Tulane's Young Public Scholars Program (YPS), offered through the School of Liberal Arts, encourages the educational goals and career interests of today's academically talented high schoolers in social justice courses. More information can be found about each course by clicking the course name. Apply to Tulane Pre-College Programs by visiting the Admissions page.
Environmental and Climate Justice Challenges in the Digital Age
Instructor: Christopher Oliver
Course Offered: June 16 - 20
The world is facing many global challenges in the 21st century. One of the most significant is global climate change, which is an existential threat to humans – and the planet. Within this challenge are issues related to environmental injustices. These are concerns about how local communities – usually working-class, lower income and, very often, BIPOC communities – are the most likely to carry the burdens of industrial production, consumption, and waste. In this course, we will explore the role of science, politics, and society in both creating – and, hopefully, solving – these challenges.
From Chains to Change: Exploring Criminal Justice Reform
Instructor: Betsy Weiss
Course Offered: July 21-25
Explore Louisiana’s role as a global leader in incarceration and its ongoing efforts in criminal justice reform. This class dives into the inequalities of the justice system, the fight for change, and the power of media in shaping perceptions about crime and punishment. Students will meet with formerly incarcerated activists, study the prison industrial complex, and learn media techniques to create impactful projects. Through hands-on collaboration, you’ll produce media pieces for Voice of the Experienced (VOTE), amplifying stories of reform and redemption. Join us to uncover the challenges and possibilities of building a fairer justice system!
Galactic Politics: Science Fiction and the Politics of Today
Instructor: Brandon Davis
Course Offered: July 7 - 11
This is the Way. Science fiction enables us to study the contemporary political world from a distance -- to shed light on its problems and its weaknesses, and to be imaginative about alternatives, both hope-filled and deeply troubling. Through science fiction, we will consider ideas like power, authority, legitimacy, equality, and identity. Many of the readings, television shows, and movies we examine in this course will reflect upon the current political, social, cultural, and religious environment we reside in; whereas the technology may be from a distant future, the struggles the characters face all find their roots in our collective human existence.
History Reclaimed: Civil Rights, Race, & Culture in New Orleans
Instructor: Betsy Weiss
Course Offered: July 14-18
Discover the untold stories of New Orleans through its cultural institutions! This class explores how museums and historic sites have both silenced and amplified Black voices, focusing on three impactful spaces: the TEP Center, the New Orleans African American Museum, and the Backstreet Cultural Museum. You’ll learn about their roles in addressing racism, celebrating Black traditions, and preserving African American history. With interactive class visits, an exciting field trip, and group projects, you’ll dive deep into the powerful narratives shaping New Orleans’ culture. Join us to uncover history, challenge perspectives, and create meaningful audio-visual projects!
Photojournalism in the Digital Age
Instructor: Daniella Zalcman
Course Offered: June 16 - 20, June 30 - July 3
Spend the week diving into the history, mechanics, and ethics of visual journalism with hands-on time dedicated to making a cohesive, sequenced photo story with an award-winning National Geographic photographer. Emphasis will be placed on developing story, strengthening technical ability, and learning how to develop specialized skills like intimate portraiture and compelling narrative. No specialized equipment required — smartphone cameras welcome and encouraged.
Reimagining Futures: Climate Change Adaptation and Social Justice
Instructor: Amanda Bertana
Course Offered: June 9 - 13
The disproportionate impact that climate change has on marginalized communities is one of the most critical issues of the climate crisis. Many of these communities—particularly low-income, Indigenous, Black, and people of color—are the least responsible for the emissions driving climate change, yet they often bear the heaviest burdens, whether through extreme weather events or pollution. We will begin this course by exploring the relationship between environmental degradation and inequality. We will then dive into ways in which social equity and climate justice can be integrated into climate solutions. Although climate change is undoubtedly a crisis, it offers us a unique opportunity to rethink the way society is organized.
Storytelling for Social Change: Using Social Media to Speak Your Truth
Instructor: Amy Kirk
Course Offered: June 9 - 13
Everyone seems to be expressing themselves online, telling their story, and trying to explain their point of view. But rarely is someone’s authentic voice able to come through. In this course, students will develop their unique voices and tell meaningful stories about current socio-political issues. Students will learn how various art forms have been used to shape social change, theories of social change; as well as marketing, advertising and public relations tactics that can be utilized for promoting certain social issues to become leaders for their community. How will you develop your authentic voice to create messages that are meaningful and surprising, creative, and simply true—your truth?
