Faith-Justice Studies Minor

The Faith-Justice Studies minor is one of the distinguishing mission-driven academic programs at Saint Joseph’s University. It empowers students to work across multiple disciplines by integrating learning from six courses to engage in analysis of social structures and systems of thought in light of Gospel values and other faith traditions. As part of the course of study, students explore the call that emerges from this analysis to stand in solidarity with the marginalized peoples of our world.

Students interested in pursuing the minor in Faith-Justice Studies are advised to contact the Faith-Justice Institute for further information.

Goal 1: Consider existing social values, norms, and/or priorities in light of Gospel values and/or other faith-based traditions of social justice.

Outcome 1.1: Analyze institutions and social structures, and question prevailing systems of thought or action, that systematically contribute to problems such as poverty, racism, human rights violations, and violence.

Outcome 1.2: Engage with the sufferings of the poor and marginalized and explore the call, not only to serve, but also to stand in solidarity.

Students seeking the minor are required to successfully complete six courses from the program’s listings with no more than three courses from any single discipline. At least one of the six courses must be a Theology course that directly addresses Catholic Social Thought, chosen from among the following:

Students may use three credits of a senior capstone project to satisfy one of the course requirements provided they submit a proposal signed by a faculty mentor or departmental chair from their major within the first six weeks of the semester during which the three credits will be earned.

During the senior year, students will be asked to create and submit a brief portfolio of their work to illustrate their engagement with the program's learning objectives.

The courses listed below are a partial listing of courses which may apply towards the Faith-Justice Studies minor. Some multi-section courses may have specific sections that satisfy the Faith-Justice Studies minor requirements. Students are therefore advised to refer to course schedules and to meet with the Director of the Faith-Justice Studies program during the registration period to confirm the full array of Faith-Justice Studies courses offered in any given semester.

If a student wishes to seek Faith-Justice credit for a course that has not yet been approved as a Faith-Justice Studies course, the student may petition to have the course approved.  Students may use this option only once, according to the following guidelines:

1. The student will obtain written permission from the instructor of the course and the Director of the Faith-Justice Studies program within the first six weeks of the course,
2. The student will submit a written plan indicating how the course will satisfy Faith-Justice Studies course criteria,
3. The student will submit a brief report at the end of the semester outlining how Faith-Justice Studies objectives have been met, along with supporting written materials (examinations, journals, projects, etc.).