You've probably read this across your AP textbooks, or had this lesson from multiple teachers, or maybe even heard stories from relatives who participated. It's the anniversary of the people's movement, known as the EDSA People Power Revolution of 1986—meaning it has been 36 years since the masses toppled the dictatorship of then president Ferdinand Marcos. At the time, the movement shook the nation to its core as it marked the power of collective action. In one of the darkest parts of our history, justice became something that people from all walks of life fought for, rewrote, and brought back to the land.
And the spirit of EDSA lives on as we continue to recount our past and use it as a lesson on freedom and democracy. Today, bringing change has taken many forms. But, it's important to note that the heart of critical thinking and awareness for various struggles is education. Whether it be in school or other sources, being 'awake' to the realities of life and taking action for the interests of the people all starts with learning.
So, if you're a student looking to understand the world better and practice your democracy, you can get your start at school! Here are courses you can apply to in college for social education.
Literature plays a vital role in recording events from the past and imparting knowledge for future generations. In studying Literature, you get to read and critically reflect on text that touches on history, culture, socio-political issues, and real-life experiences very different from our own. No to historical revisionism here! Through this course, you can become a writer that educates others on what is going on right now and what we can do for a better society. Or even better, provide a platform for marginalized communities.
I mean, look at history through José Rizal's Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. Those two books served as a powerful tool for social change during the Spanish Colonization. Ultimately, books have always sought change, inspired hope, and imparted lessons to their readers. And it's not a surprise how much influence it can truly bring!
Psychology allows a reflection of society through the lens of an individual. And I know what you're thinking; it sounds a bit redundant. But, the truth is: Many of the problems people face today are not limited to individual cases. They actually come from a greater source which is society. So, if you get to study Psychology, you get a better understanding of yourself and the world around you. You learn why people are the way they are in thoughts, actions, feelings, and worldview. Additionally, you get a better sense of navigating relationships and conflicts.
This self-awareness and understanding of others are essential in joining organizations or working with communities. We don't have the same points of view in life, so that's why we need to listen and empathize with one another. Before we help others, we need to know how to help them. And before taking action, we need to imagine ourselves in another person's shoes.
Mass Communication and Journalism serve as the watchdog between the government and the people. This means that those in these fields expose the truth, raise awareness, and provide the information needed for people to make better decisions for themselves and society. As a study, you learn how to responsibly spread information and get the facts straight!
Evidently, mass media played a significant role leading up to the EDSA People Power. Despite the climate of fear during Martial Law, they were at the forefront informing, mobilizing and directing. And in turn, they helped forged one of the most important sections of our constitution:
Article III, Section 4. No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.
The backbone of any democracy is "an independent, professional and responsible media." This is because the media plays a massive role in society. It informs people what is going on and influences how they interact with that information. And with all the misinformation going around, this is a discipline needed for a better tomorrow! As journalist Maria Ressa puts it: "In a battle for facts, in a battle for truth, journalism is activism."
Sociology understands the inner workings of society, social relationships and interactions, human behavior, and institutions. If Psychology had us focus on individuals, this course is all about the collective masses and how people come together. It helps us understand how people achieve social reform, their motivations and influences, and how society and its institutions function.
This is an important study in a democracy because, by definition, democracy is a "government by the people." This goes hand-in-hand with the EDSA People Power of the people and the further birth of the 1987 Constitution for the people.
If you get to study Sociology, it gives you a better understanding of social issues, power, and hierarchies in everyday life. This can be plenty helpful in starting movements, being involved in government decision-making processes, and letting voices from oppressed groups be heard!
Political Science provides context to the government, constitution, and human rights. You learn all about how systems of government work, how public policies are formed, and how to utilize your human rights. If you want to become a more informed citizen, this course is one of the best courses you can take to achieve that because students in this course become heavily grounded in political participation and current affairs.
There are a lot of nuances and intricacies to politics that we might not be aware of. But, Political Science gives us an idea of what kind of people we want in power, how to protect our civil rights and the actions we can take as citizens. This is incredibly helpful today, especially with the upcoming May 2022 Elections.
Not everyone has access to these courses nor the opportunity to gain this sort of knowledge, so it's up to you to spread awareness and take action for the greater good!
Social Work is all about understanding different units of society, such as families and communities, the issues surrounding them, and the possible solutions that can improve their way of living. If all the other previous courses spoke on knowledge and skills, social work teaches us one of the essential values in bringing social change: empathy. This course educates students on how to deal with different groups or individuals who are suffering or need us most, such as persons with disabilities, mental illnesses, and addictions or children, senior citizens, and the poor.
People turn to social workers to help alleviate difficulties, fight for social justice, and improve lives and communities. Their passion for making a difference is truly something to admire as they set a great example of what it means to be a helping hand.
If you're someone interested in volunteerism or community service, this is the best course that helps you help others!
Want to learn more about courses for social development? Check out our Course and Strand Finder for all the school options you'd want to explore!
Research by Trixia Policarpio
Art Header by Shai Libunao
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