Social Transformation Studies BA/BS

Location(s): Manhattan Campus

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A major in Social Transformation Studies equips students to approach social justice and equity issues from a variety of perspectives and prepares them to excel in a wide variety of fields, including law and politics, violence prevention and advocacy, human services, education, business, health professions, and public health, as well as graduate-level studies. The Social Transformation Studies program provides students with skills that employers seek: the ability to work with and serve diverse and underserved constituencies, think critically, and write and communicate effectively.

The Social Transformation Studies major draws from the interdisciplinary scholarly and pedagogical traditions of the fields of American ethnic studies and gender, women, and sexuality studies to create something more than the sum of its parts. Ours is the only degree program of its kind in the state of Kansas.

Instructors and students in Social Transformation Studies analyze personal experience and social institutions as they shape and are shaped by race, ethnicity, indigeneity, gender, sex, sexuality, class, disability, citizenship, nation, coloniality, and global location. This analysis enables both an understanding of oppression as well as a vision for social equity and justice. A major in Social Transformation Studies offers students the opportunity to think critically about the multifaceted realities and identities of diverse peoples, as well as the important knowledges created by them; promotes social justice ideals and practices of inclusivity; and fosters community-based engaged research and praxis responsive to the needs and realities of underserved communities.

In addition to the general university and college requirements for the BA/BS degree, all Social Transformation Studies majors are required to complete 30 credit hours. All Social Transformation Studies majors will complete one 3 credit introductory course (AMETH 160 or GWSS 105 ), 9 cr. of core courses (STRAN 400 , STRAN 550 , and STRAN 600 ), and 3 cr. of elective in either AMETH or GWSS. For the remaining 15 credits of the Social Transformation Studies major, students will choose one of two tracks: American Ethnic Studies or Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate with a degree in Social Transformation Studies, students must fulfill all program requirements and have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher in courses taken for the Social Transformation Studies major at Kansas State University.

Core Curriculum (15 credit hours)

AMETH 160 - Introduction to American Ethnic Studies Credits: 3
STRAN 400 - Transforming Society Credits: 3
STRAN 550 - Practicing Social Justice Credits: 3
STRAN 600 - Pathways to Social Change Credits: 3
AMETH or GWSS Elective Credits: 3

Choose one of the following tracks:

American Ethnic Studies track (15 credits):

AMETH 351 - African American Perspectives Credits: 3
AMETH 352 - American Indian Perspectives Credits: 3
AMETH 353 - Latina/o Perspectives Credits: 3
AMETH 354 - Asian American Perspectives Credits: 3
AMETH Elective Credits: 3

Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies track (15 credits):

GWSS 305 - Engaging Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies Credits: 3
GWSS Elective Credits: 6
GWSS and/or approved cross-referenced Elective Credits: 6

Note:

The requirements of the GWSS track in the Social Transformation Studies major are flexible, requiring 15 credit hours with 1 required class—GWSS 305 —and 12 hours of electives. Of these electives, 6 hours/2 classes are required to be GWSS classes, while the remaining 6 hours may be either GWSS courses or approved cross-referenced courses (for information about GWSS courses and cross-referenced courses, please see the departmental website). This emphasis on electives aims to accommodate students’ varying interests and career aspirations; indeed, many pursue multiple majors and/or minors. Students pursuing the GWSS track within the Social Transformation Studies major are encouraged to work closely with their advisor in choosing courses; while students have the option of electing a wide range of courses for the track, they can also choose classes grouped through a particular area of interest that would provide preparation for future endeavors. Currently, courses in the GWSS track are grouped in the following areas: cultural studies and popular culture; science, health, and the environment; and justice movements.

Kansas State University

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