Education for Social Justice in an Uncertain World

Help Me See the “Magnificent” Side of Sociology: The Outcomes of a Community Action and Involvement Course Designed to Help Undergraduates View Themselves as Agentic

“…Additional research is required to (1) test the effectiveness of various courses, pedagogical methods/materials, and learning activities to achieve this outcome and (2) understand the students who desire and may benefit most from this type of class. Some of our students will need a “positive sociology course” to “help them become more hopeful and energized to tackle social issues” and find support and guidance amid the uncertainties of a rapidly changing world (Yogan 2015:13; Keesing-Styles 2006). We must therefore continue to seek, across the sociology curriculum, best practices for helping students learn not just the terrible side of sociology but also its magnificent part, through which they come to see they are agentic beings who do indeed impact their worlds.…”

“…We can help undergraduates develop tactics to “constantly manipulate events in order to turn them into ‘opportunities’” (De Certeau 1984:37). We can utilize holistic approaches to teach students how to engage in self-awareness and self-care as they encounter the complexities of society (Keesing-Styles 2006). In sum, we can teach our students, “We cannot help but be part of the problem, but practicing sociology is a way to also be part of the solution” (Johnson 2014:2).…”

“…In whole, the CAI course targeted the learning outcome of helping students understand how to use their sociological knowledge/skills to engage with and impact their world. The course was also centered within the "pedagogy of being," employing a holistic approach to help students thrive despite the uncertainties of society (Keesing-Styles 2006). For example, periodically, work was put on hold while we shared food, laughter, and conversation.…”