Culture, Power, and Change

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Are you interested in promoting equity and social responsibility, and empowering your voice to become an advocate for justice and equality?

Culture, Power, and Change at Antioch College is an interdisciplinary area of study that engages with historical foundations and social functions of power in contemporary culture. Courses in this area focus on how systems of power are built, reinforced, and operationalized through cultural practices and production. Culture is contested, always changing, and interconnected with ideologies of race, class, sexuality, gender, ethnicity, geopolitical borders, and so on. This area provides strong preparation for careers in many areas including advocacy, nonprofit leadership, education, and law.

Who is this for?

This area provides vital preparation for advocacy, critical management, education, and law careers.

Equipped with such a comprehensive understanding of power dynamics and cultural complexities, graduates of this program possess a broad range of career opportunities across various sectors. Here are a few examples of graduate programs that might align well with the focus on Critical & Cultural Studies:

Cultural Studies:

Pursuing a graduate degree specifically in Cultural Studies would allow you to deepen your knowledge and research skills in analyzing the complex interplay between culture, power, and society. This program could offer specialized coursework in areas such as critical theory, media studies, postcolonial studies, and cultural policy.

Social Sciences:

Graduate programs in Social Sciences, such as Sociology, Anthropology, or Political Science, provide avenues for further exploration of power structures and cultural dynamics. These programs often emphasize qualitative and quantitative research methods, allowing you to investigate social phenomena and contribute to critical analyses of power relations.

Gender and Women's Studies:

If you have a particular interest in the intersections of power, culture, and gender, pursuing a graduate program in Gender and Women’s Studies would be an excellent choice. These programs delve into the complexities of gendered experiences, feminist theory, and the ways in which power operates within various cultural contexts.

Law:

Critical and Cultural Studies can provide a strong foundation for pursuing a Juris Doctor (JD) program or specializing in critical legal studies. Understanding power structures, social justice, and the ways in which cultural practices shape legal systems can be invaluable for aspiring lawyers dedicated to advocating for marginalized communities.

Education:

Graduate programs in Education with a focus on critical pedagogy, multicultural education, or social justice education can be a fit for this focus. These programs explore educational systems, social inequalities, and the power dynamics at play within educational institutions, preparing students for careers in teaching, curriculum development, or educational policy.

Advocacy and Social Justice

Pursuing graduate programs in advocacy, community organizing, or social work could be highly relevant for those interested in actively engaging with social justice issues and advocating for marginalized communities. These programs equip graduates with the skills to effect change and address power imbalances within society.