GLI 402: Democracy and Justice for All
Who should take GLI 402?
- Are you passionate about helping others through hands-on projects?
- Do you want to be more engaged with the campus community?
- Are you interested in democracy, justice, labor, and politics?
- Do you want to debate issues of government, politics, and social justice at a local and global level?
- Do you want to explore the foundational texts of civic life in the U.S. and around the world?
If so, you are a perfect fit for GLI 402. We hope to see you in class!
Course description
This course explores foundational texts related to civics and democracy and is meant
to prepare undergraduates to make a difference in the lives of high school students
from marginalized communities by serving as Teaching Assistants for the Academy of
Civic Life. Students will read contemporary and classical texts exploring Citizenship,
Labor, Representation, Social Justice, and Politics. Through classroom debates and
writing assignments, students will examine how these historical texts and foundational
ideas can be put in conversation with the writers of today, and they will study how
the past connects to current events around the world. To supplement the readings,
students will also be exposed to a range of relevant media including art, film, journalism,
and new media. Students will learn about civic engagement by creating, implementing,
and presenting projects that bring positive change to their community.
Course details and SBC categories
- Semester: GLI 402 will be held in Spring.
- SBC Categories: USA and EXP+
- Credits: 3 credits
- Prerequisites: There are no course prerequisites, but permission of instructor is required to enroll. During the Fall semester, a google form will be made available through this website for students to indicate interest in the class and receive permission to enroll.
Who is teaching the course?
Tracey L. Walters is Professor of Literature in the Department of Africana Studies
at Stony Brook University where she also holds an affiliate appointment with the Institute
for Globalization Studies, the Department of English, and Women’s and Gender Studies. She is an interdisciplinary, transcultural scholar of Africana Studies, and writes
about the experiences of African diasporic women through the lens of feminist studies
and cultural studies. She is a leading scholar of Black British literature and Classica Africana, a subfield of classical studies.
What are the goals of the course?
- Introduce students to foundational texts about citizenship, labor, representation, justice, and democracy and put these texts in conversation with contemporary thinkers and issues.
- Develop an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship
- Engage in class debates and writing assignments relating these texts and foundational ideas to current events, global politics, and students’ communities.
- Learn about civic engagement by creating, implementing, and presenting community-based projects.
- Look at issues of democracy, government, and civics at both the local and global level.
How can I apply for a TA position?
Students who enroll in GLI 402 during the spring semester can be a paid teaching assistant (TA) over the summer! position that will take place during the summer session! Visit our How to Apply page for more information about this TA opportunity.
Want more info?
- If you have questions, please email academyofciviclife@stonybrook.edu.