Social Responsibility
Charles Kernaghan
National Labor Committee
Labor Day Speaker 2006
The Social Responsibility Minor is an interdisciplinary course of study aimed at helping students consider, from both theoretical and experiential perspectives, the nature and responsibilities of democratic citizenship in our time. The Social Responsibility Minor is inspired by the Goals of Franciscan Higher Education and the Goals of the General Education Program, which call for reverence for all life, a global vision, respect and tolerance for all persons, an appreciation for diversity, stewardship of the world's resources, and service to the poor and needy.
In the course of studies students will engage questions such as the following: What does citizenship mean now? What ought it mean? How does it relate to various perspectives on justice? Community? Diversity? What are the ideals to which democratic citizens are called? What are essential values for responsible citizenship? In what ways can people make a positive difference in their world? What are the skills needed to be a socially responsible citizen? In what ways might conscientious objection or civil disobedience be expressions of social responsibility?
The Minor may have either a national or an international focus. Consistent with the goals of General Education at Saint Francis, students will become familiar with key knowledge bases while also developing relevant skills and examining values-related questions.