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.