A major in Social Transformation Studies equips students to approach social justice and equity issues from a variety of perspectives and prepares them to excel in a wide variety of fields, including law and politics, violence prevention and advocacy, human services, education, business, health professions, and public health, as well as graduate-level studies. The Social Transformation Studies program provides students with skills that employers seek: the ability to work with and serve diverse and underserved constituencies, think critically, and write and communicate effectively.
The Social Transformation Studies major draws from the interdisciplinary scholarly and pedagogical traditions of the fields of American ethnic studies and gender, women, and sexuality studies to create something more than the sum of its parts. Ours is the only degree program of its kind in the state of Kansas.
Instructors and students in Social Transformation Studies analyze personal experience and social institutions as they shape and are shaped by race, ethnicity, indigeneity, gender, sex, sexuality, class, disability, citizenship, nation, coloniality, and global location. This analysis enables both an understanding of oppression as well as a vision for social equity and justice. A major in Social Transformation Studies offers students the opportunity to think critically about the multifaceted realities and identities of diverse peoples, as well as the important knowledges created by them; promotes social justice ideals and practices of inclusivity; and fosters community-based engaged research and praxis responsive to the needs and realities of underserved communities.
In addition to the general university and college requirements for the BA/BS degree, all Social Transformation Studies majors are required to complete 30 credit hours. All Social Transformation Studies majors will complete one 3 credit introductory course (AMETH 160 or GWSS 105), 9 cr. of core courses (STRAN 400, STRAN 550, and STRAN 600), and 3 cr. of elective in either AMETH or GWSS. For the remaining 15 credits of the Social Transformation Studies major, students will choose one of two tracks: American Ethnic Studies or Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies.
Graduation Requirements
To graduate with a degree in Social Transformation Studies, students must fulfill all program requirements and have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher in courses taken for the Social Transformation Studies major at Kansas State University.