Hate Studies: Toward Jesuit Leadership on Curriculum Development

Abstract

This paper examines how the academic study of hate can be understood through Catholic social justice teachings with an emphasis on the Jesuit commitment to faith and justice to allow for a critical reflection on the relationship between theory and practice. To make the connections between social justice and the study of hate, the paper begins with a description of Hate Studies and a brief overview of the Jesuit conception of social justice as it relates to higher education. Following these descriptions it is explained how Jesuits can influence the development of a curriculum for Hate Studies. The influence is reflected through the five key processes of promoting justice, human dignity, and human rights; integrating faith, scholarship, and activism; involving Catholic colleges and universities with contemporary issues; engaging in reflective practice; and transforming culture.