CRJ315

Introduction to Restorative Justice: Concepts, Theory, and Philosophy

Moving beyond the victim-offender paradigm, restorative justice champions the idea of harm as a violation of people and relationships. In this foundational course, you will revisit the familiar concepts of punishment and justice and outline an alternative approach based on restorative values and principles. You will examine the psychology of harm and review restorative practices such as dialogue and consensus building.

This course is available at the following time(s) and location(s):

Section Date/time Campus Instructor(s) Cost Registration
CRJ315-ON1141 Online Joao Salm $900 Registration opens Jan 7, 2014 if space available

What will I learn?

This course will give you a working knowledge of the following:

  • Key areas of the psychology of harm, such as shame and trauma
  • Restorative justice processes, such as dialogue and consensus-building
  • The vital role of community in shame management, support for trauma recovery, and harm prevention

How will I learn?

This is a 13-week online course. You will work within scheduled start and end dates, as well as assignment timelines. In some cases, your study schedule will be entirely up to you. In other instances, you may need to meet online with your class at a specific time.

Expect to spend approximately 10 hours per week on reading, online discussions, course work and supplementary activities, such as viewing assigned videos.

How will I be evaluated?

You will be evaluated based on a variety of methods, such as online participation, individual assignments, journals, project-based work and course papers. Assignments build upon the significant level of real-world experience that most participants bring to the course. You must successfully complete all three required courses with a minimum course grade average of C prior to receiving the certificate.

To meet course demands, you should have an advanced level of English. If English is not your first language, we recommend you complete the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum overall band score of 6.5. If you have any questions or concerns about your English language proficiency, we encourage you to contact us.

Textbooks and learning materials

Course fees do not include the cost of textbooks and other supplemental materials that you may purchase from the SFU Bookstore.

The textbooks and DVDs for this course are as follows:

  • The Little Book of Restorative Justice by Zehr (2002, 1st ed., ISBN: 9781561483761) (required)
  • Tributary Streams of a Healing River (DVD) by Heartspeak (2009, 1st ed., ISBN: 9780838754993) (required)
  • Beyond Feelings: A Guide to Critical Thinking by Ruggiero (2011, 9th ed., ISBN: 9780078038181) (recommended)

Partners/Sponsors

The Centre for Restorative Justice
School of Criminology
Simon Fraser University

Look at other courses in