Home Academics Programs and Majors Social Justice Studies

Social Justice Studies

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses Faculty

Group of students holding up social justice messages on signs

Social Justice Studies is an interdisciplinary field that gives voice to historically marginalized peoples and their experiences by challenging systems of injustice and valuing diversity. Social justice exists when people are not discriminated against, or denied access to opportunities, economic resources, or privileges based on their gender, sexuality, religion, age, race, belief, disability, location, social class, economic circumstances, political affiliation, or other characteristics of background or group membership. Social Justice Studies educates students on progressive social change, reflects on the dynamics of power and knowledge, and promotes multiple approaches to social justice issues to create an informed and active citizenry and workforce.

Program Maps

AA-T/AS-T Transfer Degrees

Dean Emilie Mitchell
Dept Chair Anastasia Panagakos
Career and Academic Community Social and Behavioral Sciences
Phone (916) 691-7656
Email mitchee@crc.losrios.edu

Associate Degrees for Transfer

A.A.-T. in Social Justice Studies: Race and Ethnicity

Social Justice Studies is an interdisciplinary and diverse field that gives voice to historically marginalized peoples and their perspectives by challenging systems of injustice and valuing diversity. Social justice exists when people are not discriminated against, or denied access to opportunities, economic resources, or privileges based on their gender, sexuality, religion, age, race, belief, disability, location, social class, economic circumstances, political affiliation, or other characteristics of background or group membership. Social Justice Studies explores the connections between the ideals of justice and the realities of injustice while finding practical solutions to bridge the two. This program seeks to educate students on progressive social change, reflect on the dynamics of power and knowledge, and promote multiple approaches to social justice issues while encouraging students to be informed and active citizens.

The Associate in Arts in Social Justice Studies: Race and Ethnicity for Transfer (AA-T) degree provides a path for students wishing to transfer into various CSU majors related to race and ethnicity, such as Ethnic Studies, Chicano Studies, or African American Studies. This Transfer Model Curriculum is an “Area of Emphasis” (AOE), which allows students to transfer into more than one CSU major related to Race and Ethnicity. Students interested in transferring to a CSU campus to pursue a bachelor’s degree in an Area of Emphasis should meet with a counselor to confirm the courses required for lower division preparation in the major. This degree exposes students to the core principles and practices of the Social Justice Studies field in order to build a foundation for their future personal, academic, activist, or vocational paths.

The degree may be obtained by the completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum 2.0 GPA, including (a) the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program outlined below (earning a C or better, or "P" if taken Pass/No Pass, in these courses) and (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) requirements.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
SJS 300	Introduction to Social Justice Studies	3
SJS 310	Introduction to LGBTQ Studies	3
SOC 341	Sex and Gender in the U.S.	3
A minimum of 9 units from the following:		9
Select three courses from at least two of the following areas
Area 1: History and Government
HIST 320	History of the United States: African-American Emphasis (3)
HIST 321	History of the United States: African-American Emphasis (3)
HIST 344	Survey of California History: A Multicultural Perspective (3)
HIST 360	History of African Civilizations (3)
HIST 364	Asian Civilization (3)
HIST 365	Asian Civilization (3)
HIST 373	History of Mexico (3)
HIST 380	History of the Middle East (3)
POLS 312	Politics of the Middle East (3)
POLS 313	Latin America (3)
POLS 315	Pacific Rim (3)
POLS 317	Global Studies: Africa (3)
POLS 318	Global Studies: Central Asia (3)
POLS 319	Global Studies: Southeast Asia (3)
Area 2: Arts and Humanities
ARTH 324	Art of the Americas (3)
ARTH 325	Native American Art History (3)
ARTH 328	Survey of African Art (3)
ARTH 332	Asian Art (3)
ENGLT 330	African American Literature (3)
ENGLT 335	Latino, Mexican-American, and Chicano Literature (3)
ENGLT 336	Race and Ethnicity in Contemporary American Literature (3)
ENGLT 343	Contemporary Regional World Literature (3)
HUM 320	Asian Humanities (3)
HUM 331	Latin American Humanities (3)
HUM 332	American Humanities (3)
HUM 339	African American Humanities (3)
Area 3: Social Science
ANTH 332	Native Peoples of California (3)
ANTH 334	Native Peoples of North America (3)
ETHNS 320	Introduction to African American Studies (3)
ETHNS 330	Introduction to Asian American Studies (3)
ETHNS 360	Introduction to Chicana/o/x Studies (3)
ETHNS 344	The Latino Experience in America (3)
JOUR 320	Race and Gender in the Media (3)
Area 4: Quantitative Reasoning and Research Methods
PSYC 330	Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3)
or STAT C1000E	Introduction to Statistics (4)
or STAT C1000H	Introduction to Statistics - Honors (4)
or ECON 310	Statistics for Business and Economics (3)
or SOC 302	Introduction to Social Research Methods (3)
Area 5: Major Preparation
HIST 308	History of World Civilizations, 1500 to Present (3)
PSYC C1000	Introduction to Psychology (3)
SOC 300	Introductory Sociology (3)
Total Units:		18

The Associate in Arts in Social Justice Studies: Race and Ethnicity for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum 2.0 GPA, including (a) the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) Requirement.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

PSLO #1: Research how theoretical perspectives and critical theories on social justice inform the social, political, economic, historical, and cultural circumstances surrounding justice as they relate to race and ethnicity as well as other intersectional aspects of life in society.
PSLO #2: Define and analyze power and oppression and their interrelationship to privilege to better understand how they operate at the individual, cultural, and institutional levels.
PSLO #3: Explain how intersectional formations of social identity reflect social conditions and various levels of power and privilege impact social justice at the individual, cultural, and institutional levels.
PSLO #4: Recognize the historical origins, similarities, and differences in struggles for social justice among different ethnic and racial groups in the United States and globally.
PSLO #5: Assess artistic works that examine oppression, power, and justice as they relate to race and ethnicity.
PSLO #6: Investigate social justice advocacy and activism to learn how to become equitably accountable to one's individual and group sense of positionality and place in the world in pursuit of social justice.

Career Information

The AA-T degree provides students with a solid foundation in Social Justice Studies as well as prerequisites for upper division coursework leading to the baccalaureate degree in a variety of Areas of Emphasis. The degree gives students a pathway to possibilities, options, and baccalaureate degrees focusing on social justice. In addition, a student can use the AA-T in Social Justice Studies to get into a CSU and then complete a graduate degree in a related field. Students with degrees in this field often assume careers as (or in) the following: activists, community organizers, political campaigners, human rights groups, religious organizations, international agencies, lobbyists, and mediators. This program is also an excellent starting point for students interested in a career in law, law enforcement, social work, clinical psychology, or any social science, politics, business, education, or public policy.

A.A.-T. in Social Justice Studies: Women, Gender and LGBTQ Studies

Social Justice Studies is an interdisciplinary and diverse field that gives voice to historically marginalized peoples and their perspectives by challenging systems of injustice and valuing diversity. Social justice exists when people are not discriminated against, or denied access to opportunities, economic resources, or privileges based on their gender, sexuality, religion, age, race, belief, disability, location, social class, economic circumstances, political affiliation, or other characteristics of background or group membership. Social Justice Studies explores the connections between the ideals of justice and the realities of injustice while finding practical solutions to bridge the two. This program seeks to educate students on progressive social change, reflect on the dynamics of power and knowledge, and promote multiple approaches to social justice issues while encouraging students to be informed and active citizens.

The Associate in Arts in Social Justice Studies: Women, Gender, and LGBTQ Studies for Transfer (AA-T) degree provides a path for students wishing to transfer into various CSU majors related to Women, Gender, and LGBTQ Studies, such as Women’s Studies, Gender Studies, or Queer Studies. This Transfer Model Curriculum is an “Area of Emphasis” (AOE), which allows students to transfer into more than one CSU major related to Women, Gender, and LGBTQ Studies. Students interested in transferring to a CSU campus to pursue a bachelor’s degree in an Area of Emphasis should meet with a counselor to confirm the courses required for lower division preparation in the major. This degree exposes students to the core principles and practices of the Social Justice Studies field in order to build a foundation for their future personal, academic, activist, or vocational paths.

The degree may be obtained by the completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum 2.0 GPA, including (a) the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program outlined below (earning a C or better, or "P" if taken Pass/No Pass, in these courses) and (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) requirements.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
SJS 300	Introduction to Social Justice Studies	3
SJS 310	Introduction to LGBTQ Studies	3
SOC 341	Sex and Gender in the U.S.	3
A minimum of 9 units from the following:		9
Please select three courses from at least two areas below.
Area 1: History and Government
HIST 331	Women in American History (3)
Area 2: Arts and Humanities
ARTH 312	Women in Art (3)
ENGLT 360	Women in Literature (3)
ENGLT 365	Introduction to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Literature (3)
HUM 370	Women and the Creative Imagination (3)
Area 3: Social Science
ANTH 336	Anthropology of Sex, Sexuality and Gender (3)
PSYC 356	Human Sexuality (3)
Area 4: Quantitative Reasoning and Research Methods
PSYC 330	Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3)
or STAT C1000E	Introduction to Statistics (4)
or STAT C1000H	Introduction to Statistics - Honors (4)
or ECON 310	Statistics for Business and Economics (3)
or SOC 302	Introduction to Social Research Methods (3)
Area 5: Major Preparation
HIST 308	History of World Civilizations, 1500 to Present (3)
PSYC C1000	Introduction to Psychology (3)
SOC 300	Introductory Sociology (3)
Total Units:		18

The Associate in Arts in Social Justice Studies: Women, Gender and LGBTQ Studies for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum 2.0 GPA, including (a) the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) Requirement.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

PSLO #1: Research how theoretical perspectives and critical theories on social justice inform the social, political, economic, historical, and cultural circumstances surrounding justice as they relate to gender and sexuality, as well as other intersectional aspects of life in society.
PSLO #2: Define and analyze power and oppression and their interrelationship to privilege to better understand how they operate at the individual, cultural, and institutional levels.
PSLO #3: Explain how intersectional formations of social identity reflect social conditions and various levels of power and privilege impact social justice at the individual, cultural, and institutional levels.
PSLO #4: Recognize the historical origins, similarities, and differences in struggles for social justice among different groups in the United States and globally.
PSLO #5: Assess artistic works and political achievements that expose oppression and injustice as they relate to women, gender, or the LGBTQ community.
PSLO #6: Investigate social justice advocacy and activism to learn how to become equitably accountable to one's individual and group sense of positionality and place in the world in pursuit of social justice.

Career Information

Social Justice Studies (SJS) Courses

SJS 299 Experimental Offering in Social Justice Studies

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

SJS 300 Introduction to Social Justice Studies

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:ENGL C1000
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
C-ID:C-ID SJS 110
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This interdisciplinary course introduces students to the theoretical and practical foundations of social justice and the social processes that create and resist oppression. It covers the sociology, history, and psychology of oppressions based upon race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality, and other group identities in the United States and abroad and the corresponding social justice movements for liberation. It investigates how creating and undoing asymmetrical power relations are linked to social structures, institutional processes, and culture. Additionally, it provides a basis for a better understanding of socioeconomic, political, and cultural conditions of key social groups in the United States and globally. Topics include theoretical foundations of social justice and oppression, history and politics of group identity, culture and ideologies, forms of oppression, privilege, and forms of resistance. Field trips may be required.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

DEFINE THE FOUNDATIONAL THEORIES WITHIN SOCIAL JUSTICE STUDIES. (SLO 1)
Critically evaluate the methodologies and ethics of social justice research including the role of bias. (Objective 1a)
Identify and analyze the foundations of social justice studies in ethical theory.(Objective 1b)
ASSESS THE STATUS, GROWTH, AND DIVERSITY OF MINORITY GROUPS IN THE UNITED STATES. (SLO 2)
Explain the histories, experiences, and contributions of groups oppressed because of race, ethnicity, class, gender, and sexuality in the United States. (Objective 2a)
Identify and analyze the role of culture in oppression and in empowerment, including art, film, literature, or music reflecting different groups. (Objective 2b)
ANALYZE THE COMPLEX INTERSECTIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS WITHIN AND ACROSS RACE, ETHNICITY, SOCIOECONOMIC CLASS, GENDER, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AND OTHER IDENTITIES. (SLO 3)
Identify systematic forms of oppression and analyze the role of privilege and intersectionality for minority groups. (Objective 3a)
Apply the operation of privilege, oppression, and power asymmetry to major institutions such as education, health care, the economy and the criminal justice system. (Objective 3b)
IDENTIFY AND UNDERSTAND STRUGGLES OF SOCIAL JUSTICE, LIBERATION, AND DECOLONIZATION FOR RESISTING GROUPS GLOBALLY. (SLO 4)
Compare social justice movements in the United States to those globally. (Objective 4a)
Assess the importance of human rights efforts in promoting social justice around the world through non-governmental and grass roots organizations.(4b)

SJS 310 Introduction to LGBTQ Studies

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
C-ID:C-ID SJS 130
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This interdisciplinary course introduces students to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) studies. It explores how LGBTQ+ communities in the U.S. and abroad are impacted by various social, cultural, historical, and political factors that create and resist oppression. It investigates the politics of sexuality and sexual identities as they intersect with race, ethnicity, class, and gender. It evaluates how sexual and gender prejudices function alongside racism, sexism, and classicism. Additionally, it provides a historical understanding of how queer activism and resistance movements in the U.S. and globally have responded to oppression and violence against LGBTQ communities. This course also includes contemporary LGBTQ+ issues in family, education, religion, and the law.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

ANALYZE THE VARIOUS WAYS PEOPLE IDENTIFY THEIR SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND/OR THEIR GENDER IDENTITY AND EXPRESSION. (SLO 1)
Examine sexual orientation and gender identity within Native American, African American, Latinx, Asian American, Pacific Islander, and recent immigrant communities in the United States and abroad. (Objective 1a)
Assess theories about sexual orientation and gender identity and expression within the context of feminist theory, gender theory, and queer theory. (Objective 1b)
EXPLORE THE INTERSECTIONS AND INTERRELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN SYSTEMIC FORMS OF OPPRESSION AGAINST LGBTQ COMMUNITIES AND THEIR INTERSECTING IDENTITIES WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF LGBTQ POLITICAL STRUGGLES IN THE UNITED STATES AND GLOBALLY. (SLO 2)
Assess the impact of hate crimes on LGBTQ individuals, the LGBTQ individuals, the community at large, and public policy. (Objective 2a)
Identify key historical movements and describe its contribution to domestic and international LGBTQ struggles for full human rights. (Objective 2b)
ASSESS THE CONTINUOUS EVOLUTION OF LEGAL POLICIES AND SOCIETAL VIEWS OF LGBTQ PEOPLE ON A GLOBAL LEVEL. (SLO 3)
Research the history of public health policy in the United States as well as internationally to explore the ways that LGBTQ people have consistently suffered under policies structured by sexual and gendered prejudices. (Objective 3a)
Explore the impact of our education system on the ability of LGBTQ individuals and communities to achieve social justice and equity. (Objective 3b)
EXAMINE THE EVOLUTION OF LGBTQ CULTURE IN LITERATURE, THE MEDIA, AND THE ARTS. (SLO 4)
Identify strategies LGBTQ artists use to draw the relationship between art and political resistance (Objective 4a).

SJS 320 Introduction to Disability Studies

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:ENGL C1000
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L4
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course introduces the diverse legal, institutional, ethical, and cultural issues relating to persons with disabilities in historic and modern contexts. Students will be introduced to the definitions and language of disability and the portrayal of disability in current American society, including an appreciation of the concepts of ableism, oppression, privilege, normalcy, disability culture, and accessibility. This course addresses the longstanding social oppression of the disability community and the intersection of disability with social factors including race, ethnicity, class, gender, and sexual orientation. Activism and resistance movements, as well as ways to initiate social change, are integral to the course. This course is designed for all students, with or without disabilities, and is of interest to students in health care, law and social justice, design and accessibility, education, and social work.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF DISABILITY STUDIES. (SLO 1)
Identify and discuss the prevailing models of disability.
Evaluate current definitions and theories of disability.
Understand disability as a socially-conferred status, not a fixed attribute of the individual.
EVALUATE CURRENT SOCIAL VIEWS AND RESULTING TREATMENT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES. (SLO 2)
Identify how attitudes and beliefs about individuals with disabilities may impact personal and social views of disability.
Identify and discuss some of the issues that influence individuals with specific disabilities.
Examine the complex interplay of social, political, and economic forces as they relate to disability.
Examine the impact of cultural values in conceptualizing individual differences.
UNDERSTAND AND APPLY THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS OF PROVIDING EQUAL ACCESS TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES. (SLO 3)
Recognize how persons with disabilities may receive equal access to both public and private services.
Recognize how persons with disabilities may receive equal access to the information, instructions and services of postsecondary educational institutions.
Understand the longstanding social oppression of the disability community and consider ways to initiate social change.

SJS 499 Experimental Offering in Social Justice Studies

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

Check Out Degree Planner

If you're interested in a transfer degree (AA-T or AS-T), then check out Degree Planner, a tool that helps you complete your degree efficiently by mapping out what courses to take and when to take them.

Degree Planner