Certificate in Restorative Justice - Courses

This certificate consists of 15 semester units of coursework. Certificates in the PACS program may be completed independently or may constitute a portion of the master's degree program.

PACS 700: Basic Institute in Conflict Management And Mediation (1-3 units)

• This course is an introduction to conflict management and mediation. Topics include basic theory and methodologies, as well as the opportunity to develop skills in such areas as listening and mediation through role playing. Offered as a one week intensive institute or as an eight night course.

PACS 737: Institute in Victim Offender Reconciliation Program (VORP) Development (2 units)

• This course provides an introduction to vision, mission, VORP peacemaking model and process, case management, volunteer training and management, restitution follow-up management, and organizational development and funding strategies. Instruction based on the Church Based VORP—Organizing/Program Manual. This course includes a step-by-step plan for moving from idea to first case.

PACS 746: Restorative Justice (3 units)

• Participants in this course examine assumptions about crime and justice. Retributive and restorative paradigms of justice are compared and contrasted. Historical and theological perspectives are studied. The roles of offender, victim, church, state and community are examined. Programs and crime prevention/intervention strategies are evaluated to discern retributive/restorative positioning and outcome effectiveness.

PACS 764: Internship in Peacemaking (1-6 units)

• Field instruction and practice is an integral part of the overall educational program. The internship will include a combination of observation and leadership experiences in real conflict situations. Observations will preferably cover a range of types of conflicts, whereas the leadership experiences will most likely be in the area of specialty. Journals and seminars will provide occasions for questions, reflections and integration.