Peace, Justice & Human Rights

Arrupe Social Justice Scholars

Apply to become an Arrupe Scholar. This cohort community experience nurtures leaders committed to social justice through courses, service, and advocacy projects.

International Immersions

Experience peace building in action. Travel with your peers and professors to communities around the world. Destinations have included Northern Ireland, Germany, South Africa, and the Dominican Republic.

Service Opportunities

Giving back is a way of life at JCU. Find weekly service opportunities through the Center for Service-Learning and Social Action and through the Arrupe Social Justice Scholars program.

• 

  Arrupe Social Justice Scholars

  Apply to become an Arrupe Scholar. This cohort community experience nurtures leaders committed to social justice through courses, service, and advocacy projects.

• 

  International Immersions

  Experience peace building in action. Travel with your peers and professors to communities around the world. Destinations have included Northern Ireland, Germany, South Africa, and the Dominican Republic.

• 

  Service Opportunities

  Giving back is a way of life at JCU. Find weekly service opportunities through the Center for Service-Learning and Social Action and through the Arrupe Social Justice Scholars program.

• Conflict Resolution & Peace Studies

  ISJ: Conflict Resolution and Transformation

  3 Credits

  PJHR1000

  Introduction to positive conflict transformation tools like empathetic and active listening, non-violent communication, assertion, facilitation, negotiation, mediation, interactive conflict resolution, circle processes, and more. Explores the multiple ways in which conflict arises, the patterns it follows, how it is expressed, and the different ways in which people, communities, and groups approach conflict. Also considers barriers to effective communication that are characteristic to conflict, the ways in which productive communication can be established, and different cultural approaches to communication in conflict.
  

  Nonviolent Theory and Action

  3 Credits

  PJHR1750

  An introduction to the history and dynamics of nonviolent theory and nonviolent social movements. Beginning with learning the key theories that inform civil resistance strategies and campaigns, as well as nonviolent practices such as restorative circles and nonviolent communication, students will explore and present case studies on nonviolent actions.Prerequisite: Arrupe Scholars ProgramOffered: Spring
  

  Contemporary Irish Literature And Film

  3 Credits

  EN2280

  This course is designed to explore the dynamics of conflict and peacemaking at work in Northern Ireland (and also usually has a travel component, except in 2021 due to COVID). In the classroom, we examine the historical and cultural roots of the conflict in Ireland by analyzing literary narratives, history, poems, and films. Prerequisites: EN 121 or EN 1210 or EN 125 or EN 1250.
  

  EGC: Israeli and Palestinian Literatures

  3 Credits

  EN2080

  Comparative study of Israeli and Palestinian literatures; how Palestinians and Israelis narrate their national stories, staking a claim to a way of being and belonging to the land they co-inhabit. Topics include post-colonial theory, the politics of representation, historical versus literary narration, and theories of resistance and reconciliation. Prerequisite: EN 121 or EN 1210 or EN 125 or EN 1250.
  

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• Core Foundation

  Introduction to Human Rights

  3 Credits

  HS1025

  Survey of thinking on human rights from antiquity to the present, with special attention to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other post-1945 developments. Case studies may vary, but will generally include such key human rights concerns as slavery, humanitarian intervention, refugees and displaced persons, post-conflict reconstruction, human trafficking, torture, and the death penalty.
  Formerly: HS 230.
  Equivalent to: HS 230.
  

  ISJ: Intro to Human Rights

  3 Credits

  PJHR1010

  Survey of thinking on human rights from antiquity to the present, with special attention to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other post-1945 developments. Case studies may vary, but will generally include such key human rights concerns as slavery, humanitarian intervention, refugees and displaced persons, post-conflict reconstruction, human trafficking, torture, and the death penalty.
  

  Plvs: Social and Political Philosophy

  3 Credits

  PL2082

  Nature and function of the state, the grounds of political obligation, and such related concepts as liberty, equality, and justice through an examination of major political thinkers in their historical context.
  

  ISJ: Environmental Justice Movements

  3 Credits

  SC3800

  A critical examination of how a clean and healthy environment is a basic human right. Topics covered include environmental racism, public health disparities, green collar crime, climate migrants, and how to ensure equitable sustainable development.
  

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• Global Perspectives & International Relations

  ISJ: International Relations

  3 Credits

  PO1300

  Origin, nature, and development of the modern state system. International conflict and its management by political and legal means. Concepts include sovereignty, nationalism, national power and security, balance of power. Contemporary international issues.
  

  Introduction to Law and Society

  3 Credits

  PO1600

  An inquiry into the relationship between the law and social structure, both in the US and global contexts. Includes considerations of how laws are formulated, enforced, and challenged. Will explore how legislatures, courts, enforcement, and corrections serve public interests while also perpetuating patterns of social inequality.
  

  Link: Healthcare Access in Latin America

  3 Credits

  PO2210

  Integrates immersion experience with the realities of health care access in Latin America. Topics include the cycle of poverty in Latin American countries, the link between health care access and poverty, and the specific case of the rural Honduran health care system. Prerequisite: EN 125 or EN 1250 (or equivalent). Corequisite: HS2471.
  

  EGC: Global Debt and Justice

  3 Credits

  PO2430

  Examines debt from an interdisciplinary perspective, including how different religions and cultures understand debt, interest, profit, and obligation; the political economy of debt between nation-states and global institutions; and debt justice movements. Prerequisite: EN 1250 or EN 125 or equivalent.
  

  U.S. Foreign Policy

  3 Credits

  PO3130

  Sources, conduct, and effects of U.S. foreign policy from the standpoint of various analytical frameworks. Prerequisite: PO 1200 or PO 102 or or PO 1300 or PO 103.
  

  EGC: Berlin Seminar

  3 Credits

  PO3250

  Intensive introduction to the city of Berlin, Germany, focusing on Berlin as capital of empire, republic, and the Nazi regime; as divided city during the Cold War; and as center of the reunified Federal Republic. Includes a ten-day study tour of Berlin during spring break preceded by a series of seminar meetings in preparation for the trip. Offered spring semester of odd-numbered years. Requires additional fee for travel. Cross Listed with HS 3232. Prerequisite: EN 1250 or EN 125 or equivalent.
  

  International Institutions, Law, and Human Rights

  3 Credits

  PO3340

  Focus on international organizations such as the International Criminal Court that help the international community cope with egregious abusers of human rights. Analysis of their structure, theory, procedure, operation, and problems, as well as their role in maintaining peace and security among member states. Prerequisite: PO 1300 or PO 103.
  

  Modern Latin America: Dictators and Revolutionaries

  3 Credits

  HS1474

  Main issues involved in the making of modern Latin America (1810 to present). Identity formation processes, military history, gender problems, and human rights topics. Formerly: HS 274.Equivalent to: HS 274.
  

  Latin American Military Dictatorships: Globalization, U.S.. Foreign Policy, and Human Rights

  3 Credits

  HS1475

  Introduction to military-run regimes in Latin America as a way to understand the global influences at work in the area. The impact of dictatorships on human rights, as well as of the multi-layered responses by civil societies to cope with state-run terrorism. Impact of U.S. foreign policy in Latin America. Formerly: HS 275.Equivalent to: HS 275.
  

  African History Through Autobiography

  3 Credits

  HS1585

  Introduction to the study of modern African history through the lives of both ordinary people and national figures. Examines autobiographical writing as a means for understanding the political, cultural, social, and economic contours of life in several post-colonial African nations.
  Formerly: HS 285.
  Equivalent to: HS 285.
  

  United States Foreign Relations

  3 Credits

  HS2145

  Examines America's diplomatic, economic, military, and cultural relationships with other nations, with emphasis on the period from 1895 through the present. Prerequisite: EN 125 or EN 1250 or equivalent.
  

  Imperialism and Decolonization

  3 Credits

  HS3030

  Examines motivations and justifications for European expansion into Asia and Africa during the 19th and 20th centuries, and strategies for accommodation and resistance - and ultimately revolution - developed by newly colonized people. Focuses primarily on Britain and France as imperial powers, and China, India, and parts of Africa as sites where local people ultimately asserted their independence. Prerequisite: EN 125 or EN 1250 or equivalent.
  

  Genocide and War Crimes

  3 Credits

  HS4064

  Examines the period from the First World War to the present. Close study of the evolution of international understanding of genocide, crimes against humanity, and human rights violations through selected case studies. Focus on social, political, economic, and cultural factors in the perpetration of atrocities. Development of human-rights protections and adjudication; also, the potential for reconciliation. Cross listed with PO 3350. Students who have taken PO 335 or PO 3350 cannot enroll in HS 4064.
  

  Intercultural Competence

  3 Credits

  IC2050

  Introduces students to the multidisciplinary field of intercultural competence through an exploration of theories, completion of the intercultural development inventory, a review of case studies, participation in experiential learning, and reflecting on one’s own cultural identity. Offered in spring.
  

  EGC: Global Leadership

  3 Credits

  LP2500

  Establishes a framework for understanding the various ways that leadership is viewed and expressed in cultures around the world. Explores globalization and justice issues that impact multiple countries as well as how leaders in government and business address these issues. Prerequisite: EN 125 or EN 1250 or equivalent.Restricted to LP Minors only. Offered: Summer, Fall, Spring.
  

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• Philosophy & Ethics

  Plkr: Existentialism and Phenomenology

  3 Credits

  PL2023

  Main figures in the existential and phenomenological movements, such as Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Husserl, Heidegger, Sartre, Beauvoir, Merleau-Ponty, and Marcel.
  

  Plkr: Major Women Philosophers

  3 Credits

  PL2050

  Study of the philosophical contributions of women philosophers from ancient times to the present.
  

  Plvs: Feminist Philosophies

  3 Credits

  PL2051

  Philosophical examination of the experiences and status of women, feminist movements in the world, the construction of gender, and the intersections between feminism, race, class, ability, age, and sexual orientation. Readings from feminist philosophers from a variety of regions in the world.
  

  Plvs: Philosophy of Love and Sex

  3 Credits

  PL2052

  Critical exploration of how we think, speak, and practice the concepts of "love" and "sex" in our daily lives. Course readings are informed by feminist theory, queer theory, postcolonial theory, and/or critical race theory. Topics include media portrayals of love and sex, masculinity and femininity, sexuality, domestic abuse, sexual assault, pornography, sex and oppression, and activism.
  

  Plvs: Recent and Contemporary Philosophy

  3 Credits

  PL2070

  Exploration of themes and problems in philosophy since 1950, including an investigation of the very nature and definition of the philosophical enterprise. May include readings from analytic, Continental, post-modern, and neo-pragmatist philosophers.
  

  Plvs: Philosophy of Race and Racism

  3 Credits

  PL2072

  Study of classical and contemporary formulations of the concept of race, the nature of modern and contemporary racism, and contemporary constructions and experiences of racial identity in the U.S.
  

  Plvs: Major Moral Philosophers

  3 Credits

  PL2080

  Some of the most important contributions of philosophers to an understanding of the nature of morality and ethical reasoning. Readings of classic works in moral philosophy from the Greeks to the present.
  

  Plvs: Philosophy of Law

  3 Credits

  PL2083

  Exploration of theories concerning the nature of law. Special emphasis on the distinction between law and coercion and the relationship between law and morality. Elements of legal reasoning in case law, statutory interpretation, and constitutional adjudication will be discussed in addition to some fundamental aspects of legal liability.
  

  Plvs: Introduction to Ethics

  3 Credits

  PL2084

  Investigation into the basic principles of morality and into the nature and methodology of moral judgments. Not open to students with credit in PL 280 or PL 368.
  

  Plvs: Contemporary Ethical Problems

  3 Credits

  PL2085

  The application of ethical concepts to some of the most pressing moral problems of today. Topics come from areas such as the environment, medicine, and law.
  

  Plvs: Business Ethics

  3 Credits

  PL2086

  Application of ethical concepts to significant problems of business practice. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
  

  Plvs: Values and Society: Special Topics

  1 Credits

  PL2099

  In-depth study of specific philosophical theories and problems of a particular philosopher’s work.
  

  ISJ: Moral Decision Making

  3 Credits

  TRS2500

  Examination of contemporary moral issues with a focus on methods for analyzing and evaluating moral problems; sources from the Christian tradition that form moral identity and ethical decisions. Distribution: Issues in Social Justice.
  

  ISJ: Social Justice & the Economy: Morality & Money

  3 Credits

  TRS2530

  Examines the religious, moral, and ethical assumptions at the heart of various economic systems, policies, and practices, as well as the economic teachings of major religious traditions. Explores the social justice implications of personal, local, national, and global economic decisions. Distribution: Issues in Social Justice.
  

  Link: Ecology, Religion, and Justice

  3 Credits

  TRS2563

  Explores how three religious traditions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—are addressing the contemporary ecological crisis. Issues of eco-justice are approached through the interplay of faith, scholarship, and activism. Responses are evaluated using the principle of the common good, assessing potential impact on the most vulnerable members of the global community. Topics include eco-theology, eco-feminism, globalization, migration, violence against women and children, food security, water scarcity, loss of biodiversity, and climate change. Forms a Core Link with SC 2900 Environmental Sociology. Distribution: LINK. Prerequisite: EN 125 or EN 1250 or equivalent. Corequisite: SC 2900.
  

  Catholic Moral Theology

  3 Credits

  TRS3530

  Study of Roman Catholic fundamental moral theology, focusing on both traditional and contemporary understandings of principal themes such as: the nature, history, and methods of fundamental moral theology; the moral person and moral community; conscience, moral norms and the Natural Law; evaluating moral acts; sin (personal and social); conversion and reconciliation; role of church teaching (magisterium) and tradition in select contemporary issues in the areas of sexual ethics, health care and bioethics, and social ethics, including Faithful Citizenship in the political arena. Prerequisite: EN 125 or EN 1250 or equivalent.
  

  Link: Catholic Social Teaching in Business

  3 Credits

  TRS3536

  Examines the historical context, biblical foundations, theological meanings, and ecclesiastical purposes of the major themes of Catholic Social Teaching (CST). Students learn the CST framework in this class and then apply it in the linked business class to examine and evaluate the systems and decisions of real businesses in the contemporary world. Forms a Core Link with AC 1100 Catholic Social Teaching in Business. Distribution: LINK. Prerequisite: EN 125 or EN 1250 or equivalent. Corequisite: AC 1100.
  

  ISJ: Glocal Theological Justice

  3 Credits

  TRS3537

  Considers several theological ethical models and contextual issues of “Glocal” (Global+Local) globalization and justice in various parts of the world to map how cultures and their respective ethoses intersect in the construction of theological paradigms which in turn can both foster and hinder cross-cultural respect and collaboration. Prerequisite: EN 125 or EN 1250 or equivalent.
  

  Human Rights & Human Rites in Asia

  3 Credits

  TRS3555

  Focuses on three of the world’s most ancient and revered religious traditions of spiritual wisdom, namely Buddhism, Confucianism, and Christianity, as they have developed and are primary lived in the religio-politico-cultural context of East Asia. We will investigate their principal sacred texts, beliefs, contexts, traditions and tensions, as well as possibilities for genuine inter-religious dialogue and cooperation in terms of how they can mutually inform and challenge one another, in Asia, America and the larger world. In particular, special attention will be given to the development of an Asian human rights tradition in the globalization of ethics. Readings will include the sacred texts from the three traditions, contemporary essays on interpreting these traditions in the present world, the novels Silence and Deep River by Shusaku Endo, and the contemporary films Parasite and Silence. Prerequisite: EN 125 or EN 1250 or equivalent.
  

  Theologies of Sex, Gender, and Identity

  3 Credits

  TRS3561

  Explores Christian spirituality, religion, and theology from the LGBTQ+ perspective. Topics include the origin, history and themes of queer theology and its relation to Queer Theory; queering scriptural hermeneutics and theological doctrines; the intersection of queer people of color; and societal and ecological engagement in the post-colonial western world. Case studies on queerness, race, and ethnicity in Womanist, Asian-American, Latina/o, and Two-Spirit Indigenous theologies. Prerequisite: EN 125 or EN 1250 or equivalent.
  

  Religion, Ethics, and Public Policy

  3 Credits

  TRS3562

  Focuses on debates about the role religion should play in the formulation of public policy in the United States. Prerequisite: EN 125 or EN 1250 or equivalent.
  

  Bioethics

  3 Credits

  TRS3563

  Examines the ethical principles and forms of moral reasoning that typically guide decisions in health care and frame public policy debates generated by contemporary biomedicine. Includes materials from both religious and secular traditions of thought, with particular attention to Catholic teaching on bioethical issues (e.g., assisted reproductive technology, euthanasia, genetic manipulation, stem cell research). Prerequisite: EN 125 or EN 1250 or equivalent.
  

  Just and Unjust War

  3 Credits

  TRS3565

  Introduces the ethical issues posed by the use of violence. Particular emphasis on the just war tradition, which has significantly shaped contemporary international law and military ethics. Examines some of the canonical texts of the just war tradition, explores the evolution of the tradition, and investigates how contemporary terrorism challenges the tradition. Prerequisite: EN 125 or EN 1250 or equivalent.
  

  Health Care Ethics

  3 Credits

  TRS3583

  Explores the various ethical considerations surrounding health care and its delivery as these impact individuals, institutions, and society. Special attention given to the relationship between ethical considerations and religious commitments. Offered: Every Spring. Prerequisite: EN 125 or EN 1250 or equivalent. Note: Students having taken TRS3599 in Spring 2024 (same course offered as a Special Topic) are not permitted to take this course.
  

  ISJ: Justice & Ethics in Health Care

  3 Credits

  TRS3584

  Explores the various ethical considerations surrounding health care and its delivery as these impact individuals, institutions, and society. Special attention given to the relationship between ethical considerations and religious commitments. Moral theories, terms, and concepts that govern healthcare considerations and policies determining bedside clinical decisions will be introduced and applied to analyze various case studies. A social justice lens will focus on the causes, conditions, and consequences of injustice relevant to current controversial topics such as the right and access to health care, bias and discrimination in research and treatment, patient autonomy, informed consent, conscientious objection, resource allocation, genetic engineering, organ allocation and trafficking.
  

  ISJ: Religion, Terror, and the Culture Wars

  3 Credits

  TRS3587

  Ethical and practical issues regarding the importance of cultural memory and the destruction, recovery, and protection of cultural assets in a politicized global environment. Examination of past and present national and international threats to cultural assets. Distribution: Issues in Social Justice. Prerequisite: EN 125 or EN 1250 or equivalent.
  

  Special Topics in Religious Ethics

  1 Credits

  TRS3599

  Selected topics relating to religious ethics. Specific content and number of credits to be announced when offered. May be repeated with a different topic. Prerequisite: EN 125 or EN 1250 or equivalent.
  

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• Professional Development

  Cas Professional Development

  0 Credits

  CE2001

  A series of online modules, workshops, and career-related experiences to practice, polish, and perfect professional skills necessary in securing internships, research experiences, entry into graduate and professional schools, and post-graduation jobs.
  

  Leadership And Social Justice

  LP1350

  Establishes a framework for understanding social justice issues and the roles leaders have in either alleviating or furthering injustices. Explores justice-related events and trends throughout history and in more recent years in relation to diverse populations.
  

  Campaign Issues & Images

  3 Credits

  COM3113

  Offered in the fall of election years. Follows the communicative practices of the ongoing campaign. Students each focus on one campaign to develop a critical understanding of the tactics used, images portrayed, and issues raised. Develops an understanding of political campaigns through the lens of political communication theory.
  

  Persuasion

  3 Credits

  COM3131

  In-depth study of theories of persuasion, and a variety of case studies designed to apply these theories to the real world. Critical and ethical analysis of persuasion in contemporary culture.
  

  ISJ: School and Society

  3 Credits

  ED2110

  Prerequisite for admission to teacher education. Foundations of education examined through historical, sociological, and philosophical perspectives to provide a comprehensive understanding of American education and related educational issues in a diverse society. Additional fees apply to this course. Please see the section schedule for amount details. Offered: Fall and Spring. Prerequisite: ED 1010 or ED 1710 (min grade C) and EN 1250 or equivalent.
  

  Multicultural Education In A Pluralistic Society

  3 Credits

  ED3120

  Cultural, racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, gender, and individual differences and their effects on American education and society studied from sociological, historical, and philosophical perspectives. Development of human-relations skills to address issues of diversity and social justice.Offered: Spring and Summer.
  

  ISJ: Poverty and Social Entrepreneurship

  3 Credits

  ER1120

  Focuses on several major issues rooted in poverty and the difference between service and social entrepreneurship in working with these issues. Study and analysis of national and international social entrepreneurship projects related to poverty and the resources needed to implement a social enterprise.Offered: Fall and Spring.
  

  ISJ: Social Entrepreneurship

  3 Credits

  ER3304

  Applies the skills developed in ER 301 to social enterprises. Introduces the meaning and importance of social entrepreneurship in the modern economy and demonstrates how entrepreneurial orientation can assist in the attainment of nonprofit and social objectives as a means to obtain social justice. Students work in teams to develop a social entrepreneurial project and then present it in oral and written form to entrepreneurs. Prerequisite: (ER 201 of ER2201) and (ER 301 or ER3301). Offered: Fall and Spring
  

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• Research & Capstone

  Critical Inquiry

  3 Credits

  PJHR4000

  Explores research techniques commonly used to study issues related to PJHR, and the politics of knowledge production. Topics include historical research, literature reviews, critical analysis, interviewing, using survey data, ethics, and reducing power differences in research. Students choose a field of interest and research a related topic. Helps develop the skill set to complete an independent study on student-selected topics. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing.
  

  ISJ: Arrupe Scholars: Social Justice Research

  3 Credits

  PJHR3500

  Open only to students in the Arrupe Scholars program with third-year status. Develop a reading list, demonstrate understanding of a specific social justice issue, and write a substantial research paper on the topic that will be the focus of the senior advocacy project. Prerequisite: PJHR 2500 or PJHR 250.
  

  Internship and Seminar

  3 Credits

  PJHR4100

  Capstone experience involving an internship or independent research project which aligns with the student’s interests, skills, or career goals in peace, justice, and/or human rights. This may include internships in non-profit, social justice, legal, health, human service, or research settings. A weekly seminar will include ongoing reports, reflections, and analysis about students’ field experiences. Prerequisite: Permission of PJHR instructor; junior or senior standing.
  

  Advocacy and Action

  3 Credits

  PJHR4500

  Open only students in the Arrupe Scholars program with senior status. Students will plan, research, and analyze what makes an advocacy program successful.
  

  Advocacy and Action: Advocacy Projects

  0 Credits

  PJHR4501

  Open only to students in the Arrupe Scholars program. Students will implement their advocacy projects and analyze various elements of said projects. Prerequisite: PJHR 450 or PJHR 4500. Offered: Spring.
  

  Independent Study

  0 Credits

  PJHR4990

  Offers students the opportunity to engage in independent study projects when available courses do not cover a student’s research interest. Prerequisite: Permission of program director.
  

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• Social Justice & Advocacy

  ISJ: Poverty and Social Justice

  3 Credits

  PJHR1020

  Explores the nature, impact, and reality of poverty, providing a critical framework for understanding why poverty exists in our society and the impact it has on our communities. Topics include segregation, homelessness, evictions, health disparities, and education. Readings, lectures, guest speakers, and service learning enhance our understanding of this interlocking social problem. The class will hear testimonies of people who live this reality every day and seek to figure out what justice requires of us as individuals, and as a society.
  

  Critical Social Justice

  3 Credits

  PJHR1500

  An introduction to Arrupe Scholars program and the language and practice of critical social justice. Will enable students to gain the skills necessary to understand social justice issues and to make social change. Service learning course. Orientation to program goals and engagement in leadership for social.Prerequisite: Admission to Arrupe Scholars program and first-year status.Offered: Fall
  

  ISJ: Special Topics in Social Justice

  3 Credits

  PJHR2500

  Open only to students in the Arrupe Scholars program. This course will vary annually, depending on the instructor. It will be offered as a core class in either TRS, PL, or SOC. Students will examine a specific topic in social justice through readings and essays. Prerequisite: AR 150A and AR 150B or by permission.
  

  ISJ: Modern Social Problems

  0 Credits

  PJHR2750

  An introduction to social problems faced by global communities today, explored through historical and sociological lenses. Particular emphasis will be placed on how concepts such as gender, race, class, and other common social distinctions often empower some groups of people over others in our society
  

  ISJ: Introduction to Social Justice

  3 Credits

  SC1110

  Overview of the theories of social justice, including discussion and analyses of social inequalities both domestic and global, and issues related to civic engagement, social responsibility, and change. Service-learning component required.
  

  Criminal Justice Systems

  3 Credits

  SC2200

  This course is designed to introduce students to the American Criminal Justice System. It will cover an overview of the system, theories of crime, policing, sentencing, and corrections. Critical issues will be examined and discussed among students in order for students to develop their own beliefs about the criminal justice system.
  

  Criminology

  3 Credits

  SC2400

  This course will provide an introduction to the study of crime and will focus on theories of crime and criminal behavior. Theories will answer the questions of why people commit crime, focusing on life histories and factors that push and pull individuals into criminal behavior. We will discuss in detail how these theories can relate to the criminal justice system and public policy tied to criminal justice.
  

  ISJ: Prejudice and Discrimination

  3 Credits

  SC2550

  Study of prejudice and discrimination, including their history, contemporary sources, and prospects for their reduction, with application to U.S. institutions. Particular emphasis on understanding the social construction of difference and the experiences of stigmatized statuses, as they relate to sex and gender, race/ethnicity, sexuality, class, and disability.
  

  Family Violence

  3 Credits

  SC2750

  Social causes of violence in the family, especially dynamics of child and spouse abuse. Review of current research with attention to measures for preventing family violence and treating its effects.
  

  Sex and Gender

  3 Credits

  SC3200

  Study of the relationship among culture, biology, and social expectations of male and female behavior cross-culturally in global context. Topics include gender, health, and the body; gendered work and social change; gender and family; religion; social movements and gender; comparative sex/gender hierarchies; gender and sexuality; gender and globalization.
  

  ISJ: Prisons and Human Rights

  3 Credits

  SC3351

  Study of U.S. prisons from a human rights perspective. Covers the history, function, and impact of prisons in the U.S., including the rise of mass incarceration and the relevance of prisons to inmate rehabilitation; also, alternatives to incarceration. Prerequisite: SC One Additional.
  

  Race, Crime, and Criminal Justice

  3 Credits

  SC3640

  This course will provide a detailed examination of the interplay between race and the criminal justice system. The course will provide an overview of how race relations in the United States, policies that have exacerbated disparities across minority populations, and how these social and political systems created a criminal justice system that disparately impacts minorities. The course will focus on how minorities are impacted by the criminal justice system from the initial police interactions, to the court experience and sentencing differences, to corrections and finally to the return back to the community. Disparities within the criminal justice system will be examined at length. Prerequisite: one SC course.
  

  Law, Ethics, and Criminal Justice Policy

  3 Credits

  SC4350

  Interrelationship between law and its implementation; legal processes and institutional framework; social factors affecting practice in the criminal justice system. Prerequisite: one SC course.
  

  Violence and Society

  3 Credits

  SC4400

  Trends and patterns of violence in society, its causes and consequences. Special focus on the influence of social environment, the impact of personal relationships, and violence prevention. Prerequisite: one SC course.
  

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Related Programs

Still deciding on your program of study at JCU or considering a second major? Here are some related academic areas to explore.

• English
• History
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Sociology and Criminology
• Theology and Religious Studies

Complementary Minors

• Bioethics
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
• Law & Society
• Political Science
• Public Health
• Spanish & Hispanic Studies

Where Our Alumni Go

Our alumni are empathetic change-makers who serve communities near and far. They work in public service, law, diplomacy, education, and other people-focused professions. Some pursue related graduate programs or law school.