Programs in Urban Community Studies (UCS) are offered at the Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies (CCICS), 700 East Oakwood Boulevard, 60653, in the heart of Chicago's historic Bronzeville community. The scholar/activist thrust is the overriding entity that drives the community and academic programming of the programs of the Carruthers Center.
The Programs in Urban Community Studies, through the Goodwin College of Education, offer the following degrees:
Bachelor of Arts in Urban Community Studies
Minor in Urban Community Studies
Master of Arts in Urban Community Studies
Minor in Urban Community Studies (18 credit hours)
The minor Urban Community Studies is designed to meet the needs of non-education majors as well as education majors who plan to work in inner urban communities and schools. It will provide an opportunity for students to engage with the social, political, economic, and cultural issues that define the urban context. It will also provide an opportunity for students to gain exposure to urban communities as well as community-based organizations and community institutions. This is not a teacher preparation program and coursework does not lead to licensure.
Specific Goals of the Minor in Urban Community Studies
Students will:
- Gain knowledge of the specific social, political, economic, and cultural issues related to urban communities.
- Value cultural diversity and individual differences in urban environments.
- Engage in positive interactions with key stakeholders in community settings or educational settings.
Admission Requirements
undergraduate admission to Northeastern Illinois University
University Core Curriculum Requirements
| General Education Distribution Area | Cr. Hrs. |
|---|---|
| Fine Arts (FA)* 2 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study: Art, CMT (Mass Media or Theatre), Music (includes Dance). | 6 |
| Humanities (HU)* 3 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study: CMT (Communication), English, Linguistics. Philosophy, Women's and Gender Studies, World Languages and Cultures, (Note: No more than two foreign language courses may be used to fulfill this requirement.) | 9 |
| Behavioral/Social Sciences (SB)* 3 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study: African & African American Studies, Anthropology, Computer Science, Economics, Geography & Environmental Studies, History, Justice Studies, Latino & Latin American Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work | 9 |
| Natural Sciences (NS and NSL)** 3 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study; one course must have a laboratory component (NSL): Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physics (Note: If an FYE ANTH that counts as Natural Science is taken, only one Biology course may be used for Natural Science). | 9 |
| Engaged Learning Experiences | |
| Students must complete, at Northeastern, three courses designated as Engaged Learning Experiences courses. One of the Engaged Learning Experiences courses must be at the 300-level, and one Engaged Learning Experiences course must be designated as "Boundary Crossing". | |
| Discipline Specific (ELE-DS) These courses have pre-requisites that are specific courses within a program of study. Discipline Specific courses give students a deeper understanding of how knowledge is created and applied in their field. | |
| Boundary Crossing (ELE-X) These are courses that cross disciplinary boundaries and/or cross boundaries through engagements outside the classroom or University allowing students to see how knowledge gained in one field might inform other fields or other aspects of society. | |
| Math/Quantitative Reasoning (MA) 1 Math course, that has intermediate Algebra as prerequisite OR is a course listed on the General Education Distributive Learning List of Approved Courses. Any 3 hour college level math course, beyond Intermediate Algebra, meets this requirement. |
- *
Majors in Fine Arts, Humanities or Social/Behavioral Sciences, may waive up to 6 credit hours of General Education requirements in the corresponding distribution area.
- **
Majors in Natural Sciences may waive up to 9 credit hours of General Education requirements in the Natural Sciences distribution area.
Students should also be aware of all other university requirements to obtain a degree - NEIU requirements
Minor in Urban Community Studies requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| UCS-201 | Power And Oppression In The Urban Community | 3 |
| UCS-302 | Urban Education and the Art of Critical Pedagogy | 3 |
| UCS-304 | Contemporary Issues In Urban Community Studies | 3 |
| UCS-343 | Racism, Xenophobia, and Bias in the Urban Context | 3 |
| ANY 2 UCS UNDERGRADUATE COURSES WITH APPROVAL OF PROGRAM FACILITATOR | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 18 | |