Become part of a community of students who care deeply about the world, have a desire to grow and meet their full potential, and are excited to tackle tough issues affecting us all.
“Austin has endless opportunities to get involved in change, but it's important to be familiar with the environment we're working with. More than anything, Social Justice encouraged me to be aware and active in my world. It's a supportive community that continually challenges me to see other perspectives and understand the complexities of our world.” — former Social Justice LC member
Quick Facts
Capacity: 80 students
Signature Events: Films, theater, museum visits, and service opportunities
Founded: 2007; re-imagined for 2015
Fall 2023 Social Justice Courses
Private Lives, Public Spaces: Gender in Public Space
Private Lives, Public Spaces: Gender in Public Space
Faculty member teaching this course: Renee Pinchero
How do society’s (and our own) ideas about gender operate to shape our everyday experiences of public spaces? How do ideas about gender intersect with our other social identities? How does our society produce and police ideas about gender, and in what ways do we experience or even resist these ideas? To answer these questions and more, we will investigate a variety of texts, podcasts, videos, digital media and more as we explore the ways in which gender impacts all of us in our everyday lives.
Latinx Immigration in the U.S.
Latinx Immigration in the U.S.
Faculty member teaching this course: Perla Delgado
This course will examine US immigration policy and its deep roots in racism while also learning of the economic, cultural and social contributions of Latinx immigrant communities in the U.S. By utilizing various educational modalities (video, class discussions, guest speakers, etc.), students will develop an understanding that Latinx immigrants are not a monolithic community. Learners will be exposed to unique immigration stories while critically looking at the structures within the U.S that have led them to leave their loved ones and the communities they call home.
Real to Reel: Exploring Social Justice Activists on Film
Real to Reel: Exploring Social Justice Activists on Film
Faculty member teaching this course: Susan Loughran
There are some people whose devotion to social justice and activism are so extraordinary that Hollywood producers have been motivated to put their lives on film. In this course, we will analyze films about a diverse handful of social activists who might have remained relatively unknown if their lives had not been memorialized on celluloid. If you are interested in social justice, amazing stories of courage, and great movies – this might be the course for you.
#Woke: Allyship Beyond the Hashtag
#Woke: Allyship Beyond the Hashtag
Faculty member teaching this course: Lionel Lopez
Have you been looking for a space to discuss gender, sexuality, race, and class? "Slacktivism" is defined as supporting a social movement online, while providing minimal effort or commitment in person. This class is about moving away from performative actions and leaning towards true allyship in order to create revolutionary thought.