Assignment:
Explanation Assignment
Note: This paper can be done individually or in groups of 2. However, you will not be able to have the same partner for the other paper assignment.
This assignment requires you to explain restorative justice to people unfamiliar with the concept. You'll need to have a solid understanding of restorative justice yourself in order to be able to explain it well. Be sure you have studied the course readings carefully.
1) Prepare a handout that you can use in your explanation of restorative justice. Along with this handout, decide how you are going to explain this perspective.
2) Explain restorative justice to two people (in different conversations) who are not in this class and who do not have any background in restorative justice. If you are working with a partner, you should both take part in each interview. Again, you should do this exercise twice with one participant each time. You are allowed to make changes for the second conversation if warranted.
3). Your paper should include the following:
A) Explain how you described restorative justice. This does not have to be a "word-for-word" summary of your conversation but rather an outline of how you decided to best explain restorative justice. If you decided to change the explanation in some significant way for the second time, explain why.
B) Summarize your experience, their reactions, and what you learned about restorative justice and how to best present it.
C) Attach the handout to your paper.
The recommended length for this paper is 6 to 8 pages. Thoroughness and quality of writing should be your guidelines. Papers should be typed, double-spaced, and stapled. Include page numbers. Papers should be well-developed, well-written, and organized. Do not turn in something that reads like a rough-draft. Read, sign, and attach the paper checklist to your paper.