Bachelor of Arts in Advocacy and Social Justice

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Program Overview

The BA completion in Advocacy and Social Justice offers an upper division program focused on advocacy and social justice theory, research and practice.  Students will develop the skills to critically evaluate the motivations and implications of injustice, disparity, inequity and systems of dominance to become practitioners grounded in the principles of social justice, advocacy, respect for diversity and multi-culturalism, and the uniqueness of each person.  Students are immersed in a multi-disciplinary curriculum through coursework aimed to develop a holistic lens of empowerment, equity and justice for social impact and change.

The attainment of applied experience is critical to students who are committed to and engaged in their communities. Field Experiences at an approved site are part of the BA completion program in Advocacy and Social Justice. Fieldwork experiences are to occur while student is registered in HD459- Exploration & Implementation: Fieldwork/Internship

Graduates are prepared to effectively apply advocacy and social justice theories and principles in their roles as community advocates in governmental and non-governmental agencies, civil liberties workers, disease & disability advocates, social services conservators, community health workers, case managers, LGBTQ activists and special interests advocates

Contributions to the wider body of intellectual knowledge are critical and the completion of a Social Action Research Capstone Project is required for successful fulfillment of the BA degree completion program in Advocacy and Social Justice as a part of the HD 497-Capstone course.

Concentrations are additional areas of focus which are designed to immerse students in a more specific area of advocacy and social justice.  The BA completion in Advocacy and Social Justice offers concentrations in Culture & Communities and Education.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)

Development: Students analyze and assess utility of advocacy and social justice theories impacting domestic and global systems to assess opportunities and strategies to increase inclusion, multiculturalism and equity.

Diversity: Students are able to identify and analyze the dynamics of institutional and individual biases and the uses of power to impact social, community and political systems.  They demonstrate a value and commitment to diversity, social justice, equity and inclusion.

Communication: Students will assess and examine the qualities of communication tools used to fight injustice, maintain oppressive systems and empower individuals and communities to develop strategies for social impact.

Research: Students are able to use critical thinking and information literacy skills to distinguish between observations and theory in published research.  Students create original research, present their findings, and link their research with existing literature in the field.

Praxis: Students develop a philosophy of learning reflective of advocacy and social justice theories guided by reflective engagement and grounded in a lens of equity and multiculturalism. Students evaluate and explore the knowledge, skills, attitudes and attributes of the advocate role and assess their impact on other persons, groups and systems (ethics, values, principles and empowerment).  Praxis will involve activities such as practica, internship, fieldwork or student teaching.

Program Specific Requirements

Prior to registering for classes each semester (fall, spring, and summer), it is recommended that students meet with their advisor to identify the appropriate classes to take and to review their progress towards degree completion. The program requires 18 units of core coursework; and 12 units of concentration coursework and other program electives necessary to fulfill a total of 30 units for program completion.

Fieldwork Requirements

Each concentration has an advocacy fieldwork requirement. Fieldwork is study and learning that consists of practical and applied activities completed outside of the classroom or typical learning environment.  Each student is required to engage in 45 hours of service at an approved fieldwork/internship site during the semester enrolled in the three-unit fieldwork course (HD459)

Course Scheduling

Classes generally meet in one of two schedule patterns:

Ground

» Evenings: Monday through Thursday with classes beginning at 4:00 or 7:00 p.m.

» Weekends: All day classes Saturday and Sunday three weekends of the term, generally once per month; ideal for long distance commuters. Please note, students in this modality are required to engage in on‐line activities as outlined by the course syllabus during weeks they do not meet in person.

» Asynchronous Online courses allows students to engage in classroom activities and meet weekly deadlines according to their daily schedules.

» Some classes are only offered one time per calendar year.