Social Justice

What is this Structured Elective about?
The Structured Elective in social justice provides an introduction to the interdisciplinary field of social justice and offers you the opportunity to develop your knowledge and understanding of social justice issues such as inequality, discrimination and human rights abuses. Undergraduate modules in social justice address themes such as global justice, gender inequality in Ireland/globally, feminist theory, inequality in Irish society, childhood inequality, human rights and social justice. These modules draw on a range of different disciplines to provide students with the theoretical and conceptual tools to explain and challenge inequality and injustice.

Why should I take this Structured Elective?
The Structured Elective in social justice will be of interest to you if you would like to gain an understanding of the various forms of inequality affecting people in Ireland and globally and to acquire the knowledge and skills to help bring about social change. A strong emphasis is placed on participatory learning in social justice modules. You will be provided with the opportunity to sharpen your analytical and critical thinking skills within a supportive and stimulating environment and to engage with like-minded people who share your interest in social justice. The innovative assessment methods deployed across the various social justice modules are designed to support your learning in a stimulating and enjoyable way.

How would this Structured Elective benefit me?
The Structured Elective in social justice provides an opportunity for you to develop your understanding of social justice issues alongside your main programme of study. If you are thinking of pursuing a career or further study in fields such as equality studies; women’s studies/gender studies; international development; human rights law; community development; policy advocacy/campaigning or just have a general interest in social justice the Structured Electives in social justice will be of benefit to you. You will have furthered your knowledge and understanding of significant societal challenges and have acquired the theoretical and conceptual tools to explain and challenge inequality and injustice. In addition, by completing this Structured Elective you will have enhanced your skills in relation to analytical and critical thinking and communication.

How do I take the modules in this Structured Elective?

• In order to earn this Structured Elective you must take the specified modules in or after2010/11.
• To receive this Structured Elective you must take the required modules as Elective modules and not as Core or Option modules.
• The requirements for the Structured Elective in social justice are successful completion of at least 15 credits of Social Justice undergraduate modules as Electives over the course of the primary degree.
• There are no prerequisites and students undertaking any programme of study within UCD can undertake this Structured Elective.
• Over the course of your undergraduate studies, you will have the opportunity to take elective modules in each year of your programme, so if you wish to undertake this Structured Elective in social justice you must ensure that at least three of your elective choices are in the field of Social Justice (modules coded SSJ).
• You can choose without restriction from the complete range of social justice modules offered at levels 1, 2 and 3.
• Students who successfully complete 15 credits in Social Justice will have this automatically noted on their final UCD degree transcript. The transcript will state that you have completed 'Structured Electives in Social Justice', in addition to your main degree subjects.