Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338
News Release
May 06, 1999
New U of G program to focus on crime and public policy
Crime and what government is doing about it make for popular water cooler conversation. Issues like reforming the Young Offenders Act, victims' rights, aboriginal justice issues, sex offenders, prison reform and capital punishment are rarely out of the news. As of May 1, 1999, the topics also form the basis for a unique U of G degree program, Criminal Justice and Public Policy.
The departments of sociology and anthropology and political science came up with the idea for the joint program, and so far the response has been phenomenal, with some 400 applicants. Sociology and anthropology chair Ron Hinch and political science chair Maureen Mancuso say they are being contacted daily by students interested in applying to the program. "I've never seen anything like it," says Hinch.
The new undergraduate program builds on respective research and teaching strengths in the two university departments. The combined curriculum is the only one of its kind in Canada.
Hinch specializes in studies of violent crime, serial murder and violence against women: "What is strange in society today is that while offence rates are going down, people's attitudes towards crime and criminals are actually hardening." The program is attracting a range of applicants, from those wishing to explore current societal issues, to those who plan to pursue an advanced degree, or to those seeking a career in public policy-making or the criminal justice system.
For more information, contact Prof. Ron Hinch at 519-824-4120, Ext. 6527, or Prof. Mancuso at Ext. 6503. This news release was prepared by Communications and Public Affairs at the University of Guelph, 519-824-4120, Ext. 6982.
