Pursue studies that enable you to apply restorative justice philosophies and practices in a variety of contexts informed by anti-racist and decolonial lenses.
The Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) Department at the University of Waterloo, based at Conrad Grebel University College, has launched a Diploma and a Specialization in Restorative Justice for all University of Waterloo Students, especially students studying in the Faculty of Arts. The Restorative Justice Diploma or Specialization will be effective in the fall of 2024.
Within Peace and Conflict Studies, Restorative Justice (RJ) is a unique area of study that focuses on healing and accountability to repair harm and injury, build healthy relationships, and foster thriving communities.
Completing the diploma (for all students, staff, and faculty) or specialization (for PACS Major students) enables program participants to:
- explain restorative justice philosophy, its historical roots, and aspects of its interdisciplinary scholarship;
- critically reflect on RJ practices and ethics;
- apply anti-racist and decolonial lenses to understand how power interacts with systems of oppression in relation to harms and violence, as well as RJ practices and agency; and
- demonstrate skills in applying aspects of RJ philosophy and practices in their lives, field studies, and/or professional work.
Please watch the YouTube Video below to listen to how members of the PACS Department explain what Restorative Justice means, and how it might be a transformative academic plan for you at the University of Waterloo.
Restorative Justice Diploma and Specialization | University of Waterloo
Academic Requirements
The Diploma or Specialization in Restorative Justice requires the successful completion of six (6) courses. This includes:
Two Additional Courses
from a list of 19 electives, offered by 12 different departments. One elective must be at the 300-level or above. Examples of course electives:
- BLKST 103: Combating Racisms
- LS 403/ SOC 428: Sentencing as a Social Process
- SDS 331R: Social Inequality, Social Justice and Social Action
- and many more.
One of the following three Indigenous Studies courses:
- INDG 201/CDNST 201: The Indigenous Experience in Canada
- INDG 272/ANTH 272: Issues in Contemporary Indigenous Communities in Canada
- INDG/PSCI 228: Introduction to Indigenous Political Thought
Three required courses
- PACS 202/LS 271: Conflict Resolution
- PACS 329/LS 344: Restorative Justice
- PACS 331: Trauma, Healing, and Social Transformation
Interested?
Contact the PACS Academic Advisor, Ndagire, to learn more about completing a Diploma or Specialization in Restorative Justice.