Introduces students to the distinctions between multi and interdisciplinary conceptions of justice and transdisciplinary studies of justice. Traces the origins of transdisciplinary studies and examines the integration of natural and social sciences toward the development of holistic approaches to problems in justice. Provides a critique of current discipline-based approaches to the study of justice-related problems through the development of transdisciplinary models of justice within a democratic context.
Identifies and applies theoretical and practical foundations for the identification of problems in justice studies and their solutions. Emphasizes the collaborative nature of knowledge generation and the growing interdependence among disciplines for the resolution of complex justice-related problems. Introduces individuals’ role as a bricoleur —a person who uses all available material—in the search for justice.
Examines the concept of justice from non-western, Indigenous perspectives and the development of indigenous perspectives for realizing justice. Includes an historical account of the treatment of Indigenous people, governmental interventions and social movements aimed at improving justice for Indigenous people. Refers to national and international agendas for resolution of long standing issues identified by the Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.
Evaluates a variety of evocative static and moving images of justice (broadly defined) throughout our social history in photos, videos, literature and other media. Draws on concepts of justice that transect theology, philosophy, sociology, criminal justice, the humanities and even popular culture to deconstruct various societal concepts of justice, fairness, culture, and communication.
Compares approaches to understanding and addressing injustice through analysis of case studies representing real events. Bridges the theoretical and practical perspectives on justice. Draws on a range of changing topics gathered from current societal issues which may include Aboriginal rights, health, disability, housing, poverty, racism, gender inequality and environmental issues or other topics as appropriate.
Examines the underlying and historic constructs of, and approaches to, social justice. Explores the critical theories and work of key thinkers across a range of disciplines to unpack issues of power, poverty, equity and social injustice based on individual and collective characteristics (e.g. gender, race, power, ethnicity, socioeconomic standing, religion, or sexuality). Highlights social activism and social movements designed to affect social change, and asks students to reflect on their own impact and relationship to issues of social justice.