International and Social Justice Studies

Bachelor of Arts Major

Explore the intricate complexities of social justice and injustice from both global and regional perspectives. While exploring the rich histories and cultures that shape societies, you will expand your sense of social responsibility and deepen your understanding of how the world works.

Our coursework breaks away from conventional approaches, giving you the skills, knowledge, and ethical mindset you need to tackle local and global inequalities and injustices head-on. You’ll develop a strong sense of active engagement and responsibility in our connected world, with a special focus on marginalized populations, communities, and cultures. This program offers more than just knowledge—it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in diverse cultures, where independent research and hands-on experiences empower you to transform complex challenges into real opportunities for change.

Why International and Social Justice Studies at Warren Wilson?

  • Hands-On Learning: Graduate with the understanding and lived experience of actively working to make a difference in your community. You’ll go out and build relationships, speak out for society’s most marginalized members, and guide others to think critically about the world they live in.
  • Study Abroad for Everyone: Every student in this major participates in a study abroad experience that aligns with their goals personally and professionally.
  • Interdisciplinary: Dive into classes about Anthropology, Sociology, Gender & Women’s Studies, History and more to find solutions to the issues you are most passionate about.
Leah Havlicek in Peru

Every student will complete community-engaged coursework, an internship, and original research as part of their major

A Sample of Our Partnerships

  • Bounty & Soul
  • Root Cause Farms
  • Owen Middle School
  • Fundacion M&M (Colombia)
  • LEAF Global Arts
  • MANOS (tutoring program for Latinx youth)
  • Compañeros Inmigrantes de las Montañas en Acción

See how International and Social Justice Studies students put our education into action

Community Engaged Course

In Spanish III: Peace & Social Justice, you’ll develop social and cultural skills with a focus on intercultural awareness. You’ll engage with our local Latinx community and consider the roles of peace, war, and justice in the era of globalization. We typically partner with Bounty & Soul, where students often work with the Latino Market.

Work

You can work on any crew as a student but many International and Social Justice Studies majors choose to be on crews such as:

  • Social and Intercultural Studies
  • Global Engagement Office
  • Spanish Assistant
  • Bonner Community Engagement
  • WIDE (Wilson Inclusion, Diversity and Equity)

Study Abroad

In the study abroad course Fields, Markets, and Kitchens: Gender and Food in Indonesia & Singapore, students explored society, culture, food systems, and gender dynamics in Singapore and Indonesia.

Senior Capstone

As an International and Social Justice Studies student, you can choose to pursue your capstone project in one of three areas: Sociology/Anthropology, Public Humanities, or Data Science.

Popular Courses

Gender, Development, and the Environment

In this course you will examine the link between gender issues and environmental problems in the Global South, and how development programs affect the lives of women. You’ll also learn how the history of colonization, and local as well as global inequalities, affect gender relations and environmental conditions in various countries.

Introduction to Peace and Justice Studies

After an introduction to the peace philosophies of leaders such as M. Gandhi and M.L. King, Jr., you’ll examine the causes of conflict and peace as well as the roles of the United Nations and international law in resolving or containing conflicts. Recent and current events and the work of some living peace promoters are also studied.

Postcolonial Theory and Methods

Examine writings from postcolonial authors and think critically about postcolonialism. You’ll explore issues of human difference and analyze how different cultures have experienced colonialism and postcolonialism to prepare yourself for a decolonized approach to social justice and international studies.

See the Catalog

Where Our International and Social Justice Studies Graduates Go

  • Bard College’s MEd at Center for Environmental Policy
  • Emory University School of Law
  • University of Vermont School of Law
  • American University
  • Trinity College Dublin

Like this program? You might like these too.