We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Barry Checkoway and Rachel

The course assumes that higher education is a gateway to the resources of society and that there is a need for institutions to become more socially just for all groups, with emphasis on low-income and minority populations that are traditionally underrepresented.

Read more

The course assumes that higher education is a gateway to the resources of society and that there is a need for institutions to become more socially just for all groups, with emphasis on low-income and minority populations that are traditionally underrepresented.

The course includes sessions with institutional leaders about higher education and American society, diversity and inclusion in learning and teaching, professors and students as change agents, socially-just research, and struggles for equity and justice on campus and in communities.

Illustrative modules include: What is a university? What is the role or potential role of universities in making societies more socially just? Do present universities contribute to inequalities and injustices and, if so, how? What changes are needed now?

Sessions will draw upon initiatives at the University of Michigan for starters, and we also will draw upon other educational leaders nationwide

Enroll now

Two deals to help you save

We found two deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.
Save money when you learn. All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to CAC: What is a Socially Just University
What is a socially-just university? is a question arising at a time when American society is changing, and challenging many institutions to reconsider some of their most fundamental purposes and practices.
Read more
Higher Education and American Society
American society is changing and, in so doing, challenging higher education to adapt to these changes. As society increases in its people of African, Asian, and Latin American descent, and people of color become the majority, for example, unanswered questions are arising about what universities are for, and who are they for?
Reconceiving Our Purpose
What is, or should be, the purpose of higher education?
Reconceiving Learning and Teaching
Learning and teaching are central to the core educational mission of universities, but what happens to these activities when the institutions are changing in their population?
Reconceiving Research & Scholarship
Research and scholarship produce “knowledge for society,” but knowledge development has various approaches.
Institutional Change: Engaging Faculty
Faculty members are central to higher education, and nothing lasting happens without them. But, what are some ways to engage faculty members, especially at a time when universities are changing in their composition?
Institutional Change: The Role of Administration
The University of Michigan is involved in a comprehensive effort to transform the institution for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and this effort requires institutional changes at all levels.
Final Notes
This module will give you an opportunity to reflect on what you’ve learned throughout this experience and to contemplate what pieces of the conversation are missing.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Suitable for university leaders looking to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion at their institutions
Examines the role of higher education in promoting social justice and addressing systemic inequalities
Instructors are recognized experts in higher education policy and diversity initiatives
Provides practical insights into institutional change and the implementation of socially just practices
Covers a wide range of topics, from diversity and inclusion to social-justice research and campus activism
Appropriate for advanced-level students and professionals in higher education administration

Save this course

Save Community Awareness: What is a Socially Just University to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Community Awareness: What is a Socially Just University with these activities:
Review of Concepts of Social Justice
Refresh your knowledge of key concepts and theories related to social justice to build a strong foundation for the course material.
Browse courses on Equity and Inclusion
Show steps
  • Review your notes or textbooks from previous courses or readings on social justice.
  • Take practice quizzes or review exercises to assess your understanding of the concepts.
Review of Social Justice Movements
Refresh your knowledge of the history and theoretical foundations of social justice movements to better contextualize the course material.
Browse courses on Social Justice
Show steps
  • Review key social justice theories, such as intersectionality, critical race theory, and feminist theory.
  • Read about historical and contemporary social justice movements, such as the Civil Rights Movement, the feminist movement, and the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
Compilation of Resources on Social Justice Education
Gather and organize a collection of resources, such as articles, books, websites, and videos, that can help you deepen your understanding of social justice education.
Show steps
  • Use online resources and search engines to find relevant materials.
  • Evaluate the credibility and quality of each resource.
  • Organize the resources into a coherent and accessible format.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Exploration of Research on Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education
Expand your knowledge of research on diversity and inclusion in higher education to inform your understanding of the course material.
Browse courses on Educational Equity
Show steps
  • Identify reputable academic journals and databases that publish research on diversity and inclusion.
  • Conduct a literature search using keywords related to diversity, inclusion, and higher education.
  • Read and summarize key findings from the research articles you find.
  • Consider the implications of the research for your own understanding of social justice in higher education.
Collaborative Project on Inclusion in Higher Education
Engage in a collaborative project with peers to research and develop a plan for promoting inclusion and equity in higher education.
Show steps
  • Form a group with other interested students.
  • Research best practices for creating inclusive learning environments.
  • Develop a proposal for a specific initiative or program that could be implemented on your campus to promote inclusion.
Creating a Socially-Just Teaching Plan
Design a teaching plan that incorporates principles of social justice and inclusivity to enhance your teaching practice.
Show steps
  • Reflect on your own teaching philosophy and identify areas where you can incorporate social justice principles.
  • Research and identify evidence-based teaching strategies that promote equity and inclusion.
  • Develop a lesson plan that incorporates at least three social justice principles.
Volunteering with a Social Justice Organization
Engage in hands-on experience with a social justice organization to apply your knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of real-world issues.
Browse courses on Community Engagement
Show steps
  • Research and identify a social justice organization that aligns with your interests and values.
  • Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Attend training or orientation sessions to learn about the organization's mission and goals.
  • Participate in volunteer activities that align with your skills and interests.

Career center

Learners who complete Community Awareness: What is a Socially Just University will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Equity and Inclusion Officer
An Equity and Inclusion Officer is responsible for developing and implementing policies and programs that promote equity and inclusion within an organization. This course may be useful for someone in this role as it provides an overview of the history and current state of equity and inclusion in higher education. The course also explores the role of universities in promoting social justice and equity.
Social Justice Advocate
A Social Justice Advocate works to promote social justice and equality for all people. This course may be useful for someone in this role as it provides an overview of the history and current state of social justice in higher education. The course also explores the role of universities in promoting social justice and equity.
Social Worker
A Social Worker helps people to overcome social problems and improve their lives. This course may be useful for someone in this role as it provides an overview of the history and current state of social work in higher education. The course also explores the role of universities in promoting social justice and equity.
Activist
An Activist works to bring about social change. This course may be useful for someone in this role as it provides an overview of the history and current state of activism in higher education. The course also explores the role of universities in promoting social justice and equity.
Diversity and Inclusion Manager
A Diversity and Inclusion Manager is responsible for developing and implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives within an organization. This course may be useful for someone in this role as it provides an overview of the history and current state of diversity and inclusion in higher education. The course also explores the role of universities in promoting social justice and equity.
Nonprofit Manager
A Nonprofit Manager oversees the operations of a nonprofit organization. This course may be useful for someone in this role as it provides an overview of the history and current state of nonprofit management in higher education. The course also explores the role of universities in promoting social justice and equity.
Educator
An Educator teaches students at all levels. This course may be useful for someone in this role as it provides an overview of the history and current state of education in higher education. The course also explores the role of universities in promoting social justice and equity.
Community Organizer
A Community Organizer works to bring people together to address social issues and create positive change. This course may be useful for someone in this role as it provides an overview of the history and current state of community organizing in higher education. The course also explores the role of universities in promoting social justice and equity.
Policy Analyst
A Policy Analyst develops and analyzes policies that address social issues. This course may be useful for someone in this role as it provides an overview of the history and current state of policy analysis in higher education. The course also explores the role of universities in promoting social justice and equity.
Counselor
A Counselor provides guidance and support to people who are facing challenges. This course may be useful for someone in this role as it provides an overview of the history and current state of counseling in higher education. The course also explores the role of universities in promoting social justice and equity.
Researcher
A Researcher conducts research on a variety of topics, including social justice and equity. This course may be useful for someone in this role as it provides an overview of the history and current state of research on social justice and equity in higher education. The course also explores the role of universities in promoting social justice and equity.
Higher Education Administrator
A Higher Education Administrator is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a college or university. This course may be useful for someone in this role as it provides an overview of the history and current state of higher education in the United States. The course also explores the role of universities in promoting social justice and equity.
Professor
A Professor is responsible for teaching and conducting research at a college or university. This course may be useful for someone in this role as it provides an overview of the history and current state of higher education in the United States. The course also explores the role of universities in promoting social justice and equity.
Journalist
A Journalist reports on news and current events. This course may be useful for someone in this role as it provides an overview of the history and current state of journalism in higher education. The course also explores the role of universities in promoting social justice and equity.
Lawyer
A Lawyer represents clients in legal matters and advocates for their rights. This course may be useful for someone in this role as it provides an overview of the history and current state of law and social justice in higher education. The course also explores the role of universities in promoting social justice and equity.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Community Awareness: What is a Socially Just University .
This classic work on the nature and purpose of a university explores the relationship between higher education and social justice.
This controversial book argues that the traditional model of education is no longer effective in preparing students for the 21st century.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Community Awareness: What is a Socially Just University .
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser