Juvenile Justice

INSTRUCTOR INFO

Matthew Ross

matthewr@pdx.edu 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This interdisciplinary seminar provides an opportunity for small groups of students from PSU and small groups of students currently in detention at Donald E. Long (DEL) to work together in a structured, peer and collaborative learning environment to study and address a variety of social justice issues. Each week, our class will meet remotely with DEL youth in SE Portland. All students will examine their own perceptions about social justice and social change and examine and develop their perceptions of their own role as agents of change. Together we will study historical and contemporary examples that will help us understand various tools for effecting positive social change, and for maintaining personal well-being while in the midst of struggle. Participants will have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of a variety of social justice issues through readings, film and discussion. Additionally, as a whole group, students will complete a project of benefit to the community. All students (inside and outside) will have equal ownership of and participation in the project and will thus contribute to the positive transformation of themselves, their community and the world.

The course will meet in person on Mondays, connect via Zoom for an hour on Wednesdays and students will volunteer for an hour at DEL each week. 

CONTACT INFO

Matthew Ross, matthewr@pdx.edu