CRJ315
Introduction to Restorative Justice: Concepts, Theory and Philosophy
This course is an introduction to the restorative/transformative justice paradigm. It begins with an overview of modern criminal justice systems, with a focus on the centrality of punishment as a mechanism of social control. The idea of “justice” is deconstructed through a comparison of state-based and community-based concepts. Concepts such as crime and punishment are juxtaposed to concepts of harms and healing, with particular attention paid to the importance of values and relationships in restorative justice practices. The psychology of harm will be examined and restorative practices discussed as a means of dialogue and consensus building. The needs of those who harm and have been harmed are considered in the context of community capacity and social justice.
Overview
Location: Online
Format: Self-paced within deadlines set by instructor
Duration: 13 weeks
Tuition: $990–$995
Can be applied to:
Restorative Justice Certificate
Upcoming Offerings
Register for a course at any time, with the option to apply to a program later.
- Wed, Sep 4 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Sep 11 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Sep 18 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Sep 25 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Oct 2 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Oct 9 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Oct 16 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Oct 23 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Oct 30 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Nov 6 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Nov 13 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Nov 20 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Nov 27 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Jan 15 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Jan 22 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Jan 29 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Feb 5 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Feb 12 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Feb 19 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Feb 26 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Mar 5 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Mar 12 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Mar 19 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Mar 26 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Apr 2 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Apr 9 (self-paced all week)
What you will learn
After completing this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Explain the conceptual shift from conflict resolution to conflict transformation
- Explain key concepts of the restorative justice paradigm, as distinct from retributive justice
- Describe restorative justice values and processes, such as dialogue and consensus-building
- Explain key concepts of the psychology of harm, such as shame and trauma
- Understand the significant role of "community" in responding to harm, shame management, support for trauma recovery, reintegration and harm prevention
How you will learn and be evaluated
- Prepare to spend about 10 hours per week on coursework
- Expect reading and other assignments on a weekly basis
- Plan to access the course at least once every few days to keep up with your work and group assignments
You will be evaluated on:
- Assignments
- Participation in online discussions
This course is assessed on a competency-based scale of Pass or Fail. To graduate with the Restorative Justice Certificate, successfully complete all required courses.
Learning Materials
Course fees do not include textbooks. We recommend you purchase your textbook as soon as you’ve registered. We will provide additional course materials online.
Required textbooks:
Davis, Fania E. The Book of Race and Restorative Justice. Good Books, 2019. Paperback or e-book available for purchase from Amazon.
Elliott, Elizabeth M. Security With Care: Restorative Justice and Healthy Societies. Fernwood Books, 2011. Available for purchase from publisher or Amazon.
Valandra, E.C. & Hokšíla, W.W. (Eds.). Colorizing Restorative Justice: Voicing Our Realities. Living Justice Press, 2020. Available for purchase from Living Justice Press or Amazon.
Zehr, Howard. The Little Book of Restorative Justice. Good Books, 2015 (older editions can also be used). Available for purchase from publisher or as e-book from Google Play.
Technical Requirements
For online courses, you will need a computer with audio and microphone that is connected to the internet. Canvas is the online system that will be used for the course. For more information and online support, visit Online Learning.
Partners/sponsors
The Centre for Restorative Justice
School of Criminology
Simon Fraser University