1. Dr. Glenn Hastedt, Chair Daisy Breneman, Academic Advisor
JUSTICE STUDIES
Dr. Glenn Hastedt, Chair
Daisy Breneman, Academic Advisor

2. What is justice?
JUSTICE is a concept that encompasses the principles of fairness, equity, and right action. Justice is necessary for sustaining and promoting the growth and development of individuals and communities politically, economically, and socially.

3. What we Are Liberal Arts program Social sciences and the humanities
Learning how to learn
Interdisciplinary
Looking at “puzzles”
Rigorous analysis and critical thinking
Policy focused
Students develop a personal definition of justice

4. What We Are Not A Criminal Justice Major Pre Law School Major
Criminal Justice Minor at JMU, pre-professional focus
CRJU programs : applied problems to be solved; focus on the criminal justice system (police, courts, corrections)
JUST views justice issues as a general class of social and political problems to be understood; looks at puzzles that have multiple answers depending on perspective
Pre Law School Major
JMU offers Pre-law as a pre-professional program; students select major from a wide range of fields

5. THE JUSTICE STUDIES MAJOR
Core Requirements:
Intro to Justice Studies
Foundation courses
Two in Track, One Out of Track
Proseminar
Comparative course
Research Methods
Senior Seminar
Track Requirements
Track A: Crime and Criminology
Track B: Global Justice and Policy
Track C: Social Justice

6. Pathway through the Major
First semester: JUST 200
Second Semester: Track Foundation Course(s)
Third Semester and Beyond: Upper Level Track Courses
Last Two Semesters: Research Methods and Senior Seminar

7. Justice Studies Concepts
Fairness
Standards
Rights
Responsibilities
Do not have a dept definition of justice; we want you to develop your own

8. TRACK A: Crime and Criminology
Focuses on nature, causes and solutions for crime, primarily focused on U.S. at the national level
Explores questions of justice in the context of criminal behavior
Theoretical traditions in the Social Sciences
Emphasis on thoughtful examination of the responses to crime, with a concentration on effective policy initiatives
Example courses: Death Penalty, Media and Justice, Restorative Justice, Domestic Violence

9. TRACK B: Global Justice and Policy
Explores issues of justice in global context; questions of security, equity and equality
Diverse topics, including international law, national security, war & peace, cross cultural relations, democratization, environmental protection, conflict resolution and human rights
Example courses: Building Democracy, Genocide, Peace Studies, Human Rights, Globalization and Justice

10. TRACK C: Social Justice
Designed to investigate what is fair, equitable and just
Emphasizing the oppression and liberation of vulnerable, exploited and marginalized populations
Promotes sustainable and just solutions to social, political and economic problems (such as poverty, discrimination, environmental destruction)
Example Courses: Gender and Justice, Disability and Justice, Environmental Justice*
*Some courses are cross-track

11. PROGRAMS of INTEREST Washington Semester JMU housing
Fall for Track A or C; Spring for B or C
Internships
Detailed information on the Justice Studies website
Most do them in the summer
Optional, but encouraged
Study Abroad
See Office of International Programs
The Washington Semester is every spring. Students do an internship and course work.
Students can do one internship for credit. We expect students to have a good background in the subject matter before doing an internship. Most do it during the summer

12. ENGAGEMENT
Students are encouraged to participate in civic and community engagement opportunities, particularly ones that connect in-class and out-of-class learning
Nelson Institute Seminar
JMU opportunities and resources (examples):
Mahatma Gandhi Center for Global Nonviolence
Community Service-Learning Office
Student Organizations
Learn more on the Justice Studies website:

13. Some minors to consider
Criminal Justice Minor
Humanitarian Affairs Minor
Disability Studies Minor
Other related minors
See brochures or the website for more information

14. EXAMPLE CAREER INTERESTS*
Track A: local, state, federal law enforcement (police, Homeland Security, Secret Service, FBI,); law; corrections; academic/research, policy making
Track B: federal law enforcement, peace corps, international aid agencies, NGOs, diplomatic corps
Track C: mediation organizations, human services, overseas development organizations, nonprofits, advocacy
*But these aren’t the only possibilities

15. A Note on Careers
Liberal Arts degree program--not applied/preparing for a specific job
JMU: preparing students to be educated and enlightened citizens who lead productive and meaningful lives
Knowledge & habits of mind
Learning (how) to learn
Critical thinking, communication, problem-solving skills
Important in the rapidly-changing career world
Important for civic lives
Do not get caught in trap of thinking I need this major; this course
What will stick with you after you leave is going to be a learning experience

16. CHOICES
Think about academic and career goals, and what you want your college experience to be
Explore, learn more, use resources
Where and what feels right
Take time to explore
Make an informed decision
What am I going to give back?
Engaged University
No one school is right
No one major is right
Take responsibility
Take time to explore

17. QUESTIONS?