Justice Studies Courses

JS 090

Justice Studies Orientation

This compulsory pass/fail course orients and prepares students for success in Justice and Undergraduate Studies: this will build upon the foundations provided by the Faculty of Arts orientation. It will assist students with information on Justice Studies programs, practica and career opportunities in the justice field. Professionals from various justice organizations will provide information about career opportunities.
*Note: This is a zero-credit, three-hour required course and is offered one time during the Fall and Winter semesters. This is not a 13-week course. Students must take this course prior to applying for the JS 290 practicum field experience or prior to completing 30 credit hours.*
*Note: JS 100 is required for all majors in Justice Studies programs.*

JS 100

Introduction to Justice

Introduces major theoretical orientations and methods of justice studies. Provides an overview of the Canadian legal system and issues involved in the pursuit of criminal, legal, restorative, and social justice.

JS 230

Introduction to Canadian Law

Examines the conceptual foundations, structure and administration of law in Canada, including criminal and civil law. Current legal debates and precedent setting cases will be discussed.
***Prerequisite: JS 100 and completion of an additional 6 credit hours, or permission of the Department Head.***

JS 240

The Criminal Justice System

An introductory analysis of the criminal justice system. An examination of the Canadian criminal justice process from initial police involvement through court processes to the correctional disposition of convicted offenders.
***Prerequisite: JS 100 and completion of an additional 6 credit hours, or permission of the Department Head.***

JS 276

Professional Ethics

Philosophical consideration of ethical problems which arise in the context of the conduct of professional practice. Areas include ethics of privacy and confidentiality with applications to justice.
***Prerequisite: JS 100 and completion of an additional 6 credit hours, or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of PHIL 276 or JS 276.*
*Note: JS 276 is only offered to JS students when PHIL 276 is not scheduled in neither a Fall or a Winter semester.*

JS 280

Introduction to Social Justice

An interdisciplinary examination of the nature and foundations of social justice, including human rights. Theoretical and applied perspectives are included.
***Prerequisite: JS 100 and completion of an additional 6 credit hours, or permission of the Department Head.***

JS 290

Practicum I (Introductory): Field Placement

An introduction to professional practice in an approved human service or justice organization. The goal of the practicum is to provide students with the opportunity to integrate theory in practice by applying the knowledge, skills and abilities acquired during their academic study.
***Prerequisite: 30 credit hours, including JS 090, JS 100, JS 291, and a minimum 65.00% PGPA and 60.00% UGPA or permission of Department Head.***
*Note: It is strongly recommended that Human Justice majors complete JS 290 early in their program. Students must apply for the practicum program by April 1 for a fall semester placement, and by October 1 for a winter semester placement, and must meet with the Practicum Coordinator for approval. Registration in JS 290 does not necessarily guarantee a practicum placement because students must also pass a series of interviews and be approved by their placement organization.**
*Restricted to Human Justice and Police Studies (Academic Track) majors and Diploma in Just

JS 291

Professional Communications and Writing

An introduction to the integration of theory and practice in justice issues.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 12 credit hours***

JS 313

Mental Health and Substance Abuse

Mental health and substance use/abuse are significant issues for justice organizations and professionals and clients. This course will explore approaches to prevention, intervention and suppression. Public policy related to both areas will be examined.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours including JS 090 and JS 100, or permission of the Department Head.***

JS 316

Mediation and Conflict Transformation

Examines the role, purposes, use of mediation and other methods of conflict transformation. Assesses appropriate use of a variety of mechanisms, especially as they relate to issues of race, class, and gender. Conflict styles, conflict analysis tools, role of mediator, typology of mediation, and skills are discussed. Additionally, the course introduces the concepts of need, interest, position, and decolonization in the context of mediation and conflict transformation. Emphasis on conflict transformation in the context of human justice and restorative justice.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours including JS 090 and JS 100, or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Formerly numbered HJ 321 and HJ 381AC. Students may receive credit for one of HJ 321, HJ 381AC, or JS 316.*

JS 317

Justice, Democracy and Social Change

Examines justice in terms of concepts and practices of citizenship within democratic societies. Examines political justice, representations, governmental obligations re: human services and the growing role of non-governmental organizations.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours including JS 090 and JS 100, or permission of the Department Head.***

JS 318

Restorative and Community Justice

This course will examine, in depth, the restorative justice paradigm and its applications. The development of justice alternatives to criminalizing approaches will be explored. The concepts and services and emerging roles for the community and victims will be analyzed.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours including JS 090 and JS 100, or permission of the Department Head.***

JS 319

Criminological Theories

This course examines various theories within the discipline of criminology that attempt to explain and predict the etiology and epidemiology of criminal and deviant behaviour in Canadian society. Both classical and contemporary theories of crime are considered. Multiple theoretical and disciplinary perspectives may be discussed.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours including JS 090 and JS 100, or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of JS 319 or JS 498AE.*

JS 331

Family Law and Family Policy

Examines legislation, policies, institutions, and processes relevant to family welfare. Considers issues such as child protection and the structure and operation of family courts. Includes comparisons with other jurisdictions.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 60 credit hours including JS 090 and JS 100, or permission of the Department Head.***

JS 332

Law and Society

This course explores law as a social institution. It examines the origin, impact and definition of law, dispute resolution, and the relationship between law and social change. It seeks to engage students in a critical examination of law from a theoretical foundation by applying theory to Canadian law.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours including JS 090 and JS 100, or permission of the Department Head.***

JS 341

Policing in a Democratic Society

Explores the roles, organization, and accountability of policing within democratic societies. Considers implications of jurisdiction, geography, community, training and operations.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours including JS 090 and JS 100, or permission of the Department Head.***

JS 342

Best Practices in Correctional Programs

Analyses innovative practices in services for offenders in both institutional and community-based correctional settings. Topics include assessment of offender risk, shaping positive cognitive and social behaviours, overcoming substance abuse, and the protection and promotion of health. Research evidence on the efficacy of such programs is examined.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 60 credit hours including JS 090 and JS 100, or permission of the Department Head.***

JS 343

Community Policing

A theoretical examination of the history and models of contemporary community policing in Canada. The interrelated roles of the community and the police in the development and implementation of community- and problem-oriented policing in urban as well as rural settings will be examined.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours including JS 090 and JS 100, or permission of the Department Head.***

JS 350

Justice and Indigenous Peoples

Intended to help human service workers understand the background of current issues, including aboriginal rights, land claims and self-government. Explores aboriginal history, colonization, settlement, displacement, and constitutional issues here and abroad.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours including JS 090 and JS 100, or permission of the Department Head.***

JS 351

Forms of Racism in Canadian Society

This course examines the socio-historic system of racism with a focus on the Canadian Aboriginal experience. Manifestations of the different forms of racism are explored. Participants engage in a variety of activities to analyze racism and evaluate their beliefs and actions in order to promote equity and anti-racism practice.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours.***

JS 370

Young Offenders and Youth Justice

Examines the status and prospects of youth and current legislation in regard to young offenders. Compares current and former legislation, with attention to guiding principles and actual outcomes. Considers policy and service issues and their impact on youth and youth workers.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours including JS 090 and JS 100, or permission of the Department Head.***

JS 381

Foundations of Human Rights

Examines the historical, political, and legal development of human rights and how gender, class, and various aspects of personal and collective identity affect our understanding and realization of human rights. Emphasizes the interrelationships of civil and political rights with social and economic rights.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours including JS 090 and JS 100, or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of JS 381 or IS 490AD.*
*Note: JS 381 is recommended for those planning to take JS 481.*

JS 383

Social Justice Movements

Examines the theories, meanings and practices of social justice movements in Canada and internationally. Examines local, national, and international social movements and the ways in which economic globalization has led to the formation of the anti-globalization movement. Analyzes the strategies and forms of resistance used by social movements to effect social, economic, political and religious change.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours including JS 090 and JS 100, or permission of the Department Head.***

JS 391

Interprofessional Collaboration

In this course students will explore complex issues related to health, social well-being, justice and learning in an interprofessional context. Primary goals will be to engage students in opportunities which develop knowledge, skills and attitudes related to collaborative competencies, promote interprofessional learning and to foster interprofessional practice.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours including JS 090 and JS 100, or permission of the Department Head.***

JS 392

Crime Intelligence and Analysis

This course introduces students and professionals to the role of intelligence and analysis in policing. Students and professionals will obtain the knowledge, skills and tools for basic analysis techniques. The course provides insight into the principles of intelligence led policing, critical thinking, and analysis.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours including JS 090 and JS 100, or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of JS 392 or JS 398AB.

JS 398AE

Gender, Justice & Settler Colonialism

An intersectional lens will be used to analyze how settler colonialism directly impacts justice outcomes in criminal and child welfare proceedings in Canada and other settler states. The class will include case studies and legal theory including the Gladue Principle. Students do not need to have a justice background.
***Prerequisite: JS 090, JS 100 and completion of 30 credit hours or permission of Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of JS 398AE or WGST 380AY.*

JS 398AF

Decolonizing Justice

This course offers a detailed examination of the concept of decolonization in the context of criminology and criminal justice system. Decolonization in the context of policing, courts, corrections, mental health issues and restorative justice will be examined. Examples from a number decolonized justice practices will be discussed.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours including JS 090 and JS 100, or permission of the Department Head.***

JS 412

Environment and Justice

Traces environmental movements, environmental ethics, evolution of environmental assessment/protection, criminalization of pollution, and international environmental agreements. Approached from several perspectives: deep ecology, social ecology, green politics, sustainable development, bio-regionalism and eco-feminism.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours including JS 090 and JS 100, or permission of the Department Head.***

JS 415

Program Evaluation

Introduction to organizational, methodological and professional issues involved in evaluating programs in government and non-government organizations that deal with justice issues. This course offers a practical understanding of the evaluation process, including identification of key evaluation questions, program logics, measurement, research design, and qualitative evaluation.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 60 credit hours including one JS 300-level course, or permission of the Department Head.***

JS 418

Advanced Seminar in Law and Restorative Justice

This course will focus on special topics in the area of law or restorative justice. The intent is to offer a special focus on key and contemporary issues in the field and allow students to explore that topic in great depth throughout the semester.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 60 credit hours including one JS 300-level course, or permission of the Department Head.***

JS 419

Advanced Seminar in Criminal Justice

This course will focus on special topics in the area of criminal justice systems. The intent is to offer a special focus on key and contemporary issues in the field and allow students to explore that topic in great depth throughout the semester.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 60 credit hours including one JS 300-level course, or permission of the Department Head.***

JS 431

International Law and Justice

Explores the role of law, courts and policy at the international level in the pursuit of criminal justice and social justice. Examines how advocacy and service organizations use these international mechanisms in pursuit of justice-related goals.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 60 credit hours including one JS 300-level course, or permission of the Department Head.***

JS 440

Advanced Issues in Corrections and Community Justice

Examines shifting assumptions and changing practices in dealing with persons found guilty of criminal offences, as they pertain to both institutional and community settings. Topics include programming models, tensions among retributive, rehabilitative, and restorative approaches, and the role of culture and communities in repairing harm done by criminal behaviour.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 60 credit hours including one JS 300-level course, or permission of the Department Head.***

JS 443

Police Organization, Administration & Leadership in Canada

This course focuses on the principles of administration, organizational behaviour, and leadership in human services agencies, including social and criminal justice agencies. Topics include financial and human resource management, implementation of programs toward fulfillment of objectives and decision-making. This course will also examine different models and styles of organizational structure and how they influence organizational behaviour.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 60 credit hours including one JS 300-level course, or permission of the Department Head.***

JS 460

Discrimination and Justice

This course examines the social, economic, political and legal implications of discrimination based on: age, ethnicity, race, gender, sexuality, ability, and religion. The course assesses possible areas for social justice advocacy alongside potential legal/judicial remedies to ensure rights and self-determination.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 60 credit hours including one JS 300-level course, or permission of the Department Head.***

JS 481

Advanced Issues in Human Rights

This course focuses on special topics in the area of social justice and human rights. The focus is on key and contemporary issues in the field allowing students to explore that topic in great depth throughout the semester.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 60 credit hours including JS 100 and one JS 300-level course, or permission of the Department Head.***

JS 484

Community Advocacy and Public Policy

Explores general approaches and practical skills that can be used in working to achieve justice-related goals, including policy analysis, political advocacy, organizational and community-based activism, public education, and community development.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours including JS 090 and JS 100, or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of JS 484 or JS 384.*

JS 490

Practicum ll (Advanced): Field Placement

The Advanced Practicum field placement focuses students’ attention on personal and professional development: clarifying values, developing self-confidence and self-reliance, and problem-solving actual life experiences.
***Prerequisites: 90 credit hours including JS 290 and 291, 65.00% PGPA and 60.00% UGPA or permission of Department Head.***
**Note: Students must apply for the practicum program by April 1 for a fall semester placement, and by October 1 for a winter semester placement,
and must meet with the Practicum Coordinator for approval. Registration in JS 490 does not necessarily guarantee a practicum placement because students must also pass a series of interviews and be approved by their placement organization.**
*Note: Restricted to Human Justice majors.*

JS 492

Major Project

Students reflect on and utilize knowledge gleaned from their justice studies courses and their practicum experiences to write a substantial research paper, which is also the basis of an oral presentation to other students and faculty members.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 90 credit hours including JS 290 and JS 291 and 65.00% PGPA and 60.00% UGPA.***

JS 494

Practicum: Professional Training and Paper

Students will undergo the final stage of their training. This will involve a four month period of work with an approved sponsoring police service and completion of an assigned paper.
***Prerequisite: Completion of a term at an approved Police College or equivalent training with an approved police service, admission to the BA in Police Studies, a minimum of 60% PGPA, and 65% major GPA.***
**Permission of the Police Studies Coordinator is required to register.**
*Note: JS 494 is a compulsory course for students who were enrolled in pre-police studies at any time before finding employment with a police service, and for officers who have less than five years service upon application for admission to the BA in Police Studies.*
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of JS 494 or JS 495.*

JS 495

Practicum: Paper

Students must complete an assigned paper which will integrate academic learning with contemporary policing.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 75 credit hours of pre-police studies (including 15 credit hours of transfer credit for police college (or equivalent)training), admission to the BA in Police Studies, a minimum of 60% PGPA, and 65% major GPA.***
**Permission of the Police Studies Coordinator is required to register **
*Note: JS 495 is intended for officers with at least five years of service upon application for admission to the BA in Police Studies, and who were not enrolled in pre-police studies before finding employment with a police service.*
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of JS 495 and JS 494.*

JS 498AI

Advanced Seminar in Social Justice

This course will focus on special topics in the area of social justice and human rights. The intent is to offer a special focus on a key issues in the field and allow students to explore that topic in great depth throughout the semester including community-based research practices.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 60 credit hours including one JS 300 level course, or permission of the Department Head.***

JS 499AC

Research Techniques in Justice Studies

This class will focus on qualitative methods and research design. Students will learn about the distinction in methodological approaches and will undertake a small scale project that includes all elements of writing a research proposal.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 60 credit hours including one JS 300 level course, or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of JS 499AC or JS 800.*

JS 499AD

Restorative and Transitional Justice

This course examines restorative justice theory and practice in the context of transitional justice in post-conflict situations.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 60 credit hours and any 300-level JS course.*** *Note: JS 318 is strongly recommended.*