(Re)Designing for Social Justice
Program Summary
If injustice is built into our systems and societies, then how can we think about redesigning our systems and societies so that the greatest number of people experience justice? In the (Re)Designing for Social Justice FYE, we take a global look at issues and inequalities lived by people around the world today, beginning with our own experiences and social identities. At the same time, we will explore what individuals and groups are doing to create more equal opportunities for all while asking what we as global citizens can do to create a more inclusive world. In Visual Communication Design I, you will learn how to use digital tools to visualize the social justice concepts introduced in Global Citizenship. As Antionette Carroll, founder of Creative Reaction Lab, says, “We all have the power to influence outcomes. Every choice that we make every day contributes to a greater design.” What choices will you make to (re)design your world?
ARTS 170: Visual Communication Design I: (3 SH, GEA)
This course is an introduction to the world of graphic design and its practical application. Students interested in learning how to read the language of images, symbols and art and how to create and work with the language of art and design should take this class. Students will learn skills in working with the professional tools of graphic design, learn the process of design, and apply these skills on a daily basis to a wide range of projects. All projects are designed to develop readily usable skills to be used outside of this class.
GLBS 200: Global Citizenship (3 SH, GESS)
In this course you will learn about issues facing our world today along with what we as global citizens can do to make a difference. The class will start off with exploring the idea of what knowledge and skills a global citizen has. You will also create a plan of actions you will take as a global citizen, right here on campus, this semester.
After this, we will take a multi-disciplinary look at each region of the world examining politics, population growth and decline, climate change, globalization, and social issues. Intercultural awareness, or how to interact respectfully with someone from another country or culture, is another theme running through this class. You will have an opportunity to build your intercultural awareness skills through exploring both your own values and identity and the values and identity of someone from a country different from your own in order to see how they connect. At the end of this course you will increase not only your understanding of the world, but how to create a more inclusive world.
GEN 101 SJ: ILC (Re)Designing for Social Justice (3SH)
In GEN 101, the Integrated Learning Course (ILC), we will use the content from ARTS 170: Visual Communication Design I and GLBS 200: Global Citizenship to develop college-level research skills, strengthen your writing and reading habits, and address general transition-to-college issues. Readings about Design and Social Justice will be assigned and used to supplement the content from the other courses.