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Overview

An exploration of different theories of justice from ancient to contemporary times. Examples may include justice as a social contract, justice as impartiality, distributive justice, reconciliation and restorative justice, and retributive justice.

About this paper

Paper title Theories of Justice
Subject Criminology
EFTS 0.1500
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 2 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,103.10
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Prerequisite
One 100-level POLS paper or PHIL 103 or 72 points
Restriction
POLS 202
Schedule C
Arts and Music

Timetable

Semester 2

Location
Dunedin
Teaching method
This paper is taught On Campus
Learning management system
Aoroa

Lecture

Stream Days Times Weeks
Attend
A1 Monday 13:00-13:50 29-34, 37-42
Tuesday 14:00-14:50 29-35, 37-42

Tutorial

Stream Days Times Weeks
Attend one stream from
A1 Thursday 09:00-09:50 30-35, 37-41
A2 Thursday 10:00-10:50 30-35, 37-41
A3 Thursday 12:00-12:50 30-35, 37-41
A4 Thursday 13:00-13:50 30-35, 37-41
A5 Thursday 15:00-15:50 30-35, 37-41

Terms Test (Streamed)

Stream Days Times Weeks
Attend one stream from
A1 Monday 13:00-13:50 35
A2 Monday 13:00-13:50 35

Overview

An exploration of different theories of justice from ancient to contemporary times. Examples may include justice as a social contract, justice as impartiality, distributive justice, reconciliation and restorative justice, and retributive justice.

This paper explores different theories of justice in contemporary political thought. All societies need rules, but what constitutes a just law and why? What might be a fair distribution of society's resources? Do we need to accommodate and affirm gender and cultural differences in our public policies and laws or should justice be blind to such differences? And how should we punish those who transgress our laws?

The topics we examine in exploring these questions include rights, distributive justice, equality and multiculturalism, the politics of community, representation and difference, retributive justice and revenge, forgiveness and reconciliation.

About this paper

Paper title Theories of Justice
Subject Criminology
EFTS 0.1500
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 2 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Prerequisite
One 100-level POLS paper or PHIL 103 or 72 points
Restriction
POLS 202
Schedule C
Arts and Music
Eligibility

An interest in national and international affairs is an advantage.

Contact

sgsc@otago.ac.nz 

Teaching staff

Dr Rachel Billington

Textbooks

The readings will be available on eReserve.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Global perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this paper will:

  • Possess an in-depth understanding of the key debates and concepts in contemporary Anglo-American political theory on issues of social justice and theories of punishment.

  • Have skills in critical analysis, argumentation, research and writing.

Timetable

Semester 2

Location
Dunedin
Teaching method
This paper is taught On Campus
Learning management system
Aoroa

Lecture

Stream Days Times Weeks
Attend
A1 Wednesday 16:00-16:50 28-34, 37-41
Thursday 12:00-12:50 28-34, 37-41

Tutorial

Stream Days Times Weeks
Attend one stream from
A1 Friday 09:00-09:50 29-34, 37-40
A2 Friday 10:00-10:50 29-34, 37-40
A3 Friday 12:00-12:50 29-34, 37-40
A4 Friday 13:00-13:50 29-34, 37-40
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