Week 6: Call to Action: Applying Social Change on an Individual Level

Week 6: Call to Action: Applying Social Change on an Individual Level

Whatever our situations, we all face a choice. We can ignore the problems that lie just beyond our front doors; we can allow decisions to be made in our names that lead to a meaner and more desperate world. We can yell at TV newscasters and complain about how bad things are, using our bitterness as a hedge against involvement. Or we can work, as well as we can, to shape a more generous common future (p. 33).
—Paul Rogat Loeb

It can be daunting to study the historical precedents set by social change movements. It is also humbling to recognize the seemingly heroic actions of those who led these movements. Issues seem immense and it is easy to doubt what one individual, particularly oneself, can do to achieve change. Yet if you look back at the past several weeks, you are reminded that individuals did bring about changes—and are still doing so. Effecting positive social change is an opportunity open to everyone.

The ideal of positive social change is Walden University’s mission, and the culmination of this course is an appropriate time to reflect on what this means to you. In this final week of the course, you critique each other’s’ call to action submissions and consider your own thoughts about social change. You also submit your Final Project.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Critique the effectiveness of social change approaches
• Analyze key aspects of a social change movement of the pre-modern era
• Analyze key aspects of a social change movement of the modern era
• Assess the relationship of Walden University to a past or present social change movement
• Reflect on changes in personal insights regarding social change

Learning Resources

Required Readings