This course examines the faith, practices and theories of influential modern activists and writers who exemplify a variety of approaches to the Christian quest for justice. Questions we will consider include: What is the theological basis for religious activism? How does this theological basis impact the practices of social justice activism? What is the role of violence in these practices? What particular concepts of justice are promoted by Christian activists, and why?

This course is designed to provide an opportunity for students to explore these issues by integrating in-class readings and discussions with out-of-classroom experiences. We will not only read about activists such as Dorothy Day, Martin Luther King, Jr., Mohandas Gandhi, and Thomas Merton, but we will also have the opportunity to apply class principles in a required service learning project within the South Bend community. Throughout the course of the semester we will explore connections among the various thinkers we encounter in class and the "real world" we experience today.