Social Change Courses @ Northeastern

Course Number: CRIM 1700

Department: Criminal Justice (CRIM)

Discusses and critiques contemporary portrayals of crime and justice in the arenas of political debates and campaigns; news reports; and films, television shows, and music. Covers current events as they occur in these arenas. To set up these discussions, students have an opportunity to develop critical tool kits for assessing these images of crime and justice by reading and discussing theories, research, and critiques. Additionally, students are expected to read and discuss historical portrayals of crime and justice with the goal of identifying both parallels and differences between these and current events.

Course Number: EDU 5101

Department: Education – CPS (EDU)

Examines the historical, political, economic, and societal roles of schools while interrogating educational policies, inequities, and controversies that impact K–12 education, as well as the classroom and community opportunities for teachers to effect change. Educational experiences and outcomes in the United States are shaped by existing systems and institutional structures.

Course Number: EDU 6101

Department: Education – CPS (EDU)

Examines the historical, political, economic, and societal roles of schools while interrogating educational policies, inequities, and controversies that impact K–12 education, as well as the classroom and community opportunities for teachers to effect change. Educational experiences and outcomes in the United States are shaped by existing systems and institutional structures.

Course Number: CED 6090

Department: Commerce and Economic Development – CPS (CED)

Examines the role of markets in art, culture, and entertainment in economic development. Includes topics such as the role of the creative economy in attracting tourists and industry and in driving economic growth and the strategic impact of a creative export sector. Explores additional topics such as an analysis of the economics of historic preservation and tourism—for example, rehabilitating historical buildings, funding museums and symphony orchestras, and encouraging traditional arts and tourist activities—to lead job growth and spur economic vitality.

Course Number: EDUC 5503

Department: Education – CPS (EDU)

Examines the broad construct of culture and explores how these characteristics impact personal identity, access to education, social mobility, power, and influence. Explores educational institutions as cultural systems and questions concepts at the heart of personal and professional interactions in teaching, learning, curriculum, and administration. Expects students to participate in reflective discussion and begin to explore their own feelings and experience with culture; to develop competencies spanning cultural and international boundaries; to prepare to be more effective in diverse settings; and to influence and advocate for systemic change.

Course Number: POLS 2358

Department: Political Science (POLS)

Introduces students to pressing urban issues: urban sprawl, poverty, education, transportation, economic development, and housing, through an intensive analysis of the Boston metropolitan area. The course is cotaught by university faculty and practitioners in government, community, and nonprofit organizations throughout the metropolitan area. Offers students the opportunity to analyze Boston data, go on outings to see development in progress, talk with urban practitioners about what they do, and conduct research on an urban issue of their choice.