Confronting Systemic Racism and Advancing Policy Change in the U.S. Criminal Justice System

1–2 credits · Undergraduate

This course examines the present reality of systemic racism in the U.S. criminal justice system, exploring key institutions and structures that actively perpetuate harm. By analyzing historical contexts, pivotal case students, and contemporary policies, students will uncover the lifecycle, historical underpinnings and modern implications of the American criminal justice system and the real people impacted by it. Through rigorous discussion and analysis, the course empowers students to merge historical insights with forward-thinking strategies, critically evaluate the present state of systemic racism in the criminal justice system, and develop actionable policy solutions to reform it.