Explore the James L. Curtis Institute for Social Change
Connect with the Director
Ari McCaskill
Director
Curtis Institute
Email Ari
Schedule a Campus Visit Submit Your Deposit Connect with Curtis
Connect with the Director
Ari McCaskill
Director
Curtis Institute
Email Ari
Schedule a Campus Visit Submit Your Deposit Connect with Curtis
Discover the power of YOU with the Curtis Institute!
Are you interested in creating a more equitable society? Do you want to know more about targeted universalism, bridging, and narrative power? Do you recognize contemporary or historical barriers that prevent access to diverse groups? Are you a changemaker? If the answer is; YES, then the James L. Curtis Institute for Social Change is “right” for you!
Through your participation in Curtis, you will earn an experiential certificate which provides formal recognition for the work you will do to design and complete an approved sequence of academic coursework, hands-on experience, and written reflection. Students may choose to pursue experiential certificates in one of three areas: Social Context of Inclusive Youth Development, Volunteer and Community Resource Management, and Race and Social Justice. Each certificate is organized around a theme or specialization that highlights your interests or professional goals.
I could call on them at any time and they will be there to help with both academic and even personal life issues. They have helped me and advocated for me when needed.
Requirements
| EXPLORE (Observe-JLCSC) | CONTRIBUTE (Discover-JLCSC) | FOCUS (Imagine-JLCSC) | ACHIEVE (Create-JLCSC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Year Learning Outcome | 2nd Year Learning Outcome | 3rd Year Learning Outcome | 4th Year Learning Outcome |
| You will observe systems of injustice that produce and maintain inequity and injustice and the individuals, groups, and organizations that disrupt inequity and injustice. | You will discover new resources in yourself and the world around you, abstract and concrete, that enable you and other people to pursue equity and justice on individual and institutional levels. | You will imagine new systems, modes of thought, and ways of being that inspire and effect social change. | You will create ideas, art, language, and projects with identifiable, real-world social impacts. |
| SCAH 101 "Social Change in the Arts and Humanities" | Begin JLCSC Concentration (Fall 2025) | Begin or Continue concentration SCAH 3XX Capstone Course (Spring Semester) | Complete JLCSC Concentration SCAH 3XX Capstone Course (Fall Semester) |
| Join (1) student org. I.E. Senate, Union Board, etc. | Take a progressive leadership role in a student org | Imagine how student organizations can better serve the broader campus community. | Create an initiative that improves access and representation in campus organizations |
| (Required) Attend (2) JLCSC Approved On-Campus Cultural Experience | (Required) Attend (2) JLCSC Approved On-Campus Cultural Experience | (Required) Attend (2) JLCSC Approved On-Campus Cultural Experience | (Required) Attend (2) JLCSC Approved On-Campus Cultural Experience |
| (Required) Attend (1) JLCSC Off-Campus Cultural Immersion Experience | (Required) Attend (1) JLCSC Off-Campus Cultural Immersion Experience | (Required) Attend (1) JLCSC Off-Campus Cultural Immersion Experience | (Required) Attend (1) JLCSC Off-Campus Cultural Immersion Experience |
| Participate in (1) service learning org. I.E. Rotaract, etc. Join a professional organization - ASALH, NCBS, AES, ASA, etc. | Create a committee in your service learning org to create/or build capacity for a community service event. Join/maintain a professional organization. ASALH, NCBS, AES, ASA, etc. Attend a national professional conference. | Develop a critical understanding of the service needs of diverse communities. Join/maintain a professional organization membership. ASALH, NCBS, AES, ASA, etc. Attend a national professional conference. | Create an initiative that improves outcomes related to serving diverse communities. Maintain a professional organization membership. ASALH, NCBS, AES, ASA, etc. Attend a national professional conference. |
| Take (1) JLCSC-approved course—Intro to Sociology, Social Psychology, History, Religious, Studies, Art, etc. Participate in (1) JLCSC group community service project. (Required) Attend at least (4) JLCSC meetings. | Take (1) JLCSC-approved course—Intro to Sociology, Social Psychology, History, Religious, Studies, Art, etc. Participate in (1) JLCSC group community service project. (Summer) Select an internship/study abroad or TPC or CC placement. | Take (1) JLCSC-approved course—Intro to Sociology, Social Psychology, History, Religious, Studies, Art, etc. Participate in (1) group community service project. (Summer) Begin your Social Change Project/Capstone and Select an internship/study abroad or TPC or CC placement. *FURSCA (Summer) | Complete and Present Social Change project/capstone at a research symposium. Participate in (1) group community service project. Attend at least (1) multicultural graduation-Campus Life. |
Courses, include:
- Intro to Social Change course (SCAH 101-Fall 2025)
- Social Change in the Arts and Humanities Concentration (Awaiting Approval)
Other experiential learning opportunities students may choose to pursue, include:
- Attending city council meetings, judicial hearings, and state government committee hearings or general sessions related to racial and/or underrepresented groups
- Leadership in the Student Senate, Intrafraternity Council, Panhellenic Council, Umbrella, Athletic affinity groups, and other campus organizations
- Campaigning for candidates or ballot proposals
- Participation in campus and community organizations
- Voter Registration
- Writing an undergraduate thesis/capstone on a related focus topic
- Undergraduate research including through FURSCA
- Approved Off-Campus study at the Chicago Center, or an approved study abroad program through the Center for International Experience
Your participation culminates with a concentration on your diploma.