Comparative Justice in Europe

Summer 2012: May 15 to June 2 (tentative dates)

Program Location

This course examines comparative justice issues in Europe. To that end, the course begins in the Netherlands then travels to Belgium, Luxembourg, and France. The itinerary includes stops in six cities: Amsterdam, The Hague, Brussels, Luxembourg, Strasbourg, and Lyon.

Academic Program

The course focuses on comparative justice in Europe. A variety of justice issues will be examined, including but not limited to transnational crime (such as human and drug trafficking), international crime (genocide and war crimes) and courts, human rights, and criminal justice. Students will have the opportunity to engage with international/global justice issues through visits to the International Court of Justice, International Criminal Court, and European Court of Justice.  Reactions to lawbreaking will be compared in the countries as students examine law enforcement and systems of punishment with site visits and guided tours to such places as Europol/Interpol. In addition, students will investigate the historical and political factors that shape the various systems of justice.

The instructional methods used in this course include site visits, guided tours, guest lectures, and discussion groups. Students will be expected to read scholarly works available online prior to departure. Assessment methods include journals, reflection essays, participation and engagement, and a final paper. Casterbridge, an educational tour company, is responsible for transportation and lodging and will also secure classroom facilities at some of the universities we will visit.

The program will begin online (Blackboard) one week prior to departure. Students will be expected to read a number of scholarly works in preparation for the class abroad.

No visas are required for 90 days of travel in the countries we will visit. Students need to allow ample time to renew/obtain passport. 

The travel itinerary is attached to this document and available at the tour provider's web site.

Tentaitve course schedule:
JUST 301--Comparative Justice in Europe (6)

Accommodations

Students will be resididng in hotels, hostels, residence halls/dormitories, and a Bed and Breakfast. All breakfasts and some dinners will be provided in group meals.

Program Costs

For the current projected costs for this program, please click on the following link to the Fees for JMU Study Abroad Programs page. Note: full program costs will incorporate the tour fee per participant plus other group costs, plus 6-credits of tuition, and will be billed by JMU.

Application

For more detailed instructions and to download the application, please click on the following link to the Applications and Forms section for JMU Short-Term Programs.

The program is only open to sophomores and above (18 or older) with a GPA minimum of 2.0.       

For More Information

For additional information about the Comparative Justice in Europe program, please contact the program director:

Tammy Castle
Assistant Professor
Justice Studies
E-mail: castletl@jmu.edu
Tel: 540-568-5929