Introducing Social Transformation Studies
Inspiring and educating the change-makers of tomorrow, today
American Ethnic Studies and Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies team up to become Social Transformation Studies
Social Transformation Studies combines the interdisciplinary traditions of American Ethnic Studies and Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies to create a program that is more than the sum of its parts.
The department offers students knowledge and skills that enable them to launch and sustain careers devoted to tackling some of the most pressing social issues facing Kansans, and Americans more broadly, including health disparities, food insecurity, gender violence, and racial and economic inequalities. We foster community-based engaged learning that is responsive to the needs and realities of underserved communities.
Students are provided skills that employers seek in law and policy studies, health professions, the technology sector, business, public health, urban planning, as well as graduate-level studies. Our students develop skills to create new solutions to both emerging and enduring social problems.
Areas of study
Drawing on the interdisciplinary scholarly and pedagogical traditions of the fields of ethnic studies and gender, women, and sexuality studies, the Social Transformation Studies major offers students a base of knowledge and skills that will enable them to launch and sustain careers devoted to tackling some of the most pressing social issues facing Kansans, and Americans more broadly, including health disparities, food insecurity, gender violence, and racial and economic inequalities.
Social Transformation Studies (STRAN) majors can choose an American Ethnic Studies (AMETH) track or a Gender, Women, Sexuality Studies (GWSS) track.
Students learn how race and ethnic understandings have been shaped across history. We explore Native American, African American, Mexican/Latina/o American, and Asian American historical and cultural dynamics and prepare students to function productively in today's multicultural society.
Faculty and students analyze personal experience and social institutions as they shape and are shaped by gender, sex, sexuality, race/ethnicity, class, (dis)-ability and global location. This analysis enables both an understanding of oppression as well as a vision of social equity and justice.
A different lens
Richie Garrett's passion for uncovering Black history and heritage motivates both his dedication to the American Ethnic Studies major and his dedication to photojournalism. His education at K-State has prepared him to tell what he calls "true stories" and "real news." He indicates: "I want to become a photojournalist so I can help document daily life news . . . I want to be the voice and use my platform for others who are afraid to stand up for equal rights."
Leasure Hall Room 102:
Get involved
To better understand differences and similarities, you can volunteer, intern and work in various places in town that help and give back to the community.