Goals of the course:
  • As first-year college students, you are setting out on a new path. This course aims to help you find ways to make our world a better place. You will learn about ordinary people who became extraordinary and find out what it takes for us all to do extraordinary things. To do this, you will reflect upon and critique your own personal core values in light of social justice.
  • As you read the stories of Paul Farmer and Paul Rusesabagina, you will document and critique the values of local, national, and global communities to which you belong.
  • In this course, you will explore the ways you and people around the world live, and ponder the lives, loves, hopes, and fears we all share. The journey in this course will help you appreciate how interconnected and interdependent we are with those around the world. You will analyze your connectedness to diverse social groups.
  • In this course, you will explore historical and contemporary social groups, organizations, and/or political institutions, especially groups like Catholic Relief Services and Partners in Health, that that express a just and empathetic vision for local and global community and work for integral human development of all, especially the poor.
  • In this course, you'll learn how the world is set up. You will come to understand and appreciate the systems, structures, institutions, rules, and social norms that we work within. You will learn the assets that we and others have in the world and how we can advocate and work for a more fair world for all people, especially for the poor of the world. You will examine how power and privilege operate in society and how we can promote dignity, solidarity, and equality.
  • You will learn how you, as Communication majors, can give voice to the voiceless around the world. You will use your talents and skills in partnership with others around the world.
  • My hope is that, over four years, you find your way to make our world more fair, just, and livable for all.