School of Arts and Sciences
Social Activism
Minor in Social Activism
Through the social activism minor, you'll develop the practical skills and theoretical knowledge you'll need to assist you in enacting social change through activism.
Because of its interdisciplinary nature, the social activism minor will expose you to a variety of ideas and professors with backgrounds across a spectrum of professional and service industries. Departments involved include communication studies and theatre art, English, the Offutt School of Business, philosophy, religion, sociology, and social work.
Social Activism: Making Change Happen
The course was taught by Dr. Kristen Theye, Dr. Michelle Lelwica, Brandon Baity, and Sunet Rubalcava. Each person has their own teaching style, but all were equally meaningful. It made me realize there is no ‘perfect activist.’ I had the experience of creating and facilitating an activist panel with my classmates, and that message continuously rang throughout the session because all our panelists had different upbringings that led them to want to invoke change. Regardless of what they went through, they wanted to be the change they wish to see in the world. That class teaches you that lesson with the readings you have, the stories you hear, and the history you see. All an activist needs to be is someone who takes dedicated action to create a change that can help society, and I believe I am doing just that!
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Should I consider a social activism minor?
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Grapple with the complexity of modern social problems in a way that allows room for diverse viewpoints and experiences
- Apply strategies and tactics to real-life situations that require creative problem-solving
- Analyze the potential pitfalls, ethical issues, and best practices of social activism
- Communicate an understanding of their place and abilities in references to social activism, as well as possible approaches for effecting change
If these sound like skills and abilities you want to grow, a social activism minor may be a strong fit for you!
Local Activism
Central Connections
As a busy student-athlete and business major, Emery Holland ’29 has learned that even her moments of free time could be intentional.
Cobbers in Community
For more than 30 years, new Cobbers have volunteered in the Fargo-Moorhead community during their first week as students.