JS 101, Critical Issues and Ideas in Justice - Syllabus - Fall 2022

Sep 17, 2026

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Course syllabus for JS 101 (3 units) at San José State University, Department of Justice Studies, led by instructor Stephen J. Morewitz, Ph.D. The course provides an interdisciplinary, historical and comparative examination of justice concepts and controversies, including the state’s role in promoting justice and perpetuating injustice, legitimate versus illegitimate violence, human rights for stateless persons, and links between social justice and criminal justice. It covers required prerequisites, attendance expectations, Canvas-based materials, course learning outcomes, teaching methods, and major graded assessments: a midterm test and a Day-in-the-Life Critical Issues Diary project with readings, APA references, written analysis, and team video presentation.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages23

Reading Time58 min

AccessFree to download

Course and Contact Information

Course Description

Course Format and Materials

Course Learning Outcomes (CLO)

Teaching Methods

Course Requirements and Assignments

Midterm

Day-in-the-Life Critical Issues Diary

San José State University Department of Justice Studies JS 101, Critical Issues and Ideas in Justice, Section 01 Course and Contact Information Instructor(s): Stephen J. Morewitz, Ph.D. Office Location: DMH 237A Telephone: TBA Email: [stephen.morewitz@sjsu.edu](stephen.morewitz@sjsu.edu) (Please use only the SJSU email system) Office Hours: M, 4-4:30; W, 3-3:30 PM Class Days/Time: MW, 1:30-2:45 PM Classroom: Sweeney Hall 346 Faculty Web Page [https://www.sjsu.edu/justicestudies/our-department/faculty-and-staff/morewitz-s/index.html](https://www.sjsu.edu/justicestudies/our-department/faculty-and-staff/morewitz-s/index.html) Course Description 3 unit(s) Interdisciplinary, historical and comparative examination of justice concepts and controversies, including the state’s role in promoting justice and perpetuating injustice; legitimate versus illegitimate violence; human rights, stateless persons, and the international community; the relationship between social justice and criminal justice. Course is repeatable for up to 3 units. Prerequisite(s): Upper Division Standing; JS 10 , JS 12 , JS 25 or FS 11 or equivalent. Note(s): Must achieve a grade of“C” or better to fulfill Justice Studies major requirements. Course Format In Person Course Materials on Canvas Course materials such as syllabus, handouts, notes, assignment instructions, etc. can be found on Canvas Learning Management System course login website at [http://sjsu.instructure.com](http://sjsu.instructure.com). You are responsible for regularly checking with the messaging system through MySJSU on Spartan App Portal [http://one.sjsu.edu](http://one.sjsu.edu) (or other communication system as indicated by the instructor) to learn of any updates. For help with using Canvas, please go to [https://www.sjsu.edu/ecampus/teaching-tools/canvas/student_resources/index.html](https://www.sjsu.edu/ecampus/teaching-tools/canvas/student_resources/index.html) Course Learning Outcomes (CLO) Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: Required Reading Book > Textbooks > Criminal Justice Share Crime and Criminal Justice Concepts and Controversies • Stacy L. Mallicoat-California State University, Fullerton, USA Available with: Updated with new content and current controversies that facilitate critical thinking, debate, and application of the concepts, Mallicoat’s Crime and Criminal Justice, Second Edition, provides accessible and concise coverage of all relevant aspects of the criminal justice system, as well as unique chapters on victims and criminal justice policy. Using an innovative format designed to increase student engagement and critical thinking, each chapter is followed by two Current Controversy debates that dive into a critical issue in criminal justice. These features challenge misconceptions by providing a balanced debate of both the pros and the cons of each issue and are followed by probing questions to help students think critically about timely topics. With contemporary examples that students can easily apply and a broad range of effective learning tools, this practical text helps students go beyond the surface toward a deeper understanding of the criminal justice system. Teaching Methods The course will be devoted to lecturing, exercises, debates, role plays, student-generated multiple-choice test items, student lectures, video presentations, and student small group discussion in Zoom Breakout Rooms. Other teaching methods include enrichment materials and Q and A sessions. Course Requirements and Assignments 1. Midterm (Multiple-choice and/or True/False Test Items) (25% of total grade) (Midterm on 10.3.22) 2. Day-in-the-Life Critical Issues Diary (Word.doc File Only) (25% of total grade) (Due: 12.5.22) Students in two-member teams will plan, design, and implement a Day-in the-Life Critical Issues Diary Project. Students will carry out the Day-in-the-Life Critical Issues

FAQs

What topics does JS 101 cover regarding justice and injustice?

The course examines justice concepts and controversies through an interdisciplinary, historical and comparative lens, including the state’s role in promoting justice and perpetuating injustice, and legitimate versus illegitimate violence.

What are the two main graded components and their weight?

The syllabus lists a midterm (multiple-choice and/or true/false) worth 25% and a Day-in-the-Life Critical Issues Diary worth 25% of the total grade.

What is required for the Day-in-the-Life Critical Issues Diary project?

Students must select and apply a justice studies theory, complete peer-reviewed references using APA format, write a diary entry based on an observation of part of a regular day, and produce a written analysis with required structure and citations, plus a 10–15 minute team video presentation.

Sep 17, 2026

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