EDAD 815 - Critical Social Theories

Critical theories question power, oppression, and the status quo. They aim to critique and change society by uncovering the assumptions that keep humans from a complete understanding of how the world works. The implicit goal of a critical social theory is to advance the emancipatory function of knowledge, thus answering the question, what are the possibilities for true human freedom?
In this course, learners will interrogate and analyze structures of social, cultural, and political power from a variety of theoretical perspectives and evaluate how these theories explain and offer practical solutions to social problems. As hooks (1994) notes, “confronting one another across difference means that we must change ideas about how we learn; rather than fearing conflict we have to find ways to use it as a catalyst for new thinking, for growth (p. 113).” Through rigorous texts, engaged discussion, and self-reflexive assignments, this course aims to deconstruct oppressive worldviews and cultivate a collective critical consciousness among our learning community (Freire, 1970).

Course credits: 4