Critical Social Thought  {SF State Bulletin 2015 - 2016}

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Critical Social Thought

 

College of Liberal & Creative Arts

Dean: Andrew Harris

 

Critical Social Thought Program

HSS 263
Phone: 415-405-2162

Coordinator: James Martel

 

Faculty

Professors: Anton, D'Agostino, Kassiola, Kobashigawa, Luft, Martel, Nichols, Oñate, Pinderhughes, Rivera, Schechter
Associate Professors: Biella, Carillo, Ferreira, Quesada, Steir, von Wahl
Lecturers: Gerson, Nutting

 

Program

Minor in Critical Social Thought

 

 

Program Scope

Critical social theory challenges contemporary forms of political-economic power. In classes and internships, the Minor in Critical Social Thought program draws from Marxism, socialism, anarchism, the Frankfurt School, radical environmentalism and anti-consumerism, postmodernism and post-structuralism, globalization studies, feminism, queer theory, post colonial and subaltern studies, disability studies, critical race theory, theories of art and visual representation and other systems of thought that pay attention to the questions of power and exploitation in world politics, culture, economics and the formation of identities.

 

The minor seeks to address the way that so much of contemporary social thought is uncritical. It is guided by the belief that a better world is possible and that social thought has an important role in outlining the form such a world might take and identifying the agents who might be capable of bringing it about.

 

Applications:

Critical social thought serves as a foundation in critical theory that can be applied to a variety of disciplines in the social sciences, humanities and the arts. Critical social thought can be pursued in conjunction with any number of majors enriching and diversifying these fields of study including but not limited to sociology, human sexuality studies, psychology, history, philosophy, women and gender studies, latina/latino studies, ethnic studies, political science, international relations, criminal justice etc. In addition, critical social thought can help establish skills that will be useful in post-graduate careers ranging from careers in social activism and social work, to politics, law, health care, policy and many others.

 

Minor in Critical Social Thought

Each student shall, in consultation with a faculty advisor, develop an individual program of 18-21 units. Students may also take an internship program in political activism or other related areas in conjunction with these classes to count towards the minor. If the introductory course is not available, other courses can be substituted on advisement.

 

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.

 

Critical Social Thought, Minor — 18 - 21 units

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.

Introduction (3 units)

Overview of the tradition of critical social thought

Core - Theory and Pedagogy (6 - 8 units)

Select at least two courses from the Theory and Pedagogy field.

Electives (6 - 8 units)

Choose at least two courses from at least two of the following fields:

  • Identity and Resistance
  • Globalism, Empire and Social Movements
  • Culture as Critical Social Thought

An approved internship may be substituted for 3-4 units of electives.

Identity and Resistance (3 - 4 units)

Globalism, Empire and Social Movements (3 - 4 units)

Culture as Critical Social Thought (3 - 4 units)

Capstone course required of all minors (3 units)

This is a supervised individual or collective project working with the Critical Social Thought faculty.

  • CST 699 Independent Study

 

 

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