Department of Community and Social Justice Studies

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Our Mission

Prepare students to

critically examine community development through the lens of social justice
investigate systemic inequalities and injustices using interdisciplinary and decolonizing frameworks and practices
actively engage in social change by shaping public debates, working with and for communities, and influencing public policy
occupy positions of leadership and pursue careers in community development, public policy, and as community advocates

Using

experiential learning activities
field experiences (participatory action research, engagement in advocacy projects)
critical skills for biocultural analysis, sociocultural analysis, power mapping, needs analysis, impact analysis, and sociohistorical/archival analysis
collaborative partnerships with local organizations and communities

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Community and Social Justice Studies News

Introduction To Transgender Studies

Latinx Navigations of Diet, Health, and Illness in Chicago with Dr. Lilian Milanes

Leading the Conversation About Diversity and Inclusion in the Classroom

Student Support for WP’s Latinx Community Thrives with Weekly Dose of Café con Leche

WP Awarded a Five-Year $1 Million Scholarships-in-STEM Grant from National Science Foundation to Support Low Income, Academically Talented Math and Computer Science Majors

"Inquiry requires students’ active learning rather than passively accepting knowledge. Realizing that our community depends on their diverse backgrounds and perspectives, students became engaged and invested in the learning process."

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William Paterson University

300 Pompton Road

Wayne, New Jersey 07470

973-720-2000

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