CJPP*1000
Introduction to Criminal Justice and Public Policy
Course Description:
This class is an interdisciplinary introduction to the study of crime and criminal justice from political science and sociological perspectives. Students will be introduced to the major criminological and sociological explanations of crime as well as the policy processes and outcomes of the Canadian criminal justice system. We will explore a variety of types of crimes and criminal activities, as well as discuss the role of the primary agencies in the criminal justice policy community, such as the police, courts, sentencing, and corrections.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Explain and identify the development and functions of major criminal justice institutions
(e.g., police, courts, corrections), and how they relate to one another within the broader social and political environment.
- Critically reflect on culture, social relations and social structures in order to develop a broader and deeper understanding of the Canadian criminal justice system.
- Recognize the challenges and unique nature of criminal justice policy.
- Critically evaluate the over-representation of racialized and marginalized individuals in the criminal justice system.
- Demonstrate intellectual curiosity, analytic problem solving, decision-making and listening skills, and collaborative work with peers.
- Communicate effectively, accurately, and professionally in written and oral forms.
Course Material: No required textbook. All readings will be available on ARES.
Evaluation:
Online quizzes (bi-weekly)
Midterm (in-person)
Research Paper (5-7 pages)
Final exam (in-person)
Seminar engagement – combination of participation and 5 mini reflection papers (in seminar) as well as group and individual assignments
Class format:
This class meets twice weekly for lectures, with each student also attending a seminar. Monday lectures explore criminal justice and public policy from a political science perspective, while Wednesday lectures take a sociological criminological approach. Seminars will focus on interdisciplinary discussions, activities, and individual or group assignments. They will also build university skills to support your success across courses, covering topics such as note-taking, citations, exam preparation, academic integrity (including Turnitin), research, and paper editing.