JUSTICE STUDIES Dr Glenn Hastedt Chair Daisy Breneman

JUSTICE STUDIES Dr. Glenn Hastedt, Chair Daisy Breneman, Academic Advisor

What is justice? JUSTICE is a concept that encompasses the principles of fairness, equity, and right action. Justice is necessary for sustaining and promoting the growth and development of individuals and communities politically, economically, and socially.

What we Are ■ Liberal Arts program – Social sciences and the humanities – Learning how to learn ■ Interdisciplinary ■ Looking at “puzzles” ■ Rigorous analysis and critical thinking ■ Policy focused ■ Students develop a personal definition of justice

What We Are Not ■ A Criminal Justice Major § § § Criminal Justice Minor at JMU, pre-professional focus CRJU programs : applied problems to be solved; focus on the criminal justice system (police, courts, corrections) JUST views justice issues as a general class of social and political problems to be understood; looks at puzzles that have multiple answers depending on perspective ■ Pre Law School Major § JMU offers Pre-law as a pre-professional program; students select major from a wide range of fields

THE JUSTICE STUDIES MAJOR ■ Core Requirements: § § § Intro to Justice Studies Foundation courses • Two in Track, One Out of Track Proseminar Comparative course Research Methods Senior Seminar ■ Track Requirements – Track A: Crime and Criminology – Track B: Global Justice and Policy – Track C: Social Justice

Pathway through the Major ■ First semester: JUST 200 ■ Second Semester: Track Foundation Course(s) ■ Third Semester and Beyond: Upper Level Track Courses ■ Last Two Semesters: Research Methods and Senior Seminar

Justice Studies Concepts ■ Fairness ■ Standards ■ Rights ■ Responsibilities

TRACK A: Crime and Criminology § Focuses on nature, causes and solutions for crime, primarily focused on U. S. at the national level § Explores questions of justice in the context of criminal behavior § Theoretical traditions in the Social Sciences § Emphasis on thoughtful examination of the responses to crime, with a concentration on effective policy initiatives § Example courses: Death Penalty, Media and Justice, Restorative Justice, Domestic Violence

TRACK B: Global Justice and ■ Policy Explores issues of justice in global context; questions of security, equity and equality ■ Diverse topics, including international law, national security, war & peace, cross cultural relations, democratization, environmental protection, conflict resolution and human rights ■ Example courses: Building Democracy, Genocide, Peace Studies, Human Rights, Globalization and Justice

TRACK C: Social Justice ■ Designed to investigate what is fair, equitable and just ■ Emphasizing the oppression and liberation of vulnerable, exploited and marginalized populations ■ Promotes sustainable and just solutions to social, political and economic problems (such as poverty, discrimination, environmental destruction) ■ Example Courses: Gender and Justice, Disability and Justice, Environmental Justice* *Some courses are cross-track

PROGRAMS of INTEREST ■ Washington Semester § JMU housing § Fall for Track A or C; Spring for B or C ■ Internships § Detailed information on the Justice Studies website § Most do them in the summer § Optional, but encouraged ■ Study Abroad § See Office of International Programs

ENGAGEMENT ■ Students are encouraged to participate in civic and community engagement opportunities, particularly ones that connect in-class and out-of-class learning ■ Nelson Institute Seminar ■ JMU opportunities and resources (examples): § Mahatma Gandhi Center for Global Nonviolence § Community Service-Learning Office § Student Organizations ■ Learn more on the Justice Studies website: www. jmu. edu/justicestudies

EXAMPLE CAREER INTERESTS* ■ Track A: local, state, federal law enforcement (police, Homeland Security, Secret Service, FBI, ); law; corrections; academic/research, policy making ■ Track B: federal law enforcement, peace corps, international aid agencies, NGOs, diplomatic corps ■ Track C: mediation organizations, human services, overseas development organizations, nonprofits, advocacy *But these aren’t the only possibilities

A Note on Careers ■ Liberal Arts degree program--not applied/preparing for a specific job ■ JMU: preparing students to be educated and enlightened citizens who lead productive and meaningful lives ■ Knowledge & habits of mind § Learning (how) to learn § Critical thinking, communication, problem-solving skills § Important in the rapidly-changing career world § Important for civic lives

CHOICES ■ Think about academic and career goals, and what you want your college experience to be § Explore, learn more, use resources ■ Where and what feels right ■ Take time to explore ■ Make an informed decision ■ What am I going to give back? § Engaged University

QUESTIONS?