Justice Studies Courses
JS 090
Justice Studies Orientation
This compulsory pass/fail course orients and prepares students for success in Justice and Undergraduate Studies: this will build upon the foundations provided by the Faculty of Arts orientation. It will assist students with information on Justice Studies programs, practica and career opportunities in the justice field. Professionals from various justice organizations will provide information about career opportunities.
*Note: This is a zero-credit, three-hour required course and is offered one time during the Fall and Winter semesters. This is not a 13-week course. Students must take this course prior to applying for the JS 290 practicum field experience or prior to completing 30 credit hours.*
*Note: JS 100 is required for all majors in Justice Studies programs.*
JS 100
Introduction to Justice
Introduces major theoretical orientations and methods of justice studies. Provides an overview of the Canadian legal system and issues involved in the pursuit of criminal, legal, restorative, and social justice.
JS 230
Introduction to Canadian Law
Examines the conceptual foundations, structure and administration of law in Canada, including criminal and civil law. Current legal debates and precedent setting cases will be discussed.
***Prerequisite: JS 100 and completion of an additional 6 credit hours, or permission of the Department Head.***
JS 240
The Criminal Justice System
An introductory analysis of the criminal justice system. An examination of the Canadian criminal justice process from initial police involvement through court processes to the correctional disposition of convicted offenders.
***Prerequisite: JS 100 and completion of an additional 6 credit hours, or permission of the Department Head.***
JS 276
Professional Ethics
Philosophical consideration of ethical problems which arise in the context of the conduct of professional practice. Areas include ethics of privacy and confidentiality with applications to justice.
***Prerequisite: JS 100 and completion of an additional 6 credit hours, or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of PHIL 276 or JS 276.*
*Note: JS 276 is only offered to JS students when PHIL 276 is not scheduled in neither a Fall or a Winter semester.*
JS 280
Introduction to Social Justice
An interdisciplinary examination of the nature and foundations of social justice, including human rights. Theoretical and applied perspectives are included.
***Prerequisite: JS 100 and completion of an additional 6 credit hours, or permission of the Department Head.***
JS 290
Practicum I (Introductory): Field Placement
An introduction to professional practice in an approved human service or justice organization. The goal of the practicum is to provide students with the opportunity to integrate theory in practice by applying the knowledge, skills and abilities acquired during their academic study.
***Prerequisite: 30 credit hours, including JS 090, JS 100, JS 291, and a minimum 65.00% PGPA and 60.00% UGPA or permission of Department Head.***
*Note: It is strongly recommended that Human Justice majors complete JS 290 early in their program. Students must apply for the practicum program by April 1 for a fall semester placement, and by October 1 for a winter semester placement, and must meet with the Practicum Coordinator for approval. Registration in JS 290 does not necessarily guarantee a practicum placement because students must also pass a series of interviews and be approved by their placement organization.**
*Restricted to Human Justice and Police Studies (Academic Track) majors and Diploma in Just
JS 291
Professional Communications and Writing
An introduction to the integration of theory and practice in justice issues.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 12 credit hours***
JS 313
Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Mental health and substance use/abuse are significant issues for justice organizations and professionals and clients. This course will explore approaches to prevention, intervention and suppression. Public policy related to both areas will be examined.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours including JS 090 and JS 100, or permission of the Department Head.***
JS 316
Mediation and Conflict Transformation
Examines the role, purposes, use of mediation and other methods of conflict transformation. Assesses appropriate use of a variety of mechanisms, especially as they relate to issues of race, class, and gender. Conflict styles, conflict analysis tools, role of mediator, typology of mediation, and skills are discussed. Additionally, the course introduces the concepts of need, interest, position, and decolonization in the context of mediation and conflict transformation. Emphasis on conflict transformation in the context of human justice and restorative justice.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours including JS 090 and JS 100, or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Formerly numbered HJ 321 and HJ 381AC. Students may receive credit for one of HJ 321, HJ 381AC, or JS 316.*
JS 317
Justice, Democracy and Social Change
Examines justice in terms of concepts and practices of citizenship within democratic societies. Examines political justice, representations, governmental obligations re: human services and the growing role of non-governmental organizations.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours including JS 090 and JS 100, or permission of the Department Head.***
JS 318
Restorative and Community Justice
This course will examine, in depth, the restorative justice paradigm and its applications. The development of justice alternatives to criminalizing approaches will be explored. The concepts and services and emerging roles for the community and victims will be analyzed.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours including JS 090 and JS 100, or permission of the Department Head.***
JS 319
Criminological Theories
This course examines various theories within the discipline of criminology that attempt to explain and predict the etiology and epidemiology of criminal and deviant behaviour in Canadian society. Both classical and contemporary theories of crime are considered. Multiple theoretical and disciplinary perspectives may be discussed.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours including JS 090 and JS 100, or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of JS 319 or JS 498AE.*
JS 331
Family Law and Family Policy
Examines legislation, policies, institutions, and processes relevant to family welfare. Considers issues such as child protection and the structure and operation of family courts. Includes comparisons with other jurisdictions.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 60 credit hours including JS 090 and JS 100, or permission of the Department Head.***
JS 332
Law and Society
This course explores law as a social institution. It examines the origin, impact and definition of law, dispute resolution, and the relationship between law and social change. It seeks to engage students in a critical examination of law from a theoretical foundation by applying theory to Canadian law.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours including JS 090 and JS 100, or permission of the Department Head.***
JS 341
Policing in a Democratic Society
Explores the roles, organization, and accountability of policing within democratic societies. Considers implications of jurisdiction, geography, community, training and operations.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours including JS 090 and JS 100, or permission of the Department Head.***
JS 342
Best Practices in Correctional Programs
Analyses innovative practices in services for offenders in both institutional and community-based correctional settings. Topics include assessment of offender risk, shaping positive cognitive and social behaviours, overcoming substance abuse, and the protection and promotion of health. Research evidence on the efficacy of such programs is examined.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 60 credit hours including JS 090 and JS 100, or permission of the Department Head.***
JS 343
Community Policing
A theoretical examination of the history and models of contemporary community policing in Canada. The interrelated roles of the community and the police in the development and implementation of community- and problem-oriented policing in urban as well as rural settings will be examined.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours including JS 090 and JS 100, or permission of the Department Head.***
JS 350
Justice and Indigenous Peoples
Intended to help human service workers understand the background of current issues, including aboriginal rights, land claims and self-government. Explores aboriginal history, colonization, settlement, displacement, and constitutional issues here and abroad.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours including JS 090 and JS 100, or permission of the Department Head.***
JS 351
Forms of Racism in Canadian Society
This course examines the socio-historic system of racism with a focus on the Canadian Aboriginal experience. Manifestations of the different forms of racism are explored. Participants engage in a variety of activities to analyze racism and evaluate their beliefs and actions in order to promote equity and anti-racism practice.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours.***
JS 370
Young Offenders and Youth Justice
Examines the status and prospects of youth and current legislation in regard to young offenders. Compares current and former legislation, with attention to guiding principles and actual outcomes. Considers policy and service issues and their impact on youth and youth workers.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours including JS 090 and JS 100, or permission of the Department Head.***
JS 381
Foundations of Human Rights
Examines the historical, political, and legal development of human rights and how gender, class, and various aspects of personal and collective identity affect our understanding and realization of human rights. Emphasizes the interrelationships of civil and political rights with social and economic rights.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours including JS 090 and JS 100, or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of JS 381 or IS 490AD.*
*Note: JS 381 is recommended for those planning to take JS 481.*
JS 383
Social Justice Movements
Examines the theories, meanings and practices of social justice movements in Canada and internationally. Examines local, national, and international social movements and the ways in which economic globalization has led to the formation of the anti-globalization movement. Analyzes the strategies and forms of resistance used by social movements to effect social, economic, political and religious change.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours including JS 090 and JS 100, or permission of the Department Head.***
JS 391
Interprofessional Collaboration
In this course students will explore complex issues related to health, social well-being, justice and learning in an interprofessional context. Primary goals will be to engage students in opportunities which develop knowledge, skills and attitudes related to collaborative competencies, promote interprofessional learning and to foster interprofessional practice.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours including JS 090 and JS 100, or permission of the Department Head.***
JS 392
Crime Intelligence and Analysis
This course introduces students and professionals to the role of intelligence and analysis in policing. Students and professionals will obtain the knowledge, skills and tools for basic analysis techniques. The course provides insight into the principles of intelligence led policing, critical thinking, and analysis.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours including JS 090 and JS 100, or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of JS 392 or JS 398AB.
JS 398AE
Gender, Justice & Settler Colonialism
An intersectional lens will be used to analyze how settler colonialism directly impacts justice outcomes in criminal and child welfare proceedings in Canada and other settler states. The class will include case studies and legal theory including the Gladue Principle. Students do not need to have a justice background.
***Prerequisite: JS 090, JS 100 and completion of 30 credit hours or permission of Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of JS 398AE or WGST 380AY.*
JS 412
Environment and Justice
Traces environmental movements, environmental ethics, evolution of environmental assessment/protection, criminalization of pollution, and international environmental agreements. Approached from several perspectives: deep ecology, social ecology, green politics, sustainable development, bio-regionalism and eco-feminism.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours including JS 090 and JS 100, or permission of the Department Head.***
JS 415
Program Evaluation
Introduction to organizational, methodological and professional issues involved in evaluating programs in government and non-government organizations that deal with justice issues. This course offers a practical understanding of the evaluation process, including identification of key evaluation questions, program logics, measurement, research design, and qualitative evaluation.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 60 credit hours including one JS 300-level course, or permission of the Department Head.***
JS 418
Advanced Seminar in Law and Restorative Justice
This course will focus on special topics in the area of law or restorative justice. The intent is to offer a special focus on key and contemporary issues in the field and allow students to explore that topic in great depth throughout the semester.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 60 credit hours including one JS 300-level course, or permission of the Department Head.***
JS 419
Advanced Seminar in Criminal Justice
This course will focus on special topics in the area of criminal justice systems. The intent is to offer a special focus on key and contemporary issues in the field and allow students to explore that topic in great depth throughout the semester.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 60 credit hours including one JS 300-level course, or permission of the Department Head.***
JS 431
International Law and Justice
Explores the role of law, courts and policy at the international level in the pursuit of criminal justice and social justice. Examines how advocacy and service organizations use these international mechanisms in pursuit of justice-related goals.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 60 credit hours including one JS 300-level course, or permission of the Department Head.***
JS 440
Advanced Issues in Corrections and Community Justice
Examines shifting assumptions and changing practices in dealing with persons found guilty of criminal offences, as they pertain to both institutional and community settings. Topics include programming models, tensions among retributive, rehabilitative, and restorative approaches, and the role of culture and communities in repairing harm done by criminal behaviour.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 60 credit hours including one JS 300-level course, or permission of the Department Head.***
JS 443
Police Organization, Administration & Leadership in Canada
This course focuses on the principles of administration, organizational behaviour, and leadership in human services agencies, including social and criminal justice agencies. Topics include financial and human resource management, implementation of programs toward fulfillment of objectives and decision-making. This course will also examine different models and styles of organizational structure and how they influence organizational behaviour.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 60 credit hours including one JS 300-level course, or permission of the Department Head.***
JS 460
Discrimination and Justice
This course examines the social, economic, political and legal implications of discrimination based on: age, ethnicity, race, gender, sexuality, ability, and religion. The course assesses possible areas for social justice advocacy alongside potential legal/judicial remedies to ensure rights and self-determination.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 60 credit hours including one JS 300-level course, or permission of the Department Head.***
JS 481
Advanced Issues in Human Rights
This course focuses on special topics in the area of social justice and human rights. The focus is on key and contemporary issues in the field allowing students to explore that topic in great depth throughout the semester.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 60 credit hours including JS 100 and one JS 300-level course, or permission of the Department Head.***
JS 484
Community Advocacy and Public Policy
Explores general approaches and practical skills that can be used in working to achieve justice-related goals, including policy analysis, political advocacy, organizational and community-based activism, public education, and community development.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours including JS 090 and JS 100, or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of JS 484 or JS 384.*
JS 490
Practicum ll (Advanced): Field Placement
The Advanced Practicum field placement focuses students’ attention on personal and professional development: clarifying values, developing self-confidence and self-reliance, and problem-solving actual life experiences.
***Prerequisites: 90 credit hours including JS 290 and 291, 65.00% PGPA and 60.00% UGPA or permission of Department Head.***
**Note: Students must apply for the practicum program by April 1 for a fall semester placement, and by October 1 for a winter semester placement,
and must meet with the Practicum Coordinator for approval. Registration in JS 490 does not necessarily guarantee a practicum placement because students must also pass a series of interviews and be approved by their placement organization.**
*Note: Restricted to Human Justice majors.*
JS 492
Major Project
Students reflect on and utilize knowledge gleaned from their justice studies courses and their practicum experiences to write a substantial research paper, which is also the basis of an oral presentation to other students and faculty members.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 90 credit hours including JS 290 and JS 291 and 65.00% PGPA and 60.00% UGPA.***
JS 494
Practicum: Professional Training and Paper
Students will undergo the final stage of their training. This will involve a four month period of work with an approved sponsoring police service and completion of an assigned paper.
***Prerequisite: Completion of a term at an approved Police College or equivalent training with an approved police service, admission to the BA in Police Studies, a minimum of 60% PGPA, and 65% major GPA.***
**Permission of the Police Studies Coordinator is required to register.**
*Note: JS 494 is a compulsory course for students who were enrolled in pre-police studies at any time before finding employment with a police service, and for officers who have less than five years service upon application for admission to the BA in Police Studies.*
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of JS 494 or JS 495.*
JS 495
Practicum: Paper
Students must complete an assigned paper which will integrate academic learning with contemporary policing.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 75 credit hours of pre-police studies (including 15 credit hours of transfer credit for police college (or equivalent)training), admission to the BA in Police Studies, a minimum of 60% PGPA, and 65% major GPA.***
**Permission of the Police Studies Coordinator is required to register **
*Note: JS 495 is intended for officers with at least five years of service upon application for admission to the BA in Police Studies, and who were not enrolled in pre-police studies before finding employment with a police service.*
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of JS 495 and JS 494.*
JS 498AI
Advanced Seminar in Social Justice
This course will focus on special topics in the area of social justice and human rights. The intent is to offer a special focus on a key issues in the field and allow students to explore that topic in great depth throughout the semester including community-based research practices.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 60 credit hours including one JS 300 level course, or permission of the Department Head.***
JS 499AC
Research Techniques in Justice Studies
This class will focus on qualitative methods and research design. Students will learn about the distinction in methodological approaches and will undertake a small scale project that includes all elements of writing a research proposal.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 60 credit hours including one JS 300 level course, or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of JS 499AC or JS 800.*
JS 499AD
Restorative and Transitional Justice
This course examines restorative justice theory and practice in the context of transitional justice in post-conflict situations.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 60 credit hours and any 300-level JS course.*** *Note: JS 318 is strongly recommended.*
Contact Us
Department of Justice Studies
University of Regina
Classroom Building, CL 343
3737 Wascana Parkway
Regina, SK S4S 0A2
Phone: 306-585-4779