GN105 People, Power, and Progress (3 cr.)

This course explores how societies exercise power, confront global challenges, and pursue justice and progress. Through case studies on civil rights, climate justice, global health, and post-conflict rebuilding, students examine issues of inequality, conflict, and social transformation. The course emphasizes the ethical dimensions of progress and the role of intellectual and moral virtues—like curiosity, justice, and compassion—in shaping change. Students engage in collaborative problem-solving to develop resilience, critical thinking, and a sense of agency. Ultimately, students reflect on global systems of power and what it means to be a responsible and flourishing citizen.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Analyze global issues such as poverty, conflict, and climate change through ethical and character-informed lenses.

2. Apply critical thinking and open-mindedness to evaluate diverse perspectives on power, progress, and civic responsibility.

3. Demonstrate civic virtues such as service, civility, and responsibility in discussions and collaborative work.

4. Recognize moral virtues such as justice, courage, honesty, and compassion in the actions of individuals and societies responding to global challenges.

5. Reflect on personal identity, purpose, and agency in contributing to the common good, locally and globally.

6. Develop practical wisdom by navigating case studies that require thoughtful ethical decision-making in the face of competing values.

7. Collaborate effectively in teams, practicing perseverance, empathy, and respectful communication.