SOCIAL CHANGE & DEVELOPMENT
Interdisciplinary Major or Minor - www.uwgb.edu/scd
OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRAM:
A MAJOR in Social Change and Development focuses on social processes and social problems. We stress historical, comparative, and theoretical understanding because we believe that to understand the present we must understand the past, and to understand our own lives, and our own society, we must understand the world. We not only ask why and how societies and cultures change, but also whether particular changes advance justice, equity, democracy and human progress.
Majors must select an area of emphasis from among the following:
- American Social Issues studies are for those interested in social problems, public issues, social criticism and strategies for change with respect to contemporary U.S. society.
- Global Studies focuses on international politics, development, sociocultural change, and history, especially in relationship to the nations of the South or Third World. It orients students toward careers in foreign service, international business or other international organizations, and for graduate study.
- Law and Justice Studies encourages students to examine the relationship between law and justice by exploring the role of law in promoting or inhibiting social, political, and economic change in the past and the present. It is appropriate for students seeking admittance to law school, those interested in law and justice related careers, and those who wish to work in nonprofit and government agencies.
- Women's Studies explores historical, comparative, and contemporary perspectives on women's experiences. It is useful for students planning careers in social services, education, counseling and therapy, personnel management, community organizing, labor relations, politics, religious service, or other fields in which issues of gender are important.
- Individualized Emphasis allows students to generate an emphasis based on their own interests, with the guidance of an SCD faculty member.
Visit the Social Change and Development department homepage @ http://www.uwgb.edu/scd/ for lots of great information on this major!
TIPS FROM THE PROFS:
Think strongly about doing an internship. Don't put off statistics. Take the courses in sequence. Get involved in activities on campus and through the department, such as the lecturers arranged by the Center for History and Social Change. Talk to the advisor (currently Professor Lynn Walter).
WHO SHOULD HAVE THIS MAJOR :
- THE PROFILE. Students whose careers will require good writing, and who have a compassion and an interest in social and political issues in America and the rest of world might consider Social Change and Development!
- THE REAL WORLD. This major is appropriate for individuals interested in graduate work in the social sciences, law school, journalism, international business, and a variety of careers related to community development, criminal justice, social and environmental activism, women's issues, and other social issues.
- A MINOR THING. Though a minor is not required for this major, choosing a minor can greatly enhance your educational experience. Some minors that work well with this major are Anthropology, Business Administration, Communication Processes, Economics, Education, Environmental Science, Ethnic Studies, First Nation Studies, Geography, History, Human Development, International Studies, Journalism, Political Science, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, Urban and Regional Studies, and Women's & Gender Studies.
WHO SHOULD HAVE THIS MINOR:
Some majors that work well with the Social Change and Development minor are Anthropology, Business Administration, Communication Processes, Economics, Education, Environmental Science, Ethnic Studies, First Nation Studies, Geography, History, Human Development, International Studies, Journalism, Political Science, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, Urban and Regional Studies, and Women's & Gender Studies.
WHAT'S UNIQUE ABOUT THIS MAJOR AT UWGB:
- EXCELLENCE. The faculty is enthusiastic about the major, well-published, and accessible to students. Students are well prepared for either continuation onto grad school, or for placement into a career. This program offers educational challenges to students, and provides them with valuable learning experiences.
- KNOWLEDGE. Social Change and Development stresses historical, comparative, and critical perspectives because understanding the present requires understanding the past, and understanding of our own lives and our own society requires understanding the world. This program most likely has the broadest focus compared to other programs offered at UW-Green Bay, as it is greatly enhanced by its philosophical and theoretical focus.
- JUST FOR YOU. Social Change and Development students have the opportunity to get involved in the "Center for History and Social Change," which promotes historical study, thought and discourse at UWGB through organizing lectures, seminars, and other events on campus. Visit the website @http://www.uwgb.edu/centerhsc/ for more information.
- GET EXPERIENCE. Students are highly recommended to take advantage of internship opportunities. Social Change and Development has access to a wide range of organizations in the Green Bay community where students can complete internships. This kind of experience not only helps students explore possible careers, but also prepares students for the world of work.
- THE CUSTOM FIT. It is also possible for students to develop individualized emphases in consultation with the faculty adviser.
SKILLS & ABILITIES GAINED WITH THIS MAJOR:
- THINKING CRITICALLY. Students gain the ability to read and understand difficult topics, and learn to think analytically, all of which are skills that employers highly value in their employees.
- THINKING COMPARATIVELY. Not only do students become aware of social issues occurring in American society (finding out what makes America tick), but they also learn perspectives and issues that stretch across cultures and into other societies.
WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH THIS MAJOR:
Social Change and Development graduates work in a wide range of careers including: business, domestic and international development, education, helping professions, journalism, law and criminal justice, library science, museum administration, and politics. Some have pursued advanced studies in fields such as anthropology, area studies, criminal justice, economics, history, international relations, law, library science, philosophy, political science, and sociology.
- Want to know more about the nature of the work, working conditions, earnings, training, and job outlook? Then check out the Occupational Outlook Handbook @ http://stats.bls.gov/ocohome.htm
LINKS TO GRAD PROGRAMS:
- Graduate School Guide. The comprehensive on-line guide to doctoral, masters, and professional programs. http://www.schoolguides.com
- Gradschools.com. The most comprehensive online source of Graduate School Information. http://www.gradschools.com/
- The Writing Web. Some great tips and advice on writing graduate school application essays. http://www.writingweb.com/
- Peterson's.com. The most comprehensive and heavily traveled education resource on the web. http://www.petersons.com/
- Or you can try any of the following search engine sites for information on the graduate school program of your choice! http://www.yahoo.com , http://www.infoseek.com , or http://www.snap.com
LINKS TO WEB SITES FOR MORE INFORMATION:
- Social Psychology Network. The largest social psychology database on the Internet. Homepage @ http://www.wesleyan.edu/spn
- Sociological Tour Through Cyberspace. Great list of sites, fully annotated, but also essays on sociology theory and practice. Homepage @ http://www.trinity.edu/~mkearl/index.html
- Socionet. A searchable index of over 350 datasets, useful for research in political science, sociology, psychology, social work and education. Homepage @ http://www.socio.com/
- Peacenet. Takes action for positive social change in the areas of peace, social and economic justice, human rights and the struggle against racism. Homepage @ http://www.igc.org/igc/peacenet/
- United Nations. Protecting human rights, promoting the protection of the environment, helping the advancement of women and the rights of children and so much more. Homepage @ http://www.un.org/
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Center. Dedicated to carrying forward the legacy and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through research, education and training in the principles, philosophy and methods of nonviolence. Homepage @ http://www.thekingcenter.com/
LINKS FOR MORE HELP:
- Visit the Social Change and Development department homepage @ http://www.uwgb.edu/scd/ for lots of great information on this major!
- For course listings and descriptions for Social Change and Development and other disciplines, check out UW-Green Bay's Programs of Study page @ http://www.uwgb.edu/catalog/undrgrad/programs.htm
- More help is available on-campus at the Career Services Office at SS 1600, 465-2163. Homepage @ http://www.uwgb.edu/careers
- Contact Academic Advising at SS 1600, 465-2362. Homepage @ http://www.uwgb.edu/advising
- Another service for UW System students on the Web is UW HELP On-Line. This service provides in-depth information on the programs of the UW System. You can find them at @ http://www.uwhelp.wisconsin.edu
Revised 8/08