justice & Society minor
Put Your Education to Work for Justice
The study of justice—discerning how to know what is right, just, and fair—is an ancient, multi-disciplinary pursuit. The Justice & Society Minor provides you with a foundational understanding of this rich theoretical tradition while equipping you with the practical research tools to respond to the most pressing challenges of our time.
From the ethics of emerging technology to the global realities of migration and more, this minor prepares you to take knowledge gleaned in the classroom and bring it into the world as an agent of change.
Why Minor in Justice & Society?
Our curriculum is designed to be both academically rigorous and deeply practical.
By joining this program, you will:
- Master the foundations by gaining a deep understanding of historical and contemporary theories of justice.
- Develop research skills by learn how to use data and inquiry to advocate for equity and fairness.
- Put it into action by applying your learning to specific pillars of society, including:
- environment and sustainability
- business and labor practices
- incarceration and legal reform
- migration and human rights
- poverty and resource access
- technology and ethics
An Interdisciplinary Approach
Justice issues are fundamentally intertwined and demand responses that transcend disciplinary boundaries. The curriculum of the Justice & Society Minor is designed to encourage you to study across fields, developing your capacity to imagine new pathways to a more just society.
From Theory to Action
The minor’s 15 credits will guide you along a path from foundational inquiry to creating positive change.
Foundation: “Doing Justice” (3 credits)
This interdisciplinary course offers a foundational understanding of the theoretical traditions of justice. You will develop the research tools and skills necessary to explain and respond to today’s most challenging questions in areas such as the environment, labor, incarceration, migration, poverty, and technology.
Electives (9 credits)
Through electives, you will supplement your understanding of justice with three courses chosen from a range of options in diverse fields from across the University.
Capstone: “Delivering Justice” (3 credits)
In this collaborative workshop, you will learn the craft of public scholarship as you explore a variety of methods and venues for communicating research findings to wider publics. The culmination will be your own effort (an op-ed, a policy memo, an exhibit, etc.) to showcase the fruits of your justice research conducted throughout the minor.
Leadership for the Common Good
The world needs leaders who are both able to identify injustice and equipped to do something about it. Through the Justice & Society Minor, you will join a cross-disciplinary community of scholars dedicated to seeking the common good.
What Can You Do with the Justice & Society Minor?
By graduating with the Justice and Society Minor, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a foundational understanding of diverse theories of justice.
- Conduct original research that furthers justice in specific societal sectors.
- Cultivate a lifelong commitment to seeking and implementing justice in their professional and personal lives.
Whatever your major or college, if you aspire to create a more just world, this minor is for you. It will enhance your primary degree with an ethical framework and a portfolio of public scholarship that distinguishes you as justice-oriented leader in your field.
Ready to get started?
If you have questions about the Justice & Society Minor, please complete this interest form, or contact Daniel Graff at dgraff@nd.edu or Connie Snyder Mick at cmick@nd.edu.