Equal Access for Justice
A comprehensive and engaging examination of contemporary multicultural and cross-cultural imperatives, this capstone explores the barriers to justice for ethnic and racial minorities. Special attention will be given to the U.S. institutional structure and the justice system. Utilizing a progressive and proactive approach, students will acquire a deeper understanding, awareness and appreciation of the root causes of the existing disparities. Their learning outcome will be enhanced through design and formulation of proactive solutions to secure fairness, equity and justice for all.
There will be a community partnership with "Uniting to Understand Racism" UUR, a non-profit organization committed to reduce prejudice and discrimination in our communities through study and personal examination. Created in response to issues identified by the Oregon state Task Force on Racial Ethnic Issues in the Judicial System (Instructor served as the vice chair of that task force), UUR offers numerous dynamic courses (dialogues) to raise the level of awareness concerning racial discrimination(see www.understandracism.org). Students' journey through this class will be further enriched through participation in a special UUR dialogue, offered during one of the two weekly class meetings.
Project Description:
Assisting with realization of our mutual objective of "equalizing access to justice for all" , students will work on small team projects undertaking assigned tasks related to UUR mission.
Students’ learning outcomes will be represented through the final product of the course which will include design, development and presentation (to UUR Board as well as PSU & other community representatives) by each of the above mentioned project teams.
NOTE: This course is specially recommended for students in: Administration of Justice, Child & Family Studies, Sociology, Social Work, Political Science, Conflict Resolution, Linguistics, International Studies, Pre-Law and Law as well as professionals within the Justice System
EVALUATION: Requirements include attendance, participation, in class small group exercises, weekly journals, critical analysis and reflection papers and the final team projects
Assisting with realization of our mutual objective of equalizing access to justice for all, students will work on 3 -4 small team projects undertaking assigned tasks related to UUR mission.
Students' learning outcomes will be represented through the final product of the course which will include design, development and presentation (to UUR Board as well as PSU & other community organizational representatives) by each of the above mentioned project teams.
