UKZN Student To Benefit From New Social Justice Module

UKZN Student To Benefit From New Social Justice Module. In a bid to address prevalent social injustices and foster a culture of empathy and respect, the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is introducing a pioneering initiative for its first-year students. The Critical Social Justice and Citizenship Module, set to commence in the 2024 academic year, aims to equip students with essential insights into issues such as gender-based violence (GBV), racism, xenophobia, and homophobia.

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Key Features

• The module is compulsory for all first-year students, with approximately 9,000 students expected to benefit from its implementation.
• Delivered through a blend of online lectures and tutorials, the curriculum spans eight sessions, each facilitated by master’s and PhD students well-versed in social justice matters.
• Recognizing the intersectionality of social issues, the module encompasses a broad spectrum, including race, culture, xenophobia, homophobia, disability, and class.
• Initial piloting in the College of Humanities during the second semester of 2023 demonstrated an effective blend of online and in-person learning methods, encouraging active participation and experiential learning.

Learning Objectives

• Through written activities and mini-projects, students will delve into the origins of negative attitudes towards difference and explore strategies to challenge and disrupt such mindsets.
• The module aims to cultivate critical thinking skills, empowering students to confront various forms of social oppression, discrimination, and violence prevalent in South African society.

Conclusion

UKZN Critical Social Justice and Citizenship Module represents a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive and equitable campus environment. By instilling a deeper understanding of social issues and promoting empathy and respect, the university aims to produce graduates who are not only academically proficient but also socially conscious and proactive in addressing injustices within society.