Seminar/Experiential/Community-engaged learning About this course
How do power and dominance consolidate in urban settings? How do individuals and communities contest this consolidation, and claim spaces and rights in the city? These questions will be taken up through a range of critical approaches, including Indigenous, critical race feminist, political economy, queer, and anarchist perspectives. Students will have the opportunity to carry out interview-based research on an issue of equality and social justice that matters to them.
This course is intended for third- and fourth-year students who have experience in the social sciences and/or humanities.
What you’ll learn
- Concepts of Justice: Explore the evolving and diverse notions of justice, examining how they manifest across different spaces and historical contexts.
- Case Study Analysis: Research and develop in-depth case studies on justice-led social issues, gaining insights into real-world applications and challenges.
- Global Social Justice Movements: Study influential social justice movements from around the world, analyzing their impact, strategies, and contributions to societal change.
- Research Methodology: Master social science research methods to investigate social justice issues, including designing research, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting your findings.
- Practical Applications: Engage in hands-on projects and fieldwork to connect theoretical concepts with real-world scenarios, enhancing your practical understanding of urban social justice.
- Innovative Communication: Create multimedia projects to effectively communicate and advocate for social justice issues, combining creativity with analytical skills.
- Critical Thinking and Debate: Develop your ability to critically assess and debate complex social justice topics, fostering a deeper understanding of urban inequalities and solutions.
Course highlights
- Interactive Field Trips: Participate in field visits to various urban sites and community organizations to observe and analyze social justice issues in real-life settings.
- Hands-On Projects: Engage in innovative, hands-on projects, such as designing and presenting multimedia campaigns that address social justice challenges in urban areas.
- Simulation Exercises: Take part in simulation exercises that mimic real-world scenarios, allowing you to explore and navigate complex social justice issues and policy-making processes.
- Creative Presentations: Develop and present digital narratives or creative projects that showcase your research and advocacy for social justice, demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively and impactfully.
- Debate and Discussion: Engage in dynamic debates and discussions on current social justice topics, honing your critical thinking and argumentation skills in a supportive and interactive environment.
A personal note from your instructor
Tathagato Chakraborty
I’m excited to teach this course because it offers a unique opportunity to explore and address the pressing social justice issues facing our cities today.
The course blends theoretical insights with practical applications, allowing students to engage deeply with concepts of justice and their real-world implications. I am passionate about guiding students through the exploration of global social justice movements, developing their research skills, and fostering their ability to critically analyze and advocate for change.
This course represents a powerful platform for students to connect their academic learning with meaningful action, and I am thrilled to facilitate their journey towards understanding and contributing to a more equitable urban future.