This course centers on the role of persuasion in social and cultural interactions, focusing on how persuasive messages shape public opinion and influence behavior, particularly within campaigns and social movements. The main areas of study include understanding the psychology behind persuasion, analyzing rhetorical strategies, and evaluating the effectiveness of various persuasive techniques used in media, politics, advertising, and activism. It also covers the ethical considerations of persuasion, such as the impact of misleading or manipulative messaging. A key component is developing critical thinking skills to evaluate and respond to persuasive messages, especially in the context of social justice movements.

The course directly relates to social justice by examining how persuasion is used in both positive and negative ways to advocate for social change or reinforce harmful stereotypes and systems. Understanding persuasion is essential for advocating for justice, as effective communication is often at the heart of mobilizing people, raising awareness, and creating meaningful change. For my 50-hour experiential component, this knowledge will be valuable in analyzing and crafting messages that promote social justice causes, particularly in how to mobilize communities, raise awareness on key issues, and challenge inequities through strategic communication. It will help me use persuasive techniques ethically to encourage action and engagement in meaningful, justice-oriented initiatives.

The Traffic Jam program primarily focuses on educating students about Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST), with an emphasis on recognizing the signs of trafficking, understanding unhealthy relationships, and learning how to intervene and seek help. The course covers the dynamics of trafficking, including how traffickers target vulnerable youth and the psychological and emotional manipulation they employ. It also trains participants to spot warning signs of trafficking, such as sudden behavioral changes or isolation, and to understand the role of unhealthy relationships in the grooming process. The program connects students with real-world law enforcement and trafficking survivors to offer insight into how trafficking is prevented and how victims are supported. These studies relate to social justice by emphasizing human rights and the need to protect marginalized individuals, particularly youth, from exploitation. For my 50-hour experiential component, this focus on empowerment, community education, and prevention of exploitation ties directly into my passion for creating systemic change and supporting vulnerable groups in my community. It provides a hands-on opportunity to engage with social justice work that tackles both individual and structural issues surrounding trafficking and human rights violations.

During my internship at the Mercer University Archives, the main areas of study revolved around the preservation, cataloging, and accessibility of historical documents and records. I learned about archival practices, including how to assess the significance of materials, organize collections, and ensure their long-term preservation through proper storage techniques. I also gained practical experience in managing digital archives, assisting with research, and helping to make historical resources available to the public through various access points. Additionally, the internship provided insight into the ethical considerations in archival work, such as how to handle sensitive materials and the responsibility of archivists in representing history accurately and inclusively.

This experience relates to social justice in several ways. Archives serve as crucial resources for understanding and interpreting historical narratives, and through my work, I learned how the archival profession can shape public memory and contribute to a more inclusive historical record. The materials I worked with often reflected diverse perspectives, highlighting marginalized voices and experiences that are typically underrepresented in mainstream historical accounts. In relation to my 50-hour experiential component, this internship provided an opportunity to engage with the preservation of histories that challenge traditional narratives and give a platform to those who have been overlooked or silenced in the past. It reinforced the importance of archival work as a tool for social justice, ensuring that history is not only preserved but made accessible and inclusive for future generations.