The University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley

Department of Criminal Justice

College of Liberal Arts
Summer I 2025
CRIJ 3350.90L Social Justice | Online
Campus Maps
Course Modality: This course will be taught as an ONLINE ASYNCHRONOUS course.
In the event of a significant disruption of course activities because of an extraordinary
environmental situation, this syllabus is subject to change. Any and all changes will be
communicated with students in as timely a manner as the situation allows.
Subject to any new Texas legislative mandate changes
This course can be applied towards the Social Justice Minor, Gender & Women's Studies Minor,
&/or Mexican American Studies Program
Professor Information
Dr. Lucas Espinoza, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice
Assistant Director of Faculty Advocacy, Office for Advocacy & Violence Prevention
Email: Lucas.espinoza01@utrgv.edu (when emailing me use CRIJ3350-Lastname)
Phone: (956) 665-8757 (leave a message with CRIJ Course Name and Student Name)
Edinburg | LABN 332 Office hours: By appointment for 15 minutes at a time.

COURSE MODALITY
This course is an ONLINE ASYNCHRONOUS course.
Online Asynchronous Courses: These courses will be delivered fully online. There will be no
designated class meeting time for real-time instructor/student interaction, which gives you the
flexibility to engage with the course materials as best fits your daily schedule. Your learning
will be guided by the digital presentation of the course content (e.g., recorded lectures,
presentations, outlines, notes) and scheduled assignments. Your instructors will provide you with
feedback on assigned work, communicate with you electronically, and be available to meet as
defined on this syllabus.

College of Liberal Arts Mission Statement

The UTRGV College of Liberal Arts embraces its mission within a Hispanic Serving Institution
that prepares students for success in a complex, diverse, and constantly changing world through
our disciplinary strengths and engaged teaching in the Humanities, Social Sciences and STEM
fields. Our faculty is committed to both theoretical and engaged/applied scholarship that serves
our professions and our communities, emphasizes critical thinking, research mentoring,
experiential and service learning to prepare bilingual, biliterate and bicultural graduates to serve
our communities, nation and world.

Department of Criminal Justice Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Criminal Justice at The University of Texas Rio Grande
Valley is to impart knowledge and promote critical thinking about the crime problem and its
control through criminal justice institutions and public cooperation. Grounded in the social
sciences, the department respects liberal values, encourages open-mindedness, and pursues
demographic and curricular diversity in its programs.

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Students receive comprehensive criminal justice education with courses taken in criminal law,
criminology, policing, courts, corrections, social justice, and crime prevention, in the context of a
general and liberal arts education, with a strong background in the social sciences. The
department's main aim is to help students develop the knowledge and analytical abilities to
become agents of change in a democratic society, emphasizing social justice and equality.

At the undergraduate level, the department’s mission is to equip students to think critically about
the causes and consequences of crime and deviance; about evolving issues in the field of
criminal justice; about the potential of empirical research to help guide policy development; and
about the role social organization plays in the development of knowledge. Students are
introduced to both established and contemporary theory, research skills, and practice
requirements in the field. The department’s mission is to properly prepare students to join the
ranks of professionals working for the criminal justice system or social services. In addition, it is
the mission of the department to prepare those who plan to obtain advanced degrees to gain
admission to prominent social science and professional graduate programs around the country.

Concerning students at the master’s level, the department’s mission is to develop research skills
and expand conceptual and practical knowledge critical to fulfilling leadership roles in criminal
justice or social services. Master’s degree students planning to proceed to Ph.D. programs can
expect from the department thorough training in the theories, methodologies, and empirical
findings that promote understanding of deviance, crime, criminal justice, and social organization.

The Department of Criminal Justice Program Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the structure, operations, and practices of the major components of
the criminal justice system which include police, courts, corrections, and laws.
2. Explain the fundamentals of research methods and statistical techniques used in criminal
justice research.
3. Apply critical thinking, creativity, problem solving, and communication skills through
classroom assignments.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of criminological theory and crime control techniques.

Course Description
CRIJ 3350 Social Justice | Examines the historical and philosophical development of the concept
of justice. The course provides an overview of distributive, retributive, transformative,
environmental/ecological, indigenous/postcolonial and postmodern forms of justice; and
examines the nexus of criminal justice and social justice (UTRGV Undergraduate Course
Catalog).

CRIJ 3350 Social Justice is a required core course for the Minor in Social Justice offered by the
Dept. of Criminal Justice.

CRIJ 3350 Social Justice is a HUMAN-RIGHTS based course based on the United Nation’s
Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Course Overview
In this Social Justice course (CRIJ 3350), you will examine the historical and philosophical
foundations of justice and engage deeply with contemporary debates surrounding inequality,

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oppression, and resistance. Rather than staying at the surface, this course invites you to explore
complex issues through a critical and intersectional lens, considering how race, class, gender,
sexuality, colonial histories, and social ideologies shape both criminal justice and broader
understandings of justice.

We will study a range of justice frameworks, including distributive, retributive, transformative,

ecological, postcolonial, and postmodern approaches. These topics will be explored using an
interdisciplinary method that draws from philosophy, history, sociology, political science, and
criminology. This approach is essential for unpacking the ways in which systems of power and
rhetoric about justice operate to control or exclude marginalized communities.

Throughout the course, you will be expected to think critically, communicate clearly, and engage
with course materials through independent reading, quizzes, videos, and modules. Given that this
is an online course, you are responsible for completing all assigned material in a timely manner. I
will not cover every element of the textbook in lecture—your self-directed engagement is
crucial.

The course supports the development of critical thinking, communication skills, social
responsibility, and personal responsibility. You will learn to deconstruct dominant narratives,
challenge stereotypes, and reflect on your role in systems of justice and injustice. In doing so,
you will not only gain academic knowledge but also be called to reflect on the ethical and
political dimensions of justice in everyday life. This course is an invitation to see beyond what is
familiar, to question what is normalized, and to commit to the ongoing pursuit of justice, in
theory and in practice.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to do the following:
1) Identify and describe the various theories of justice
2) Understand the development of universal rights and social justice
3) Identify the concepts and issues of universal rights and their relationship to social justice
4) Identify and describe discrimination, systemic oppression and injustice
5) Identify, understand and describe intersectionality and/or the matrix of domination (racism,
classism, sexism, homophobia, speciesism, etc..)
6) Identify, understand and evaluate social justice movements and organizations

Course Materials and Supplies

Required Reading
Capeheart, Loretta & Dragan Milovanovic. (2020). Social Justice: Theories, Issues &
Movements, 2nd Edition. Publisher: Rutgers University Press (pdf readings provided)

Computer, Internet, and Word Processing Software Access

Each of you will need to have regular Internet access to participate in this course. You do not
need extensive experience with computers or the Internet, but you do need to have a basic
familiarity with web browsing, personal computers, and the Internet.
Minimum configurations for a PC or MAC laptop:

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  Brands can include Dell, HP,  8gb ram or more
Lenovo, ASUS and Apple  256gb or greater SSD disk drive
 13-15” screen  Webcam/Microphone
 10 generation intel processor i5, or
th
 Bluetooth
i7  Wi-Fi
Costs for these computer configurations will range from $800-1500 depending on where they are
purchased from and the brand. Add-on items include headphones (prefer noise canceling and
these range from $50-200 depending on brand and type), and a 64gb USB drive to load
assignments on if needed to print on campus.

The other recommendation is an iPad or iPad Pro, but these are going to be limited to the classes
being held and can work with our Virtual Labs which has all the software that is in our campus
labs. For software needed off campus, all software is available to a student anywhere in the
Virtual Labs via https://virtuallab.utrgv.edu, with the only exception being Adobe Creative
Cloud for home, which is a $240/yr. subscription for the student.

MAJOR COURSE ACTIVITIES AND GRADING POLICY

Grade Distribution
Quizzes: 100
Examination-Final: 100
3350 Trainings- Choose 1: 50
Participation in the online community: 50
Total: 300

Grading Scale
GRADE Percentage OVERALL POINTS
A 90-100% 270-300
B 80-90% 240- 269
C 70-80% 210 -239
D 60-69% 180 -209
F 59% or below 0-179
Grading Note: Please do not contact me to give you points at the end of the course because “You
need this class to graduate,” or “You are a few points away from a higher grade.” The grade you
receive in this class is the one you earned.

I DO provide extra credit, so if you do not take advantage of these opportunities then that is on you.
I DO NOT make special individual-based extra credit opportunities for students.

Major Course Assignments and Examinations

Weekly-Specific Work –
This course is presented as a series of 5 independent learning contents covering the information
for this course. This is not, however, a self-guided or independent study course. Each week has
specific due dates for the variety of assignments contained within, and it will be especially
important for you to monitor due dates as the short semester progresses.

Each module contains specific instructions on how to complete the assignments contained
within.

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Quizzes 1 quiz- 20 points x 5 weeks= 100 points total
Questions will be based on a short answer or essay format. The quizzes consist of approximately
ten questions that are content-based, and they pertain to the assigned readings for the week. Once
started you will have 15 minutes to complete each quiz. It is essential that you have completed
the readings prior to taking the quiz. Make sure you take your quizzes using a stable internet
connection as there will be no re-dos if you service provider fails you. It is your responsibility to
complete the quizzes and to contact Brightspace support if a problem arises. Weekly quizzes
will open on Thursdays at 8 am and are due by 11:59 p.m. on Saturdays in the week they are
assigned. Each quiz is worth 10 points. Quiz grades will be available on Monday the week after
they are due.

Examination 1 finale exam 100pts

The exam will be administered on-line. It is worth 100 points. The exam may use a multiple-
choice, fill-in-the-blank, and short-answer format that covers information from the assigned
readings. Some of these questions will come from your quizzes. Make sure you take your exam
using a stable internet connection, as there will be no re-dos if your service provider fails you. It
is your responsibility to complete the exam and to contact Brightspace support/IT Service Desk
if a problem arises. No make-up test will be given, except for excusable absences that are
documented.

3350 Training Requirement (Choose 1 of 2 Options) Total Possible Points: 50 points

Due: Tuesday, July 6, 2025 by 5:00 PM
This course requires each student to engage in one (1) approved educational training designed to
build awareness, affirm social knowledge, and promote advocacy for justice and health. These
trainings are intended to enhance your ability to recognize and respond to complex social issues
through education and reflection. You must complete one of the following two options.

Option 1 – Amnesty International- Know your rights- Introduction to Human Rights

https://academy.amnesty.org/learn/courses/115/an-introduction-to-human-rights
Purpose: Training a new generation of human rights defenders - strengthening the human rights
movement through action oriented education. This course introduces the basic principles of
human rights and how they relate to your everyday life. It will help you develop the knowledge
and skills to identify, defend, and promote human rights in your community and beyond.

How to Register and Complete the Course- Go to the course website:

https://www.humanrights.com/course/ and Click on “Start Free E-Course”. Create a free account
by entering your name, email address, and creating a password. You may also be asked to
confirm your email address. Once registered, log in and begin the course. Complete all videos,
exercises, and quizzes in each module. You must finish all required activities in every module to
receive your certificate.

Download and save your certificate of completion once all modules are finished. Submit a copy
(PDF or image) of your certificate of completion to the assignment submission link provided

Option 2 – Talk About it Texas- Campus Conversations RGV- June 25, 2025 at 1-4pm at
UREC & Student Health Clinic

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Purpose: To affirm your understanding of sexual and reproductive health and increase your
awareness of education, access, and advocacy around these public health concerns.
Training: Plan A and Seventeen Days
This training is provided by Healthy Futures of Texas and addresses important aspects of sexual
and reproductive health education available to youth and young adults.
 Requirement: Attend and complete Training in full.

Important: You may only choose one of the two options. Late submissions will not be accepted
without prior approval. Certificates or documentation of completion must be uploaded to the
assignment submission link to receive credit.

Participation in Online Community Weekly participation 10pts x 5 weeks= 50pts

The only way to succeed in this class is to be present [even virtually]; therefore, your grade
depends on your participation. Participation in the class is worth 50 points [10 points per week].
Participation and absences will be monitored, and it is your responsibility to make a presence in
the course, in order to assist your classmates with their work. You can only participate if you are
doing the work.

Participation shall be assessed by the student’s involvement in the course at a minimum of once
per week, responding to other students’ general inquiries, or sending individual-based emails to
the instructor regarding their progress on the course. Additional forms of evaluation shall be by
going over the student’s online involvement in responding to more than the required work.

Excessive lack of participation in the course does not exempt the student from academic
requirements. Participation will be impacted by an excessive lack of online interaction, even if
documented, which may result in a student failing the course.

COURSE INFORMATION
Computer, Internet, and Word Processing Software Access
Each of you will need to have regular Internet access to participate in this course. You do not
need extensive experience with computers or the Internet, but you do need to have a basic
familiarity with web browsing, personal computers, and the Internet.
Minimum configurations for a PC or MAC laptop:
Brands can include Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS and Apple
 13-15” screen
 10th generation intel processor i5, or i7
 8gb ram or more
 256gb or greater SSD disk drive
 Webcam/Microphone
 Bluetooth
 Wi-Fi

Costs for these computer configurations will range from $800-1500 depending on where they are
purchased from and the brand. Add-on items include headphones (prefer noise cancelling and
these range from $50-200 depending on brand and type), and a 64gb USB drive to load
assignments on if needed to print on campus.

6
The other recommendation is an iPad or iPad Pro, but these are going to be limited to the classes
being held and can work with our Virtual Labs that has all the software that is in our campus
labs. For software needed off campus, all software is available to a student anywhere in the
Virtual Labs via https://virtuallab.utrgv.edu, with the only exception being Adobe Creative
Cloud for home, which is a $240/yr. subscription for the student.

Time Management
Do not underestimate the time commitment that you will have to make to be successful in this
class. Plan to begin reading immediately. That is why I gave you access to the readings.

Email Communication
Please check your UTRGV email and Brightspace for announcements. Please allow 72 working
hours (3 business days) to respond to email. Please make sure to check your UTRGV email
regularly.

To remain compliant with FERPA guidelines I cannot reply to non-UTRGV emails about
school-related info. Please use your UTRGV-assigned email address when emailing me, since
the university does not let me communicate to a student regarding their progress to other emails.

Tolerance and Respect

The class will be conducted in the “virtual space” of D2L. Our interaction will be text-based and
posted electronically on the LMS system. This system allows for students to cultivate clear and
deliberate thoughts, providing contributions that do not “vanish” after we verbalize them.
Because our primary communication will be written, I expect responses to be thought out,
careful, considered, and to reflect sustained thought and attention to what you say and how you
say it. We cannot lean on non-verbal cues like body language and expression, and so we must be
particularly conscientious.

COURSE POLICIES & PROCEDURES

D2L (Brightspace)
D2L (Brightspace) is web-based, so there is no need to download any special software on your
computer to access the system. You will need the following:
 A web browser that is compatible with D2L, such as Mozilla Firefox
 A word processing program, such as Microsoft Word (preferred)
 Adobe Acrobat Reader software (http://get.adobe.com/reader/)
 Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer (http://powerpoint-viewer-2010.en.softonic.com/)
 A current anti-virus software

Technological Support
If you need assistance with course technology at any time, please contact the Center for
Online Learning and Teaching Technology (COLTT).
Campus: Brownsville Edinburg

Location: Casa Bella (BCASA) 613 Education Complex (EEDUC) 2.202

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 Campus: Brownsville Edinburg

Phone: 956-882-6792 956-665-5327

Toll Free: 1-866-654-4555
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Support Tickets Submit a Support Case via our Ask COLTT Portal
Online Support Chat with a Support Specialist online.

24/7 Brightspace Support

24/7/365 Brightspace Support – Get help anytime with Lumi Chat, available directly inside
Brightspace.
Where to Find It?
Look for the chat icon at the bottom right of your Brightspace screen.

Need help using Lumi Chat? https://support.utrgv.edu/TDClient/1849/Portal/KB/ArticleDet?

ID=163103

Netiquette Guidelines:
Netiquette is Internet etiquette or a set of expectations that describe appropriate behaviors when
interacting online. It is important to understand that you will be held to the exact same standards
of students taking a face-to-face course. In fact, for 100% online courses, your online classroom
behavior may be the only interaction you have with your faculty and classmates, therefore
making your netiquette even more important. Remember, you only get to make a first impression
once, irrespective of the course delivery method.

Be courteous.
You only get one chance for an online first impression. Make it count. Do not say or do anything
in an online classroom that you would not do in a face-to-face classroom. This includes not
“YELLING” (typing in all caps), not “flaming” (attacking someone, such as insults and name-
calling), and/or not dominating the discussion.

Be a good classmate.
Remember your own role as a student. Follow your instructor’s directions at all times. Be
authentic and collaborative with fellow students. Be aware of cyberbullying and make every
attempt to eliminate it. Appreciate the diversity and different communication styles of your
peers. Remember, since this class is online, you may have classmates from all over the world.

Be professional.
Proofread your writing for spelling, grammar, and punctuation to prevent miscommunication.
Avoid slang, sarcasm, or emotionally charged writing, as tone can be difficult to translate online.
Profanity and offensive language will not be tolerated. Do not use abbreviations (2moro, 2T,
B@U) or emoticons in your online class unless your professor approves and supports such
writing styles.
Also:
• Students are to contribute to discussions and group activities.

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 • Student’s contribution should reflect knowledge about the week’s assigned reading.
• Students must express researched answers vs. opinions.
• The classroom is a place where students can express a diversity of viewpoints, but
each individual’s viewpoint should be expressed respectfully and involve no personal
attacks.
• You can challenge the views of others, but you must be prepared to present credible
evidence, and see how that evidence compares to evidence supporting the other
person’s views.

Keep in mind; that all students must have adequate writing skills to communicate content
professionally and concisely. You must be proficient in your written presentations including
strategies for developing ideas, citing scholarly references, writing style, wording, phrasing, and
using language conventions. You are required to follow the American Psychological Association
(APA) guidelines, use non-racist, non-sexist, non-ableist language, and include sufficient
references to support your thesis and ideas in your work. Your work includes group
communication, emails, Brightspace interaction, answers to any assignment, and all
communication submitted or posted within the course environment or outside amongst course
members.

Religious or Spiritual Observations Policy

If you know that you must miss a class deadline for religious or spiritual reasons, please notify
me in writing as soon as possible. Do not wait until the last minute to let me know. Upon receipt
of proper notice, students who miss classes, examinations, or any other assignments as a
consequence of their religious observance will be provided with a reasonable alternative
opportunity to complete such academic responsibilities without academic penalty. Absence from
classes or examinations for religious reasons does not relieve students of responsibility for any
part of the coursework required during the period of absence.

Extra Credit
There may be several extra credit opportunities for this course. Any extra credit offered
throughout the semester will be announced and offered to each student. It may be films,
documentaries, Talk About it Texas Campus Convos-SHARP training, Adult MHFA, OAVP
Toiletry Drive, etc. The list goes on and on. I provide multiple alternatives and for each
opportunity, I provide alternatives too. Please refer to the Grading Note above by the grade
distribution for my practice around extra credit.

Class Work Policy

Students are expected to meet deadlines for all work. Given the nature of this course, it is even
more important that all deadlines be carefully met. Ample time is given to each module for the
completion of your assignments, no late work will be accepted. I highly recommend that you
keep copies of all work that is sent or posted and the documentation that you sent it. Computer
systems are not infallible. Makeup/Late exams are not permitted except in the event of
extraordinary circumstances beyond the control of the student. If you do miss deadlines,
documentation must be provided at least within 3 business days following missed deadlines
to corroborate the student’s need for the makeup.

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Course Attendance Policy
Attendance for this online class is considered when you are logged in and active in the class
Brightspace, i.e., posting assignments, taking quizzes, or completing Assignments, etc. If you
are absent/not active in the class, it is YOUR responsibility to let the instructor know
immediately, the reason for your absence if it is to be excused. Note that I will follow the policy
of 5 consecutive days of unexcused absences/inactivity (i.e., failure to post assignments, take
quizzes, or complete assignments) in an online course resulting in failure of the online
course.

However, if a student has excused absences, then they can have an unlimited number of
documented excuses. Documented excused absences are 1) illness or injury certified by a
physician; 2) serious illness, injury, or death in the student’s immediate family (i.e., parents,
siblings, grandparents, spouse, child, spouse’s child, spouse’s parents, spouse’s grandparents,
step-parents, step-siblings, step-grandparents, grandchild, step-grandchild, legal guardian, and
others as deemed appropriate by the Dean of Students) with documentation, 3) participation in
legal or governmental proceedings that require a student’s presence and that cannot be
rescheduled, 4) pregnancy and parenting requirements under Title IX and the Texas Education
Code or 5) absence from the campus due to a University sanctioned event for which an excused
absence form is provided including mandatory participation as a student-athlete in athletics
sanctioned or other governing-sanctioned athletic competition and/or for a religious holiday,
including days necessary to travel for that purpose. Documentation is needed. You must
complete the missing work within the following 72 business hours of the missed work not
being completed.
* As to #5, you need to contact me ahead of the due date to discuss your options.
Recording of Class Sessions by Students
Unauthorized student recording of classroom or other academic activities (including advising
sessions or office hours) is prohibited. Students requesting the use of assistive technology as
accommodation should contact Student Accessibility Services. Unauthorized use of classroom
recordings – including distributing or posting them – is also prohibited. Under the University’s
Copyright Policy, faculty own the copyright to instructional materials – including those
resources created specifically for the purposes of instruction, such as syllabi, lectures and lecture
notes, and presentations. Students cannot copy, reproduce, display, or distribute these materials.
Students who engage in unauthorized recording, unauthorized use of a recording, or
unauthorized distribution of instructional materials will be referred to the appropriate University
office for follow-up. As referenced in UTRGV HOP Policy STU 02-100 Student Conduct and
Discipline, doing so may result in disciplinary action.

Artificial Intelligence AI
As a partner in your learning, it is important to both of us that any assignment submission is a
pure reflection of your work and understanding. The introduction of artificial intelligence options
to complete academic work jeopardizes my ability to evaluate your understanding of our course
content and robs you of the ability to master the subject matter. Suspicions of use of artificial
intelligence aids will be referred to the Office of Academic Integrity as alleged violations of
Cheating, defined as “unauthorized assistance in connection with any academic work” and/or
Falsification, which includes “Misrepresenting or misleading others with respect to academic
work or misrepresenting facts for an academic advantage.” All violations of AI use will be

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reported to Student Rights and Responsibilities through Vaqueros Report It.

Course Academic Integrity Policy

Engaging in cheating, plagiarism, collusion, facilitating academic dishonesty, fabrication, failure
to contribute to a collaborative project, sabotage, and other forms of academic dishonesty will
not be tolerated in my course. All work may be checked using SafeAssign. It is my policy that if
you are caught engaging in academic dishonesty, you will receive a zero on the assignment. I
will report you to the Dean of Students-Students Rights & Responsibilities even if it is the first
time. I will recommend that they give you an F in the course. For student complaint procedures,
see the Handbook of Operating Procedures and the Vaquero Honor Code. All violations of
Academic Integrity will be reported to Student Rights and Responsibilities through
Vaqueros Report It.

Courtesies and Considerations:

1. Be respectful in all interactions, including on Brightspace. If you have an issue with a
classmate, avoid unprofessional behavior (see H.O.P.) — reach out to me for mediation
(see H.O.P.).
2. Keep discussions, whether in person or online, focused on course-related content. Off-
topic or irrelevant contributions disrupt learning and reduce the quality of engagement for
everyone. Repeated disruptions may result in warnings or penalties.
3. Stay focused and engaged in discussions, whether in-person or on Brightspace. Share
your reactions to readings through class discussions, post responses by deadlines, and
avoid last-minute or off-topic contributions to foster meaningful engagement
4. Solely basing an idea on thoughts, feelings, and beliefs is not critical thinking. You are
expected to evaluate facts, issues, and problems objectively. Consider rational standards
of theory, literature, and research to assess and discuss an issue.
5. Submissions must reflect your own work and understanding. The use of AI tools,
plagiarism, or copying from others will not be tolerated and will be referred to the Office
of Academic Integrity.
6. When communicating online, use clear, professional language with appropriate grammar,
punctuation, and spelling. Avoid slang, excessive abbreviations, casual remarks, or ALL
CAPS, which may be perceived as unprofessional or disruptive..
7. Use appropriate capitalization, punctuation, and spelling in Brightspace posts. Avoid
using ALL CAPS, as it can be perceived as shouting, and refrain from overly casual or
sarcastic remarks.
8. If you are assigned group tasks or collaborative projects, take responsibility for your
contributions and communicate effectively with your peers to ensure the group’s success.
9. If your behavior is disruptive or confrontational, appropriate actions will be taken, which
may include reporting to university authorities or removal from the course.

Academic Concerns: If you have any personal concerns related to class instruction, and/or
fellow classmates, please feel free to come and see me. If your concerns cannot be amicably
resolved, you will be directed to the Chair of the Criminal Justice Department. For student
complaint procedures, see the H.O.P. Handbook of Operating Procedures (H.O.P.)

Handbook of Operating Procedures (H.O.P.)

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As a student at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley, you are expected to conduct yourself
with integrity and respect the rights and freedoms of others. UTRGV provides guidelines for
student conduct in the classroom and on campus. The governing handbook for students, faculty,
and employees is the Handbook of Operating Procedures, found online at the UTRGV website or
Handbook of Operating Procedures. You are responsible for knowing the H.O.P. Student
Conduct Code at stu-02-100.

UTRGV POLICY STATEMENTS

The University policy statements below are intended to create transparency for your rights and
responsibilities as students. We each contribute to ensuring a safe and positive environment
through our actions and conduct, and students are encouraged to advocate for their needs.

STUDENT ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES

Student Accessibility Services staff can be contacted at either campus to
learn about and explore accessibility services.
Campus: Brownsville Edinburg

Location: Music and Learning Center (BMSLC, 1.107) University Center (EUCTR, 108)

Phone: phone (956) 882-7374 phone (956) 665-7005

e-mail ability@utrgv.edu

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Students with a documented disability (physical, psychological, learning, or other disability
which affects academic performance) who would like to receive reasonable academic
accommodations should contact Student Accessibility Services (SAS) for additional information.
In order for accommodation requests to be considered for approval, the student must apply using
the mySAS portal and is responsible for providing sufficient documentation of the disability to
SAS. Students are required to participate in an interactive discussion, or an intake appointment,
with SAS staff. Accommodations may be requested at any time but are not retroactive, meaning
they are valid once approved by SAS. Please contact SAS early in the semester/module for
guidance. Students who experience a broken bone, severe injury, or undergo surgery may also be
eligible for temporary accommodations

PREGNANCY, PREGNANCY-RELATED, AND PARENTING ACCOMODATIONS

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination based on sex, which
includes discrimination based on pregnancy, marital status, or parental status.

Students seeking accommodations related to pregnancy, pregnancy-related condition, or

parenting should submit the request using the form found at Pregnancy and Parenting | UTRGV.

SEXUAL MISCONDUCT AND MANDATORY REPORTING

In accordance with UT System regulations, your instructor is a “Responsible Employee” for
reporting purposes under Title IX regulations and so must report any instance of sexual

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misconduct, which includes sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, domestic violence, and
sexual harassment to the Office of Title IX and Equal Opportunity (otixeo@utrgv.edu). More
information can be found on the OTIXEO website. If students, faculty, or staff would like
confidential assistance, or have questions, they can contact OAVP (Office for Advocacy &
Violence Prevention).

COURSE DROPS:
According to UTRGV policy, students may drop any class without penalty earning a grade of
DR (drop) until the official drop date. Following that date, students must be assigned a letter
grade and can no longer drop the class. Students considering dropping the class should be aware
of the “3-peat rule” and the “6-drop” rule so they can recognize how dropped classes may affect
their academic success. The 6-drop rule refers to Texas law that dictates that undergraduate
students may not drop more than six courses during their undergraduate career. Courses dropped
at other Texas public higher education institutions will count toward the six-course drop limit.
The 3-peat rule refers to additional fees charged to students who take the same class for the third
time.

STUDENT SUPPORT RESOURCES:

Center links E-mail

Advising Center AcademicAdvising@utrgv.edu
Career Center CareerCenter@utrgv.edu
Counseling Center Counseling@utrgv.edu
Food Pantry FoodPantry@utrgv.edu
Learning Center LearningCenter@utrgv.edu
University Library circulation@utrgv.edu
Writing Center WC@utrgv.edu
UCentral ucentral@utrgv.edu

MANDATORY COURSE EVALUATION PERIOD

Students have the opportunity to complete an ONLINE evaluation of this course, accessed
through your UTRGV account (http://my.utrgv.edu). Course evaluations are used by the
instructor to better understand the student experience in the course, which can inform revisions
of the course to ensure student success. Additionally, course evaluations are also used by the
instructor for annual performance review and promotion applications, teaching award
applications, among others. For these reasons, your feedback, reflections, and insights on your
experience in the course are invaluable to ensure student success and a quality education for all.
You will be contacted through email with further instructions. Students who complete their
evaluations will have priority access to their grades.

Online evaluations will be available on or about:

Summer Module 1 (7 weeks) June 11 – 17 2025
Summer I 2025 (5 weeks) July 8 – 14, 2025
Summer Module 2 (7 weeks) August 6 – 12, 2025

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Summer II 2025 (5 weeks) August 15 – 21, 2025

UNIVERSITY CALENDAR
The UTRGV academic calendar can be found at https://my.utrgv.edu/home at the bottom of the
screen, prior to login. Also, you may select here utrgv-academic-calendar.pdf. Some important
dates for Summer 2025 include:

Summer I 2025 Term (June 9 – July 15)

Jun. 9 (Mon.) Summer I classes begin
Jun. 10 (Tue.) Last day to add a class or register for Summer I classes
Jun. 12 (Thurs.) Census Day (last day to drop without it appearing on the transcript)
Jun. 19 (Thurs.) Juneteenth Holiday. No classes
Jul. 3 (Thurs.) Last day to drop (DR grade) a class or withdraw (grade of W)
Jul. 4 (Fri.) Independence Day. No classes
Jul. 14 (Mon.) Study Day. No classes
Jul. 15 (Tue.) Final Exams: Official last day of the Summer I term
Jul. 16 (Wed.) Grades Due at 3 p.m.

Summer II 2023 Term (July 17 – August 22)

Jul. 17 (Thurs.) Summer II classes begin
Jul. 18 (Fri.) Last day to add a class or register for Summer II classes
Jul. 22 (Tue.) Census Day (last day to drop without it appearing on the transcript)
Aug. 13 (Wed.) Last day to drop (DR grade) a class or withdraw (grade of W)
Aug. 21 (Thurs.) Study Day. No classes
Aug. 22 (Fri.) Final Exams; Official last day of the Summer II term
Aug. 25 (Mon.) Grades Due at 3 p.m.

DEAN OF STUDENTS
The Dean of Students office assists students when they experience a challenge with an
administrative process, unexpected situation, such as an illness, accident, or family situation, and
aids in resolving complaints. Additionally, the office facilitates student academic related requests
for religious accommodations, support students formerly in foster care, helps to advocate on
behalf of students and inform them about their rights and responsibilities, and serves as a
resource and support for faculty and campus departments.

Vaqueros Report It allows students, staff, and faculty a way to report concern about the well-
being of a student, seek assistance in resolving a complaint, or report allegations of behaviors
contrary to community standards or campus policies. The Dean of Students can be reached by
email (dos@utrgv.edu), phone (956-665-2260), or by visiting one of the following office
locations: Cavalry (BCAVL) 204 or University Center (EUCTR 323).

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 Calendar of Classes, Sessions, Activities, Readings, Examinations & Assignments:
This syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.
June 9 – July 15
Week 1 (6/9-6/15)
Introduction to Social Justice and Explorations
Syllabi
o Preface
o Chapter 1 Introduction
o Chapter 2 Conceptions of Justice: Philosophical, Sociological and Criminological
o Video- Is Social Justice Just? The Origins of Social Justice [POLICYbrief]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGFdLVsJxbQ&t=12s
o Video- Is Social Justice Just? The Moral Obligations of Social Justice [POLICYbrief]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ePBszKMMNI&t=1s
Due:
Quiz over Week 1- Saturday at 11:59pm Due
EC Quizzes over Videos- Sunday Due at 11:59pm

Week 2 (6/16-6/22)
Explorations of Justice
o Chapter 3 Distributive Justice
o Chapter 4 Retributive Justice
o Chapter 5 Toward Transformative Justice
o What is Justice? Crash Course Philosophy- https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=H0CTHVCkm90&list=PLUcJJvQ7GILSLWakjZIcJd2X5MS0FhfsC
Due:
Quiz over Week 2- Saturday at 11:59pm Due
EC Quiz over Video- Sunday Due at 11:59pm

Week 3 (6/23-6/29)
Issues in Justice
o Ch. 6 Multiculturalism and Globalism: Challenges and Opportunities for Developing
Forms of Justice
o Ch. 7 Environmental, Ecological and Species Justice
o Ch. 8 Indigenous, Post-Colonial and Counter-Colonial Forms of Justice
o American Orange Documentary
o Youth Perspective on Environmental Justice and Racism | Cristal Cisneros |
TEDxCherryCreek- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oa8dDBP5-d8
Due:
Quiz over Week 3- Saturday at 11:59 pm Due
EC Quiz American Orange- Saturday at 11:59pm Due
EC Quiz Youth Perspective on Environmental Justice and Racism - Saturday at 11:59pm Due

Week 4 (6/30-7/6)
Struggles for Social Justice
o Ch. 10 Legal Struggles and Social Justice

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 o Ch. 11 Justice and Grassroots Struggles
o 3350 Training
o Video- Valley of Tears- in Raymondville, Texas at
https://www.kanopy.com/en/utrgv/video/121535 or https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=Mc1tdkKfDjk&t=161s
o Video- The Edcouch Elsa Walkouts- They Called Us Rebels- See below-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITUX8tHTNZU
Due:
3350 Training Module Due Sunday at 11:59pm
Quiz over Week 4- Saturday at 11:59pm Due
EC Quiz over Videos- Sunday Due at 11:59pm

Week 5 (7/7-7/13)
Responses for Social Justice
o Ch. 12 Emerging Conceptions of Justice in a Global Arena
o Ch. 13 Conclusion
o Video- Confronting the Truth- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmfDUyA1_z8

Due:
Quiz over Week 5- Saturday at 11:59pm Due
EC Quiz over Video- Sunday at 11:59pm Due

Final (7/14-7/15)
Final Exam
Due:
SJ Timeline Quiz due Tuesday 7/15 at 5pm
Examination- Due by Tuesday 7/15 at 5pm

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