Date: Winter 2018
Source: University of Detroit Mercy School of Architecture
Program: Master of Community Development
Course: MCD 5120 - Environmental, Social and Economic Justice
Instructor: Dr. Gloria Albrecht, Dr. Greg Banazak
Description
This course examines the contested meanings of social justice within the U.S., a society which understands itself to be a liberal democracy that values “liberty and justice for all.” This course will raise questions about the ethical adequacy of existing social norms (legal and ethical) by examining concrete social, economic and environmental issues related to the dehumanizing conditions that shape communities of marginalized people in the U.S., disproportionately persons of colors, as well as women and children of every race. The question “are we a just society?” can only be answered by (a) knowing what is going on and (b) applying a concept of justice. What you (or I) think is “just” is influenced by what we think is going on. So, what do you know? Why (or how) do you “know” that? And, what do you mean by “justice”? In addition to our assigned readings, the city of Detroit and its people will be a living text.
This course is shaped by a specific theory of knowledge (epistemology) called “critical theory.” Critical theory argues that in an unequal society dominant knowledge, including social norms, public policies and what is assumed to be common sense, has been, and is being, socially constructed by privileged social groups. Therefore, this course will intentionally introduce contesting subordinate (subjugated) knowledges from marginalized voices and from those who are committed to the empowerment of such voices. Methods and principles involved in doing social ethics, that is, for evaluating whether a society is just, will also be explored. Guest speakers will be invited to provide links to local community issues and activism.