INTL 1400 Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation

Throughout the world, Truth and Reconciliation Commissions formed in response to political unrest, racial segregation, war, and genocide. They have become one of the most effective geopolitical tools for local communities to create cultures of resilience. And yet, the process is not perfect and can come with unintended consequences. For instance, organizers in South Africa provided a public space for perpetrators of racial violence to receive amnesty in exchange for revealing the truth about their participation in the apartheid state. Supporters of the model say the commissions resulted in a deeper level of justice than a vengeful system could provide. Critics argue that it unduly rewarded oppressors, leaving populations that truly need redemption out of the process. In this cross-national course, learners apply theories of restorative justice to the study of truth commissions that formed throughout the world, with attention to South Africa, Rwanda, Bosnia, New York City, and Philadelphia. Overall, we will ask: how will future generations use their power to reimagine justice, seek truth, and repair the broken?
Rutgers University · September 12, 2022

In Unit I. Introductions and Frameworks, you will interpret conceptual frameworks and interdisciplinary approaches to justice while analyzing the racial and religious demographics needed to understand the location-based case studies.

In Unit II. Truth, we will examine theories of truth, scientific studies on why people lie, and the political utility of disinformation.

In Unit III. Justice, you will examine legal theories of justice and study their impact on policing, mass incarceration, and capital punishment. Give special attention to how Abolitionists define justice and the psychological and sociological effects of restorative justice programs.

In Unit IV. Reconciliation, study the psychology of conflict resolution, techniques for reconciling legal settlements that grant amnesty, and evaluate how communities rebound from trauma.

In Unit V. Just Communities, present a one-page handout about your vision for manifesting truth, justice, and reconciliation to a community of your choice.

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This course is currently closedTuition Set by Rutgers University
45 hours for 3 College Credits from Rutgers University

Undergraduate, Honors College

Global Communities

By successfully completing this course, Rutgers University students complete the Global Communities (GCM) requirement by examining theories of justice through a global lens and recognizing how legal systems treat racial and religious groups in non-U.S. societies.

Civic Education for the Common Good

We apply the U.S. Department of Education’s Consensus Statements about Constitutional Approaches for Teaching about Religion

▸ Our approach to religion is academic, not devotional;
▸ We strive for student awareness of religions, but do not press for student acceptance of any religion;
▸ We sponsor the study about religion, not the practice of religion;
▸ We expose students to a diversity of religious views, but may not impose any particular view;
▸ We educate about all religions, we do not promote or denigrate any religion;
▸ We inform students about religious beliefs and practices, it does not seek to conform students to any particular belief or practice.

We apply the American Academy of Religion’s “Religious Literacy Guidelines”

▸ “Religious Literacy Guidelines for College Students.” American Academy of Religion, 2019.
▸ “Teaching About Religion: AAR Guidelines for K-12 Public Schools.” American Academy of Religion, April 2010.

We apply the National Council for the Social Studies C3 Frameworks for Religious Studies

College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies State Standards, “Religious Studies Companion Document for the C3 Framework.” Silver Spring, MD: National Council for the Social Studies, 2017.