For A-plus Writer Only

Course Introduction

Welcome to Global Social Justice!

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly

—The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

Regardless of nationality, race, gender, or religion, everyone is entitled to human rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, written in 1948, was the first document to address global human rights. Despite its international adoption, the ideals, privileges and freedoms in this and subsequent documents are often challenged as products of biased Western cultures. In fact, the varying definitions of human rights have deep cultural roots in values and practices that may resist change, perpetuate inequity, and cause harm.

 

In this course, the first concept you explore relates to different views of human rights that reflect different interpretations of social justice. When it comes to social justice, you are likely to find that there are no correct answers. Throughout the course, you explore key philosophical concepts of global social justice and consider the following questions: At what point do cultural practices become violations of human rights? Are social injustices national or global concerns? Under what conditions does social injustice justify military intervention, if at all? How do governments and corporations help to remediate or sustain poverty? Who is responsible for helping poorer nations and how can social action be more effective?

 

At the conclusion of each week, you are asked to maintain a journal with answers to key questions about your perspectives, priorities, and roles in achieving global social justice. At the end of the course, you review your journal entries and reflect on the progression of your ideology about social justice. Most likely, your thoughts about the future of social justice will be changed forever after completing this course.

Again, welcome to Global Social Justice.