HJS 310. International Perspectives on Justice
Prof. Kyoo Lee, Suite 325-4, Dept. of Philosophy, John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Office Hours: T/Th 3:30-5:00pm (and by appointment)
kylee@jjay.cuny.edu
Class Schedule and Material

Course Description       
This course explores comparative and global perspectives on justice and injustice by weaving classical texts and contemporary materials. The approach, while anchored in philosophical methodology and idiom, seeks to be trans-historical, cross-cultural and interdisciplinary as well as topical. 

Course Objectives         
By the time you finish this course, you will:    
  • Have a more comprehensive, substantial and globalized understanding of some of the key socio-political issues of our time.
  • Have a more critical and engaged perspective on issues you have ignored, underestimated or misunderstood.
  • Have a deeper appreciation of differences and commonalities between cultures and histories.
  • Know how to formulate your own questions & ideas, in both dialogue and writing; intellectual plurality and originality, if well-justified and grounded, will be rewarded.  

Required Texts 
  • Selected readings, all web-linked or pdf downloadable from the class schedule page.
  • Each day of the class, you must bring at least one of the following three:
@ [NB1] a hard copy of the primary text listed as "Read in Advance"
@ [NB2] the electronic file(s)** in question on your mobile computing device such as a laptop or a mobile phone
@ [NB3] your own personalized note (in whatever form) on the reading material that reflects your preparation.
  • Those not in possession of the class material in any of those forms are considered unprepared and thus will be noted negatively.
  • **In-class use of a portable computer or any portable electronic devices where the reading file is stored, is allowed, but only on the condition that its use is strictly limited to the reading of the classroom material. The violation of this rule will be regarded as a serious offence and the student in question will be immediately evicted from the classroom, which will be counted as an unexcused absence.  Never "surf" the internet or text-message during the class period.

Grading Scale
97- A+
93- A
90- A-
87- B+
83- B
80- B-
77- C+
73- C
70- C-
67- D+
63- D
60- D-
Below 60 F (Fail)

Grade A: Mastery of the issues and literature, and an ability to make some original contribution.
Grade B: Good grasp of issues and literature, but little or no attempt at own contribution.
Grade C: Some but uncertain grasp of the issues.
Grade D: Failure to grasp issues but some attempt made.
Grade F: Not even trying.
[I have borrowed this description of the evaluation criteria from the standardized syllabi used in New York University in London.]

  • 100 points system is used.
  • Grades are nonnegotiable, unless there is a clerical error.
  • All the grades up to the final exam or paper are calculated numerically in order to give each student maximum opportunities to recuperate, and also to evaluate more accurately the learning process and incremental achievements.
  • The numeric total will simply be converted to the corresponding letter grade. Therefore, there is very little reason either to rejoice or to despair at any stage of following the course. Just keep putting coins in the piggy bank, and your consistent and overall efforts will be justly rewarded: you reap what you sow, no less, no more.

Course Requirements and Evaluation Criteria
Attending (up to 10 points)
  • up to 2 excused & up to 2 unexplained absences are allowed with no penalties. Only with documentary evidence can your absence can be excused.
  • For the 3rd absence, you lose 3 points, and for the 4th point, another 3 points. After the 5th absence, 1 full alphabetical grade drops automatically per class missed, e.g., from A to B, down to F.
  • Lateness causes disruption in class, and affects your own learning process. A grace period will be given for a while. But if you are late 4th time, you will start losing 1 point; 5th time, another 1 point and so on. 
Preparing/Participating (up to 30 points)
  • Preparation (20 points): Your knowledge of the reading material for each day, will be constantly, individually and randomly monitored. The result will be assessed and logged on a daily basis.  This function as a loose form of daily quiz; if you get "caught" unprepared, you lose points. 
  • Participation (10 points): Active and meaningful participation in classroom discussion and activity is not an option but a requirement. However, if you're too shy or unwilling to speak in class, you can write a one-page class note or a small reflection paper instead within 7 days after each class, and email it to me. I will count each submission up to 2 point. No late submission accepted.
  • Disruptive, distracting and disrespectful behaviors including text-messaging and chatting with others during the class will be noted negatively. Three instances noted, the offender will lose one letter grade (10 points.). After that, the repeated offender will be asked to leave the classroom and be subject to further disciplinary action.
Writing (up to 60 points): 4 Papers, 15 Points Each
  • Each paper minimum 1,500 words (approx. 5-6 pages, double-spaced).
@ [NB1] The submission deadlines for each paper are firm; for each class day missed, 2 points will be deducted. For instance,
3 class days later, 6 points lost.  So if you miss 8 class days, your submission will not be accepted.
@ [NB2] One paper, out of four, can be replaced by a pre-scheduled and professionally-prepared presentation: see class
schedule for the available dates. A group presentation, consisting up to 3 members, is acceptable. The presentation
should be set up within 60 calendar days of the start of the semester; no request after that time will be accepted.
@ [NB3] Those wishing to write one long paper for the semester instead, must consult with the professor within 60 calendar
days of the start of the semester, to arrange an alternative format; no request after that time will be accepted.
  • I give you at least 2 weeks: each writing assignment posted at least 2 weeks before the submission deadline.
  • You give me at least 2 weeks: each grade/feedback available by return email 2 weeks after your submission. 

Statement of College Policy on Plagiarism
"Plagiarism is the presentation of someone else‘s ideas, words, or artistic, scientific, or technical work as one‘s own creation. Using the ideas or work of another is permissible only when the original author is identified. Paraphrasing and summarizing, as well as direct quotations, require citations to the original source. Plagiarism may be intentional or unintentional. Lack of dishonest intent does not necessarily absolve a student of responsibility for plagiarism. It is the student‘s responsibility to recognize the difference between statements that are common knowledge (which do not require documentation) and restatements of the ideas of others. Paraphrase, summary, and direct quotation are acceptable forms of restatement, as long as the source is cited. Students who are unsure how and when to provide documentation are advised to consult with their instructors. The Library has free guides designed to help students with problems of documentation." (From the John Jay College of Criminal Justice Undergraduate Bulletin, p. 36)
Should plagiarism be determined, a formal disciplinary action will be taken immediately: the student in question will receive an F grade for the course.

Accommodation of Religious Observances
Upon request, academic accommodations for a religious observance are available on an individual basis; by the end of the second week, please provide me with a supplementary document that specifies and verifies your context and needs for modification.

Accommodation of Documented Disabilities
Please contact me within the first two weeks of the semester. An appropriate, case-by-case arrangement will be made to ensure that the student in question is given an equal opportunity for learning.


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