The iSchool provides an undergraduate Informatics program with six concentrations, Social Justice Informatics being among them. Below are the courses that count towards the concentration:
This course will draw on science & technology studies, technology design, and the arts to analyze the values embodied in technology design, and to design technologies to promote positive social impact. How can we “read” what social and cultural values technology designs consciously or unconsciously promote? To what degree can social impact be “written into” a technology? How can we take social and cultural values into account in design?
Explore the leveraging of data, information, and technology for the greater benefit of society and to help ensure a level playing field for everyone in the information age. Offered on the letter-grade basis only. This course carries the Cultural Diversity in the United States flag. The purpose of the Cultural Diversity in the United States Flag is for students to explore in-depth the shared practices and beliefs of one or more underrepresented cultural groups subject to persistent marginalization. In addition to learning about these diverse groups in relation to their specific contexts, you’ll also reflect on your own cultural experiences.
Introduction to thinking critically about disability in the context of information and communication technology. Students will learn to understand the research, design, and evaluation of technology for people with disabilities. Students will be prepared to apply their knowledge of accessibility and disability to assess potential barriers in design and develop solutions.
There are a number of graduate courses offered by the iSchool that, while not directly tied to the Social Justice Informatics concentration , teach topics related to Social Justice:
Project-based course providing a practical approach to designing technology focusing on accessibility. Students will learn how to apply inclusive design principles to inform the design and development of accessible technology by understanding and leveraging the needs of people with disabilities. This course will prepare students with the foundational knowledge to examine technology from an accessibility design perspective.