Transfers ToCSUCSU GE Area DDescriptionThis course provides an exploration of restorative justice. The history, philosophy, and strategies of restorative justice are critically examined, prevailing assumptions about crime and justice are challenged, and retributive and restorative approaches are compared and contrasted. Particular attention is paid to the importance of values and relationships in restorative justice and the impact of the Civil Rights movement. Concepts such as crime, punishment, and justice are juxtaposed to ideas of harms and healing. The importance of the roles of victims, offenders, community, social and human services, psychological resources, police, corrections, and other governmental institutions are examined. Local, state, U.S., and international examples and expressions of restorative justice programs are discussed. Consideration is given to evaluation and assessment of restorative justice initiatives, as well as attempts to co-opt restorative justice for purposes inconsistent with the philosophy. This course may be offered in a distance education format. (CSU/UC transferable) 