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Hendrix College Adds New Minor in Social Justice

CONWAY, Ark. (May 18, 2018) – Hendrix College will offer a new minor degree in Social Justice, beginning with the 2018-19 academic year. The new minor was approved by the Hendrix College Board of Trustees at its May meeting.

Housed in the Sociology/Anthropology Department, the Social Justice minor will work to develop students’ capacities to be change agents for a wide range of social justice-related vocations, such as teaching, policy, counseling, advocacy, and nonprofit work. Students minoring in Social Justice will examine issues of diversity, equity, and representation; engage in inquiry regarding social justice issues; and examine the complex relationships among social justice and broader cultural, economic, educational, social, and political structures, policies, and practices.

The minor program will require six courses, one of which must be an approved field-based internship. The classroom course options come from a variety of disciplines: anthropology, education, English, history, philosophy, politics, psychology, religious studies, sociology, and, for those interested in education, two courses classified specifically for this minor: Inclusive Teaching, a junior-level course; and Social Justice and Education, a sophomore-level course.

“Over the past couple of years, we have been exploring new ways to approach the study of education at Hendrix,” said Dr. Dionne Jackson, the College’s chief diversity officer, vice president for diversity and inclusion, and an education professor. “Focusing on education’s role in promoting social justice will complement the increasingly popular options for non-traditional licensure, including residency, pursuing a master’s degree, alternative licensure, and accelerated programs.”

“This minor meets areas of real interest for students at Hendrix, not just those interested in future careers in the educational arena,” said Dr. Jay Barth, professor of politics. “For those students interested in using public policy, the law, or direct services to create a more just society, this minor will help them to hone their analytical abilities before then going out and tackling the challenges on the ground in work with advocacy groups, governmental entities, or direct-service providers. We are very excited about this addition to our curriculum and how it promises to invigorate engagement in classes across the campus.”

About Hendrix College

A private liberal arts college in Conway, Arkansas, Hendrix College consistently earns recognition as one of the country’s leading liberal arts institutions, and is featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges. Its academic quality and rigor, innovation, and value have established Hendrix as a fixture in numerous college guides, lists, and rankings. Founded in 1876, Hendrix has been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884. To learn more, visit www.hendrix.edu.