2023-24 Edition

Race and Justice Studies, Graduate Emphasis

Students from any UCI state-supported graduate or professional program, including J.D., Master's, and M.F.A. students, are eligible to apply to the Emphasis in Race and Justice Studies, housed in the Department of Criminology, Law and Society. The Emphasis in Race and Justice Studies is comprised of three interconnected components that promote inclusive excellence: 1) A mentorship proseminar; 2) Interdisciplinary coursework and writing that emphasizes cross-departmental interests and perspectives on critical studies of race, crime, and law; 3) Engagement with diverse audiences through traditional and innovative forms of research presentation.

Students may apply for admission into the Emphasis upon completion of CRM/LAW C260A-CRM/LAW C260B-CRM/LAW C260C, Race and Justice Studies Proseminar. Admitted students who satisfactorily complete program requirements (see below) will be awarded a letter signed by the Director noting that the student has incorporated Race and Justice studies into their research and professional activities. Each student will be assigned a peer and faculty mentor to discuss the student's ongoing research and the value of inclusive excellence.

The following is needed to apply for admission

  1. Satisfactory completion of CRM/LAW C260A-CRM/LAW C260B-CRM/LAW C260C, the mentorship proseminar.
  2. A statement of interest.
  3. An unofficial transcript.
  4. One faculty reference letter that speaks to the student's capabilities.
  5. Endorsement of the student's application by the student's advisor. The student's advisor may provide the reference letter.
Requirements
  1. CRM/LAW C260A-CRM/LAW C260B-CRM/LAW C260C, Race and Justice Studies Proseminar, a mentorship proseminar, consisting of 10 workshops, discussions, and presentations offered over three quarters. Students will receive a grade for this proseminar in the spring quarter.
  2. CRM/LAW C262, Special Topics in Race and Justice Studies, or other emphasis-approved seminars on race and justice. Students should consult with the Director about approved courses.
  3. CRM/LAW C261, Race and Justice Studies Writing Seminar in which a paper developed through Race and Justice Studies coursework and programming will be workshopped and revised toward publication.
  4. A public presentation which translates the student's Race and Justice Studies-influenced research for an interdisciplinary audience, which can include but is not limited to those found through professional associate conferences, small symposia and colloquia, social media publications, community-based collaborations, program and policy consultations, and artistic or alternative media formats.
Petition for Formal Letter of Completion

A transcript showing satisfactory completion of coursework, a writing seminar paper, and a one-page report of public presentation is required for the petition for a formal letter of completion.

For students admitted to graduate study before fall 2016, prerequisites must be fulfilled between fall 2016 and spring 2019 and requirements must be fulfilled between fall 2016 and spring 2021. Upon approval by the Director, students may use prior coursework to satisfy one of the requirements of the Emphasis.