production, distribution, and use of energy. The basic concepts of heat, work, electricity and energy as they apply to energy use around the world will be studied. The major source of energy, their value and importance, the historical and future demand for energy and the specific environmental problems and benefits encountered will be identified.
Three lectures per week.
One laboratory per week.

PHYS 1200L Energy and the Global Environment Lab (1 hour)

Laboratory experiments associated with PHYS 1200 Energy and the Global Environment.
One laboratory per week.
Corerequiste(s): PHYS 1200 Energy and the Global Environment.

POLSC 3100 Modernization and Development (3 hours)

The problems faced by the political systems of the countries of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Specific topics will include their attempts to maintain political stability and resolve such issues as the food and population problems.
Prerequisite(s): POLSC 1090 Introduction to International Relations or POLSC 1200 Introduction to Comparative Politics and junior standing or permission of the instructor.

SOC 3370 Social Inequality (4 hours)

This course explores social stratisfication, the socially created pattern of unequal distribution of social resources. It gives particular attention to social class, but also considers how class intersects with other social categories (such as race/ethnicity and gender) to create even further inequality. It also examines the interconnectedness of social inequality and the primary social institutions of U.S. society. It also explores global social inequality. The requirements of the 4370 course will be the same as the 3370 course EXCEPT that students in the higher course number will select additional in-depth readings, writings, and activities that expand on the course materials.
Prerequisite(s): SOC 1110 Introduction to Sociology
(Normally offered alternate years.)

SOC 4370 Social Inequality (4 hours)

This course explores social stratisfication, the socially created pattern of unequal distribution of social resources. It gives particular attention to social class, but also considers how class intersects with other social categories (such as race/ethnicity and gender) to create even further inequality. It also examines the interconnectedness of social inequality and the primary social institutions of U.S. society. It also explores global social inequality. The requirements of the 4370 course will be the same as the 3370 course EXCEPT that students in the higher course number will select additional in-depth readings, writings, and activities that expand on the course materials.
Prerequisite(s): SOC 1110 Introduction to Sociology
(Normally offered alternate years.)

SOC 3530 Environment, Food, and You (4 hours)

This course identifies and explores issues that arise because of the impacts of human beings on the environment, and impacts of the environment on human activity. Students will be introduced to social impact assessment as a means for identifying the ways resources exploitation leads to both the development and decline of communities. Food production is used to illustrate these impacts because it plays a significant role in community organization, human survival, and environmental resilience. The requirements of the 4530 course will be the same as the 3530 course EXCEPT that students in the higher course number will complete a semester length field project relevant to the course material.
Prerequisite(s): SOC 1110 Introduction to Sociology or SOC 2530 Population and Environment.
(Normally offered alternate years.)

SOC 4530 Environment, Food, and You (4 hours)

This course identifies and explores issues that arise because of the impacts of human beings on the environment, and impacts of the environment on human activity. Students will be introduced to social impact assessment as a means for identifying the ways resources exploitation leads to both the development and decline of communities. Food production is used to illustrate these impacts because it plays a significant role in community organization, human survival, and environmental resilience. The requirements of the 4530 course will be the same as the 3530 course EXCEPT that students in the higher course number will complete a semester length field project relevant to the course material.
Prerequisite(s): SOC 1110 Introduction to Sociology or SOC 2530 Population and Environment.
(Normally offered alternate years.)

SOCWK 2200 Social Welfare Policy, Services, and Delivery Systems (3 hours)

This course studies the historical development of social welfare policies, services, and institutions and addresses contemporary policy and service delivery. The social, political, and value systems that create policies are studied. A systems perspective focuses on the relationship between policy, services, and institutions at the local, state, and federal levels. International perspectives on social policy are discussed for comparative purposes. Primary areas of focus are public welfare, aging, and mental health. Policy implementation and change are discussed.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

ANTHR 2530 Latin American Cultures (4 hours)

This course examines Latin American cultures from an anthropological perspective. It covers stratification and its effects on indigenous populations and contemporary cultures, and the effects of culture change on them.
(Normally offered alternate years.)

ANTHR 2540 Native American Cultures (4 hours)

This course examines a wide range of Native American cultures. It includes an exploration of cultures before contact by European populations and contemporary issues facing both reservation and urban Native American populations.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

ANTHR 2550 Sub-Sahara African Cultures (4 hours)

This course examines selected cultures from Sub-Sahara Africa with careful attention to culture formation before contact with European culture as well as the effects of colonization and the effects of increases in technology.
(Normally offered alternate years.)

ANTHR 2560 Asian Cultures (4 hours)

This course examines selected Asian cultures from an anthropological perspective, including the effects of stratification and culture change. It provides a general survey of prehistoric cultures as well as some of the issues related to Western expansion in Asia.
(Normally offered alternate years.)

ANTHR 2580 Cultures and Economics of Europe (4 hours)

This course is designed to examine Europe as a culture area. Specific emphasis will be on class systems, peasantry, contemporary life, and tradition and change. Although there are clearly differences among European cultures, they also share common roots in the feudal system. It will also study romance language formation and the drive for the development of the contemporary European economic community.
(Normally offered alternate years.)

COMM 1500 Intercultural Communication (4 hours)

The study of cultural differences that influence the exchange of meaning between individuals and groups of different cultural and/or racial backgrounds. The course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the uniqueness of cultures and the resulting variations in communication styles and preferences, and to provide strategies and skills for successfully communicating across cultural barriers. Students will spend at least 20 hours during the semester working with community agencies serving clients from different cultures.
(Normally offered each semester.)

EDUC 2850 Education in a Pluralistic Society (3 hours)

This course, which meets the Nebraska Human Relations Training requirement for teacher certification, focuses on the history, culture, and contributions of African Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanics. In addition, it seeks to sensitize students to dehumanizing biases experienced by groups due to race, ethnicity, gender, social class, religion, exceptionality, sexual orientation, and language background.
Co-Requisite(s): EDUC 1010 Introduction to Education in the United States

ENG 3500 Postcolonial and Global Literature (4 hours)

A thematic course designed to complement the more traditional offerings in British and American literature. The emphasis will be on the shock of colonization, the oppression of imperialism, and the struggle for independence. Attention will also be paid to the encounter of the individual with the questions of God, family, love, war, work, change, and death.
Prerequisite(s): First Year Writing and Sophomore standing.

GEND 3000 Perspectives in Gender (4 hours)

This course provides an overview of key contemporary theories, concepts, issues, and debates in Gender Studies as well as an overview of the historical roots that inform this interdisciplinary area of study. Students will also conceptualize and develop an applied gender-project. While topics may vary by instructor expertise and state of the discipline, currently, focus will be placed upon intersectionality (categories such as gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, citizenship status, social class, caste, ability, and age interlock and work together), transnationalism (no matter one's location or awareness, one is connected to others in different parts of the world) and masculinities (analysis of masculine social formation and feminist masculinities). Students will glean an overview of the field of Gender Studies and its emergence from Women's Studies and advocacy for women's rights. Students will become familiar with key concepts from current gender scholarship. As professors encounter current scholarship they will change the course content to reflect the latest debates in the field. Upon completing the course, students must be able to show that they can conceptualize and complete a substantial project with real-world applications that they can then share with other students.

HIST 2540 African-American History (4 hours)

A broad survey of the major themes and issues in African American history from the early slave trade through emancipation to the present. Major topics include the creation of a diverse African American culture, resistance to the dehumanization of slavery, Civil War and Reconstruction, the Great Migration, the movement from Civil Rights to Black Power and contemporary issues such as reparations for slavery.
(Normally offered each fall semester)

HIST 2560 American Indian History (4 hours)

This course will serve as an overview of American Indian history from precontact to the present. It will explore numerous themes including cultural diversity, initial contact with Europeans, the different styles of interactions (Spanish/English/French), accommodation and dispossession, the American treaty process, concentration, wardship, education, land allotment, termination and relocation, and modern American Indian issues. Utilizing assigned readings, discussion, and some short films, this class will eradicate misconceptions about American Indians and therefore eliminate the roots of discrimination and prejudice against the original Americans.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

HIST 3100 Voices of Slavery (4 hours)

A study of chattel slavery in the United States through the words and remembrances of enslaved people from 1600-1877. The course will focus on slave narratives from the Colonial and Antebellum eras. Topics include African slavery, the slave trade, slave culture, family life, motherhood, methods of resistance, religion, self-emancipation and the Reconstruction period. This course also introduces students to the basic theoretical approaches to understanding th epast through the historiography of slavery. Special emphasis is placed on research methods, resources and the composition of a research essay. This course is designed for majors and students interested in the theories and techniques used by historians to investigate the past through the study of chattel slavery.

HIST 4100 Voices of Slavery (4 hours)

A study of chattel slavery in the United States through the words and remembrances of enslaved people from 1600-1877. The course will focus on slave narratives from the Colonial and Antebellum eras. Topics include African slavery, the slave trade, slave culture, family life, motherhood, methods of resistance, religion, self-emancipation and the Reconstruction period. This course also introduces students to basic theoretical approaches to understanding the past through the historiography of slavery. Special emphasis is placed on research methods, resources and the composition of a research essay. This course is designed for majors and students interested in the theories and techniques used by historians to investigate the past through the study of chattel slavery.

HIST 3550 Women of the American West (4 hours)

This course highlights women's experiences in the American West from precontact to present, and explores topics of myth and stereotypes; women's roles in the home, family and community; and racial, class and ethnic differences in women's experiences.
Prerequisite(s): HIST 1010 Topics in United States History to 1877 and HIST 1020 United States Society and Culture Since 1877 or permission of the instructor.

HIST 4550 Women of the American West (4 hours)

This course highlights women's experiences in the American West from precontact to present, and explores topics of myth and stereotypes; women's roles in the home, family and community; and racial, class and ethnic differences in women's experiences.
Prerequisite(s): HIST 1010 Topics in United States History to 1877 or HIST 1020 United States Society and Culture Since 1877 or permission of the instructor.
[Cross-listed with GEND-4550=l]

IDS 2150 Urban Diversity (3-4 hours)

4 hours - fall or spring semester 3 hours - summer or winter term This course introduces students to the major institutions, ethnic communities, and systems of Chicago. Students interact with community organizers, performers, political leaders, and business owners. Students visit neighborhoods, encounter the vast diversity of the city, and experience the connection between world events and urban living.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of Chicago Center for Urban Life and Culture Faculty Liaison.

IDS 3500 Urban Diversity (4 hours)

4 hours - fall or spring semester 3 hours - summer or winter term This course introduces students to the major institutions, ethnic communities, and systems of Chicago. Students interact with community organizers, performers, political leaders, and business owners. Students visit neighborhoods, encounter the vast diversity of the city, and experience the connection between world events and urban living.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of Chicago Center for Urban Life and Culture Faculty Liaison.

PHIL 2300 Philosophies of Race and Gender (3 hours)

Most Americans have some understanding of how the categories of race and gender influence our personal and social identities. Yet many Americans also assume that race and gender are "natural," i.e., that we are born into a certain race and naturally embody a certain sex. In this course, we will examine these assumptions by reading, discussing, and critically assessing the arguments for and against the "naturalness" of race and gender. We will consider how categories of race and gender position us, historically and philosophically, as a person of a certain "type" from whom certain behaviors are expected. We will look at socio-economic conditions and philosophic positions that support or challenge racism, sexism, classism, segregation, and violence.

PHIL 3270 Feminist Theories (3 hours)

An exploration of the varieties of contemporary feminist thought. We will examine ideas of convergence among feminist philosophers but also attend to the issues that divide them. Special consideration will be give to race, class, and gender both in terms of the sex/gender distinction and theorists who argue against this distinction. Having established that feminism is not a single, homogeneous system, we will also explore the local, national, and global implications of feminisms for the 21st century.

RELIG 2300 Women and Religion (3 hours)

This course will examine the roles and views of women in religious traditions. Students will encounter scholarship on gender, religion, and feminist theology in different traditions. The primary focus of this course will be on the religious traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, although other traditions and contemporary religious movements may be considered.

RELIG 2340 Religious Diversity in the United States (3 hours)

Religion in the U.S. is vital and diverse and its study illuminates not only early American society, but also the current pluralism within our contemporary culture. This course will introduce religious traditions in the U.S. through thematic, historical, denominational, and cultural considerations. Though the Puritan roots of U.S. religious history will be considered, this course emphasizes the variety and diversity of religious experiences in the U.S., including Native American, Protestant, Catholic, African-American, Jewish, Islamic, Hindu, and Buddhist traditions.

SOC 1110 Introduction to Sociology (4 hours)

This course is an introduction to using the sociological perspective as a method of social inquiry. Students explore such basic concepts as culture, socialization, social structure, social interaction, and social change. They study and apply the theories and research methodologies used to investigate human social interaction. These concepts are applied to social topics such as race, class, gender, family, crime, population, environment, and others.
(Normally offered each semester.)

SOC 1330 Race Relations and Minority Groups (4 hours)

This course uses sociological perspectives to examine the causes and consequences of a society stratisfied by racial-ethinic diversity. It looks at the way historical decisions made by the dominant group have impacted the current situation for majority-minority relations in the U.S. A structural assessment of current social relations is emphasized although individual prejudice and discrimination is examined. Concepts such as white-privilege, immigration, and institutional discrimination are investigated. The requirements of the 2330 course will be the same as the 1330 course EXCEPT that students in the higher course number will complete a 20 hour service-learning component.
(Normally offered each semester.)

SOC 2330 Race Relations and Minority Groups (4 hours)

This course uses sociological perspectives to examine the causes and consequences of a society stratisfied by racial-ethinic diversity. It looks at the way historical decisions made by the dominant group have impacted the current situation for majority-minority relations in the U.S.A structural assessment of current social relations is emphasized although individual prejudice and discrimination is examined. Concepts such as white-privilege, immigration, and institutional discrimination are investigated. The requirements of the 2330 course will be the same as the 1330 course EXCEPT that students in the higher course number will complete a 20 hour service-learning component.
(Normally offered each semester.)

SPED 2070 Understanding Human Differences (3 hours)

This course provides an overview of basic concepts related to the inclusive education of differently abled students. A broad understanding of a range of low and high incidence disabilities will be explored. Historical factors, legislation, litigation, service delivery models, and cross-cultural issues are examined in the course. Students will complete a fieldwork experience that will allow them an opportunity to assist kindergarten, elementary, middle school, or junior high special education students for a designated period of time.

CRMJS 1010 Introduction to Criminal Justice (4 hours)

A survey course providing an overall view of the criminal justice system, the law, law enforcement, the courts, and corrections.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

PHIL 2020 Ethics (3 hours)

We are all raised to behave in accordance with some kind of ethical or moral code. It could be a Christian, Muslim, or Buddhist code or even a secular code based on personal freedom and respect. But, the fact remains that we adhere to some kind of moral code, whether reflectively or unreflectively, and bring these deeply inculcated moral beliefs and commitments to bear on any number of decisions we may make throughout our lives. However, these decisions are often the result of mere "knee-jerk" reactions based on our previously held beliefs rather than on a rational principle, criterion or measure. The main purpose of this course is to provide a forum wherein students can examine and scrutinize their own moral commitments, and perhaps make a rational choice as to which moral principles to accept or reject.

POLSC 2200 Minority Politics (3 hours)

An examination of the political role of minorities in U.S. society. The course will focus on the historical evolution of minority rights with emphasis on current debates and controversies. It will also apply political science theories to the relationship between majority and minority communities in the U.S.

POLSC 2700 Women and Power (4 hours)

This course examines the participation of women in society and politics, and their ability to influence the policy decisions related to the issues of concern to them. The course will take a cross-national persepective, although primary emphasis will be women in Middle Eastern and South Asian societies.

PSYCH 3400 Social Psychology (4 hours)

A scientific study of the way in which thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by other people and situational factors. Topics include research methodology, conformity, social cognition, attitudes, persuasion, aggression, prejudice, and interpersonal attraction.
Prerequisite(s): PSYCH 1010 Introduction to Psychological Science.
Recommended: PSYCH 2100 Psychological Statistics and PSYCH 2110 Research Methods in Psychology
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

SOC 1120 Responding to Social Problems (4 hours)

This course uses sociological perspectives to emphasize the interconnection between individuals, social structure, social forces, and social problems. Students will enlist a sociological focus to study and assess what constitutes a "social problem," what causes a social problem, and how selected social problems are addressed. The requirements of the 2120 course will be the same as the 1120 course EXCEPT that students in the higher course number will complete a 20 hour service-learning component.
(Normally offered each semester.)

SOC 2120 Responding to Social Problems (4 hours)

This course uses sociological perspectives to emphasize the interconnection between individuals, social structure, social forces, and social problems. Students will enlist a sociological focus to study and assess what constitutes a "social problem," what causes a social problem, and how selected social problems are addressed. Course requires strong student involvment and experiential learning. The requirements of the 2120 course will be the same as the 1120 course EXCEPT that students in the higher course number will complete a 20 hour service-learning component.
(Normally offered each semester.)

SOCWK 1150 Introduction to Social Work (3 hours)

Survey of the field of professional social work, including the roles, philosophy, values, skills, and knowledge base needed. Areas of practice and career expectations are explained.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

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Peace and Justice Studies

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