Jennifer Zoltanski
Visiting Assistant Professor of Sociology
Degrees
Ph.D., M.A. (Sociology) Brandeis University
B.A. (French) University of Denver
Main Interests
I am very interested in processes of social change and how ordinary people bring about extraordinary changes in society. I am also intrigued with the relationship between grassroots activists and actors within broader political arenas and how such connections can result in major, proactive policy changes. Finally, I am very interested in how involvement in social movements transforms the lives and identities of activists.
Research Interests
Social change, domestic and transnational social movements, race, class and gender inequality, war and gender violence.
Teaching Interests
I currently teach social inequality, social movements, conflict and genocide, women and war, and social problems.
Other Interests
I am definitely a dog person (my 4 year old "rescue" chocolate labrador (Amber) can attest to this). I also experiment with organic/container gardening with the aim of producing my own sustainable food stock when possible. I am trying to perfect the art of bread making.
I am a member of several organizations that bridge the gap between academics and practitioners including Sociologists Without Borders and Sociologist for Women in Society. I am an avid supporter of Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, PETA and other animal rights organizations.
Publications
I am working on a book that examines recent landmark prosecution of gender crimes by several international criminal tribunals. The book examines the connections between global wide activism against gender violence and legal policy reform. I am also working on a project that examines college student involvement in social movements to identify and explore factors that contribute to youth mobilization.
Selected Publications, Creative Work or Performances
The Construction of Rape as a Crime Against Humanity: Recognition and Prosecution by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (Ph.D. dissertation).
Rape as a War Crime (forthcoming manuscript).
Consensus of Co-Optation? A Critical Analysis of Collaborative Planning in Civic Environmentalism (Master's thesis).