Racial and Social Justice in the US 

Fall 2024

Chicago/Atlanta/Birmingham/Montgomery/Arizona-Mexico border/D.C.

The U.S. social and cultural landscape has been shaped by two deeply entrenched, ongoing dynamics in terms of justice, equity and the development of organizations for change: systemic racism against African Americans and the sometimes hostile, sometimes welcoming reception of immigrants. Students will explore the distinct and overlapping dynamics through the lenses of religious faith, creative cultural expressions, building resilience and solidarity through coalition building, and relationship building across physical country borders and across racial/ethnic borders. Students will learn from individuals and organizations in communities in each location, to gain deeper understanding of the history and current experience of these vibrant populations.

Travel to multiple locations by train, a means often frequented by lower-income, racially diverse people, will provide a unique passage through U.S. landscape and geography.

Courses

ICSSC 201 Intercultural Social Science (3SH): In each unique location, students will explore cultural and social distinctives of local people, and how students locate themselves in relation to these communities and histories.

ICREL 317 Religion, History and Culture of U.S. (3 SH) (CIW): Each primary location during the semester will offer a rich well of learning from the role of religious institutions and communities in building capacity for response to the acute needs of immigrants, against systemic racism, and other societal needs.

ICSOC 304 - Resilience, Trauma, Hope (3SH): This course will deepen understanding of issues related to power, privilege, and organized resistance, through a trauma and resilience lens. 

ICHIS 317 History of US with African American/Immigrant Narratives (3SH): U.S. history through the distinctive experience of African Americans and several immigrant populations, with particular focus on those crossing the border between Mexico and Arizona. 

ICLEAD 205 Leadership for Social Change in Diverse Settings (3SH): Students will explore the ways leaders in diverse settings build teams, nurture creativity and initiative in communities and organizations, and sustain positive morale. Students will engage in leadership roles as a part of the group learning and living experience.