Motivation to Teach Social Action:
I am interested in participating in the Institute to deepen my understanding of Social Action instruction and strengthen how I integrate collective action, community-centered learning, and policy engagement into my teaching. My work as an educator is rooted in critical pedagogy and social justice education, and this program offers an opportunity to refine those skills, expand my toolkit, and connect with faculty committed to mobilizing students toward meaningful change.
Course Description:
This course equips students with the knowledge and skills to analyze and intervene within urban communities, organizations, and policy systems. Through a justice-oriented and community-engaged framework, students explore how historical and contemporary inequities shape the lived experiences of urban populations. The course integrates critical pedagogy, power analysis, systems theory, and policy practice to help students understand how community organizing, advocacy, and multisector collaboration contribute to social change. Students will apply these concepts to address real-world challenges through reflective practice, skill-building, and experiential learning.
Taught By:
Paulette Smith
Assistant Professor
School of Social Work
Morgan State University
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