Hate Crimes

This course will examine the causes, motivations, typologies, and responses to hate crimes. The class is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the causes of prejudice and the impact of hate on both victims and communities. Students will also identify problems encountered by government officials in their attempt to propose and enact legislation that attempts to address the perniciousness of hate in the 21st century. Students will also examine hate crime incidents and cases to gain a broader understanding of the different manifestations of hate in race/ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, and sexual orientation.

Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Deconstruct the underlying causes fueling prejudice and discriminatory behavior that can have profound effects on individuals and communities.
2. Assess the efficacy of governmental polices and legislation in addressing hate crimes, promoting justice, and ensuring accountability.
3. Discuss the impact hate crime has on various aspects of identity including race, religion, ethnicity, gender, disability, and sexual orientation.
4. Explore the social scientific complexities involved in criminal justice legal frameworks to prevent hate crime offenses.
5. Analyze real-world cases and incidents on various forms of hate crime.