Introduction to Social Justice: Identity, Equity, and Action

Course Available
1 Unit
Independent Study

Course Description

Challenge and Analyze Systems of Oppression Through the Lenses of Identity, Power, and Equity to Become an Agent for Change.

Introduction to Social Justice: Identity, Equity, and Action is a foundational course that explores the principles and practices of social justice through the lenses of identity, power, and systemic inequity. Students will engage in critical inquiry and self-reflection to understand how social identities—such as race, gender, class, sexuality, ability, and citizenship—intersect and influence lived experiences within societal structures. This course will examine historical and contemporary movements for justice, analyze systems of oppression, and develop tools for equity-driven action. The course emphasizes the importance of allyship, advocacy, and collective responsibility in creating inclusive and equitable communities. 

Offered through the University of San Diego’s Division of Professional and Continuing Education in collaboration with the university’s School of Leadership and Education Sciences , the program prepares you to apply best practices to plan, deliver and assess character education in the classroom.

This professional development course, offered by the University of San Diego, is led by distinguished faculty from the School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES). SOLES Professional Learning (SPL) educators bring a rich blend of academic expertise and practical, real-world experience to support meaningful learning and application.

Course Details

Number of Units: 1.0 graduate level extension credits in semester hours

Who Should Attend: This course is ideal for students, educators, community leaders, and professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of social justice and apply it in personal, academic, and civic contexts.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to regulations from the U.S. Department of Education, the University of San Diego is unable to enroll students in its online programs who reside in Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Georgia, Iowa, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Rhode Island and Wisconsin. This restriction does not apply to applicants interested in a campus-based program.

Refund Policy: To receive a refund, students need to drop the course through the MyPCE@USD student account portal before midnight (11:59PT) on the third day of the course. The refund of the course fee will be returned less a processing fee of 10% of the course tuition. No refunds will be issued after this deadline.

ADA Accommodations:  Professional and Continuing Education is committed to promoting knowledge and academic excellence for all learners. The University of San Diego's Disability and Learning Difference Resource Center helps students with verified disabilities obtain meaningful academic accommodations and support to help improve access to Professional and Continuing Education programs and courses.  If you are a student who would like to be considered for academic accommodations, please visit USD's Disability and Learning Difference Resource Center's website and follow the instructions under Requesting Services.

Course Options

Course Date Units Price
EDU-X726V – 001 Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled 1 $129

Introduction to Social Justice: Identity, Equity, and Action

Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled
1
$129
Independent Study

Once you have enrolled in this course, you may access Course Instructions upon logging into your account.

What You Will Learn

  • Define key concepts related to social justice, including identity, equity, power, privilege, oppression, and intersectionality 
  • Evaluate systems of power and oppression and their impact on marginalized communities across various domains (e.g., education, health, housing, criminal justice)
  • Engage in critical self-reflection to understand one's own positionality, biases, and responsibilities in promoting social justice
  • Develop actionable strategies for community engagement, advocacy, and allyship in pursuit of social justice and equity

Instructors

Professional development courses offered by the University of San Diego’s Division of Professional & Continuing Education are taught by faculty that possess a depth and breadth of academic and real-world professional experience.

Why USD?

The Professional and Continuing Education program nurtures key partnerships on the local, national, and international level. The goal is to better serve working professionals who seek to enhance or build their careers and help achieve their highest value and potential. Contact us today to learn more.

Informative Stats and Facts

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Learning Method Information

Courses offer a convenient, yet rigorous style of learning that allows you to structure your education to suit your schedule while keeping you on pace toward achieving your educational.

Independent Study

Independent Study Self-Paced: Independent study courses offer you flexibility and the ability to complete a course faster or slower than you would a traditional live course. In this online format, you may register at any time and you will have a set time period (typically 9 months) from the time of registration to complete your course. This convenient format is often helpful for:

  • Working professionals with tight schedules
  • Students who require a specific course to meet professional development or recertification requirements
  • Students living in remote locations
  • Students who cannot easily attend courses due to injury or illness
  • Students who are self-motivated and conscientious

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Our educator courses offer flexible course formats and class times to help you balance your work, USD studies, and family life.