Center for Social Justice Studies

Interdisciplinary programs enable students to develop individualized pathways in their majors through exploration of diverse course offerings in multiple academic departments. An interdisciplinary degree offers a solid foundation for many careers and graduate programs in a changing world that values adaptable skill sets and creative approaches to complex problems.

The Center for Social Justice Studies provides a centralized home for independent majors outside of a traditional departmental structure: American Studies, Black Studies, and Women’s and Gender Studies. While each program has its own coordinator and curriculum, these majors all provide a deeper understanding of cultural issues by examining them from more than one disciplinary lens. Interdisciplinary majors develop analytical, writing, research, and communication skills that are valuable for professional success.

Established in 2021 as the Center for Interdisciplinary Programs and renamed in 2023, the Center for Social Justice Studies supports collaboration between these majors, strengthening the community of students and faculty engaged in interdisciplinary work. Our programs extend their concerns with diversity, pluralism, power, equity, and inclusion beyond the classroom through integrative and applied learning. The CSJS’s location in the Erwin 217 suite offers space for study or meetings and proximity to many resources including the Center for Integrative Learning, Study Abroad, and the Career Design Center.

Director and Program Coordinators

Dr. Caroline Woidat, Director, CSJS and Coordinator, American Studies
Professor of English
woidat@geneseo.edu

Dr. Susana Castillo-Rodriguez, Coordinator, Black Studies
Associate Professor of Spanish
castillos@geneseo.edu

Dr. Amanda Roth, Coordinator, Women’s and Gender Studies
Associate Professor of Philosophy and Women's & Gender Studies
roth@geneseo.edu

Major Programs