SOCI 401: Social Change and the Next System

SOCI 401-001: Social Chnge & the Next System
(Spring 2026)

10:30 AM to 01:10 PM T

View the schedule of classes

Section Information for Spring 2026

Are you watching the news/current events and feeling lost? Overwhelmed? Eager to DO SOMETHING but not sure what? 

This intellectually rigorous, timely course looks at how social and political movements throughout the world create systemic transformation. Led by Dr. Eleanor Finley, we will move beyond simply critiquing today’s social crises to examine system crisis, system change, and “next” system design. Engaging with real-world practitioners, this course is perfect for students seeking careers in advocacy, public policy, community organizing, labor unionizing, and the social sciences. 

Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Next System Studies seek to explain the relationships between systemic crises, system design, systemic social movements, and system change. A rising global tide of community-based movements and initiatives offers the possibility that out of our current period may emerge a new system that is more democratic, sustainable, and just. Students engage directly with ongoing "next system" initiatives both around the world and in our region, meet with practitioners and policy experts, present and discuss readings and films in a seminar format, and collaborate with communities directly served and affected by George Mason University. This course provides an excellent preparation for careers in public policy and public service, social entrepreneurship, law, cooperative development, community and human services, education and research, labor organizing and worker rights, and social movement organizations and advocacy. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.