Criminal Justice

In this course we will treat the assertion that Black Lives Matter is a rejection of the devaluation of Black life. In so doing, we will conduct philosophical investigations into the ways in which Black lives have been devalued in America. Throughout the semester, we will also consider the vast perspectives on iterations such as all lives matter, protests as a form of resistance, and the use of violence by the police state.

A study of the theoretical aspects of criminal behavior and crime causation; the measurement of crime and crime statistics as well as techniques of crime prevention and societal reaction to crime.

A study of the conventions of legal and analytical writing. Focused on analysis of legal problems and the presentation of findings in forms employed by legal and paralegal professionals, attention will also be devoted to critiquing new developments in the profession.

This course examines significant conversations and debates in feminist social and political theory since the mid-twentieth century. The class will read major foundational and cutting edge works by feminist thinkers, analyze the theoretical perspectives they represent, discuss the commonalities and differences between them, and situate them within a genealogy of feminist knowledge. These readings are not all in agreement, but they are drawn together by the joint search for answers to the causes and consequences of gender difference-making hierarchies, and  inequalities. Readings are drawn from both local U.S. feminist sources and from feminists around the globe. Our examination of gender takes an intersectional approach, focusing particularly on formations of race, ethnicity/nationality/religion, class, and sexuality. Throughout the course, we will also consider the relationships between feminist theory, contemporary women’s movements, and other social and political movements.