The first class will be Thursday 5-7 pm in 2062 VLSB!

Course Description:

This Decal aims to train students in the art and processes of Restorative Justice and Restorative Practice in the context of social justice and community building. During weekly meetings, students will discuss the meaning of justice and its applications in our society, and consider ways of disrupting cycles of violence and oppression through restorative responses to harm and crime. We will also tackle issues of campus climate, while building community and relationships through circle practice. We see social justice and community building connecting through the creation of safe and brave spaces for solidarity and action planning in response to the real world issues people are facing while at UC Berkeley and in their communities. Through restorative processes, people learn that they are not alone with their concerns and struggles, and can share resources and strategies for micro and macro-level change.

The course will utilize an experiential learning model that emphasizes the processes themselves. Class meetings will take the form of circles, each with its own unique theme and style. Guest speakers with experience in the social justice arena, restorative justice and community building for solidarity will bring their unique knowledge and expertise into the circles. Participants will be required to develop research projects discussing campus and community issues with an emphasis on the potential for responses based in Restorative Justice and Restorative Practice.

Course Outcomes:
Students in the DeCal will develop their own intentional community through weekly circle practice, and through that community, engage a series of issues related to community building and its inverse—alienation—at UC Berkeley and in the larger society.
Through weekly practice, students will be trained as circle facilitators so that they feel confident to conduct circles in their own communities.
Students will explore, research, theorize and report on the relationship between circle practice, social justice issues and wellness.

Course Grading
To fulfill the expectations of the course and receive a passing grade, students will be required to complete the following:
- attend 8 two-hour circle sessions
- facilitate one circle in their community or with a community partner and present the outcomes of the circle in a 3-page paper
- write a series of reflections on the relationship between RJ, social justice and wellness
- complete a final report and presentation on their exploration of the relationship between circles, social justice and wellness.

Course Weekly Meetings :
Course meeting date and time: Thursdays, 5-7 pm
Course meeting location: VLSB 2061