2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog | 20263

JUST 1000 Introduction to Peace and Justice Studies (3 credits)

This course broadly introduces students to peace, conflict, and justice studies. What is peace? What is justice? Is conflict inevitable? The course contextualizes violent versus non-violent action, victimization, structural conflict, and conflict transformation from the local to global levels. It explores the potential to effect public policy, social change, and solutions that may impact marginalized communities. Also examined are human rights, ethics, and civic responsibility. [Core Curriculum Goal Area 9]
Common Course Outline

JUST 3307 Victimological Theory and Practice (3 credits)

This course focuses on victimological theories and the philosophic study of victims and victimity. Short- and long-term impacts of victimization, as well as victim-centered practices and services, are explored. Additional topics may include advocative movements for the recognition and enhancement of victims' rights in the United States, including increased involvement and influence throughout the judicial processing of a criminal case. Prerequisites: (CRJS 1120 and Junior status) or consent of instructor. [Core Curriculum Goal Area(s) 5 & 7A]
Common Course Outline

JUST 3317 Deviance and Social Control (3 credits)

This course addresses the study of deviance and social control from a sociological perspective. Students will apply a number of key theoretical approaches purporting to explain criminal and non-criminal deviant behavior, as well as conformity. What behavior is 'normal' and what is 'deviant'? We will explore the social construction of deviance, and how definitions may be influenced by various factors such as gender, race, ethnicity, age, class, power, etc. Prerequisite(s): None.
Common Course Outline

JUST 3377 Forensic Victimology (3 credits)

This course focuses on the forensic and scientific study of victims, emphasizing the response of police, medical professionals, and social agencies during the investigative and judicial processes. Accentuates methods used to collect, preserve, and analyze evidence relative to victims and victimizations. Examines controversial yet critical considerations in an objective investigative process, such as victim precipitation, victim characteristics and profiles, lifestyle and situational exposures, false allegations, and false confessions. Prerequisites: (CRJS 1120 and Junior status) or consent of instructor.
Common Course Outline

JUST 3400 Human Trafficking and Exploitation (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the complex issues related to human trafficking, in its various forms (e.g., labor, sex, organ, and other forms force, fraud, and/or coercion), through local and global lenses. Students will explore the underlying causes and contributing factors to human trafficking and human rights violations, including ways that institutionalized oppressions reinforce vulnerabilities of marginalized groups. The course further examines the impact of human trafficking on victims/survivors and the need for culturally competent services and resources. We will also explore policy development, from the past, present, and into the future. Prerequisite(s): None.
Common Course Outline

JUST 3407 Global Perspectives in Victimology (3 credits)

This course examines the diverse and complex nature of victim-related concerns in global and/or comparative context. It explores the variable nature of the definition, involvement, treatment, and/or restoration of victims across governmental, social, and cultural confines. Theoretical developments and emerging practices in victimology from a global perspective are described. Ethnocentric perceptions are probed, and critical thinking regarding victims' roles and needs within justice systems is promoted. [Core Curriculum Goal Area(s) 8]
Common Course Outline

JUST 3500 Women, Violence and Justice (3 credits)

This course examines the intersections between gender and violence in a variety of just-related contexts. Students explore the experiences of women as victims/survivors and offenders, as well as the potential relationships between victimization and offending. Substantial course content addresses Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls, cultural humility, and policy development in this area. Prererquisite(s): None.
Common Course Outline

JUST 3600 Race and Justice (3 credits)

This course examines the relationship between race, ethnicity, crime, and justice. It investigates whether the justice system produces and/or sustains structural inequities, especially for Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color. Students in this course also explore the impact of colonialism on criminology and the criminal justice system, as well as contemporary approaches to decolonizing justice. Equity-focused reforms, policies and practices are also addressed. Prerequisite(s): None.
Common Course Outline

JUST 3700 Community and Justice (3 credits)

This course provides an in-depth exploration of community-based approaches to justice, including exposure to innovative projects and programs that promote community inclusion, harm prevention, and improved quality of life. It examines the impact of justice policies on marginalized communities, highlighting the importance of equity and inclusion in these approaches. Students will explore various relational dimensions between community and justice-related entities, emphasizing collaboration and trust-building. Also examined are the roles of the community in justice processes, including the use of decentralized authority, shared problem-solving, and accountability. Overall, this course aims to equip students with an in-depth understanding of the various ways in which communities can work towards creating a more just and safe society. Prerequisite(s): None.
Common Course Outline

JUST 3930 Experimental Course (3 credits)

A course proposed for inclusion in the University curriculum. May not be offered more than two times as an experimental course.
Common Course Outline

JUST 4477 Restorative Justice (3 credits)

This course explores core principles and implementation of restorative justice programs, including a review of benefits and potential challenges of such an approach. Examines how the approach encourages effective problem solving and conflict resolution, with the potential for reconciliation and healing of all stakeholders. It examines the unique roles, needs, and desired restorations of victims, offenders, and the community.
Common Course Outline