Bulletin - John Jay College Of Criminal Justice - CUNY

Courses Offered
POL 313 The Law and Politics of Race Relations
(Same course as LAW 313)
3 hours, 3 credits
Analysis of the politics of race and racism in the United States
through the examination of major court decisions and of legislation
affecting minority groups. Treatment of racial minority groups in the
criminal and civil justice systems, and by courts, police and prisons
will be included.
Prerequisites: ENG 102 or ENG 201, GOV 101 or POL 101, and
junior standing or above, or permission of the section instructor
POL 316 The Politics of Rights
3 hours, 3 credits
Rights and claims are defining features of American, and to an
increasing degree, world political and social life. After taking this
course, students will be better able to identify, understand, and
critically evaluate how and why rights are used in our political and
social world. We will study a range of materials that address such
topics as: what rights are; if, why, and when rights-claims have
power; the history of using rights-claims to achieve political goals;
how, why, when, and who uses rights-claims in contemporary
political disputes; and what we do when rights conflict. Particular
attention will be paid to social and political movements that use
rights-claims, as well as the various advantages, limitations, and
problems that accompany rights-based political appeals. Individual
instructors may anchor the course in specific sub-topics, primary
texts, cultures, historical moments, etc., depending on their interests
and areas of specialization.
Prerequisites: ENG 102 or ENG 201, GOV 101 or POL 101, junior
standing
POL 318 The Law and Politics of Sexual Orientation
3 hours, 3 credits
This course examines the law and politics affecting lesbians and gay
men in the United States and investigates issues like same-sex
marriage; the constitutionality of consensual-sodomy laws; sexualorientation
discrimination in public accommodations, housing, and
the workplace; antigay ballot initiatives; child custody, visitation,
adoption, and foster care by lesbian and gay parents and their
domestic partners; health insurance and other benefits for domestic
partners; and gays in the military. These issues will be considered
through an examination of case law.
Prerequisites: ENG 102 or ENG 201, GOV 101 or POL 101, and
junior standing or above
POL 319 Gender and Law
3 hours, 3 credits
This course examines the constraints and limitations of law to
achieve equality, justice and freedom in matters related to gender. It
will examine how individuals use, challenge, and resist law and legal
institutions to define problems and create social change. Drawing on
an image of social science research, class readings pose important
and persistent questions about whether and how law can adequately
address gender-related concerns, such as those related to violence,
work, family, reproduction and education.
Prerequisites: ENG 102 or ENG 201, GOV 101 or POL 101, and
junior standing or above
POL 320 International Human Rights
3 hours, 3 credits
A review of the evolution of international human rights and of the
legal instruments designed for their protection. A discussion of the
main civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights in the
International Bill of Rights. An examination of the theoretical
foundations of the idea of human rights in various civilizations and
cultures. Its legacy within the Western and non-Western traditions,
and its meaning and relevance in dealing with the major challenges
posed by international crimes, including genocide and war crimes.
Prerequisites: ENG 102 or ENG 201, GOV 101 or POL 101, and
junior standing or above. Additional recommended courses: GOV
141