Freedom and Justice Studies

What is freedom? What is justice? How are they related? The foundational documents of many modern democracies are based upon a belief in these concepts. Revolutions from ancient times to the present have called for them. And yet, rarely do we ask what they mean in action. This minor explores and engages the foundational impulse for greater freedom and justice for all which lies at the heart of many fields including critical ethnic, feminist, gender, sexuality, and disability studies, to ask how we all matter in the work of putting into practice these shared human values.

Careers

This minor will fruitfully complement a number of majors—especially those in which ethics play an important role–Biology, Business, Chemistry, Chicano/a Studies, Communication, Economics, English, History, Liberal Studies, Political Science, Physics, Psychology, Sociology—to better prepare students for professional careers in law, medicine, journalism, business, as well as careers in the public sector such as teaching, civil service, public service, and politics. Students at CI who would like to pursue any of these careers should consider obtaining a minor in Freedom and Justice Studies.

Student Learning Outcomes

In addition to the GE goals outlined in Revised SP 06-06 students graduating with a minor in Freedom & Justice Studies will be able to:

A. Articulate the relationship among freedom, social justice, ethics, and responsibility in personal, social, and political contexts;
B. Demonstrate knowledge of and appreciation for diverse understandings of freedom and justice across different cultural contexts.
C. Demonstrate knowledge of social movements for freedom and justice across times and cultures;
D. Engage in integrative critical inquiry into personal, societal, or cultural beliefs and practices especially around issues of social differences or injustice;
E. Apply this knowledge and integrative critical inquiry to develop and implement plans of action to create greater freedom and justice for all.

Faculty

José M. Alamillo, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Chicana/o Studies, Program Coordinator and Academic
Advisor for Chicana/o Studies
Madera Hall, Room 1366
(805) 437-2685
jose.alamillo@csuci.edu

Julia Balén, Ph.D., Associate Professor of English
Bell Tower West, Room 1112
(805) 437-8435
julia.balen@csuci.edu

Dennis Downey, Associate Professor
Bell Tower East, Room 2842
(805) 437-3315
dennis.downey@csuci.edu

Marie Francois, Ph.D., Director, University Experience Program, Title V Project ISLAS Activity Director, Professor of History
Madera Hall, Room 1725
(805) 437-3123
marie.francois@csuci.edu

Andrea Grove, PhD., Professor of Political Science
Sage Hall, Room 2147
(805) 437-3124
andrea.grove@csuci.edu

Steve Stratton, M.S., Librarian, Head of Collections and Technical Services
Broome Library
(805) 437-8913
steve.stratton@csuci.edu

Kaia Tollefson, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Education
Madera Hall, Room 1405
(805) 437-3125
kaia.tollefson@csuci.edu