Minor in Critical Social Thought

College of Liberal & Creative Arts

Dean: Dr. Ifeoma Kiddoe Nwankwo

Department of Political Science

Humanities Building, Room 304
Phone: (415) 338-2247
Website: http://politicalscience.sfsu.edu/

Chair: Nicole Watts
Graduate Coordinator: Katherine Gordy

Critical Social Thought Program

Humanities Building, Room 304
Phone: (415) 338-2247

Coordinator: James Martel

Program Scope

Critical social theory challenges contemporary forms of political-economic power. In coursework 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, postcolonial 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, Latinx 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 social activism and social work to politics, law, health care, policy, and many others.

Critical Social Thought, Minor – 15-19 units

Each student shall, in consultation with a faculty advisor, develop an individual program of 15-19 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.

A minimum of 6 upper-division units are required to complete the minor.

All coursework used to satisfy the requirements of the minor must be completed with a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

Introduction (3 units)

Overview of the tradition of critical social thought.

Core - Theory and Pedagogy (6-8 units)

Select At Least Two:

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)