Course Number and Title:
CRJ 115 Communication and Cultural Awareness in Criminal Justice
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: SSC 100 or concurrent
Course Credits and Hours
3 credit(s)
3 lecture hours/week
0 lab hours/week
Course Description
This course focuses on interpersonal communication skills, cultural and social understanding, and the implications of cultural dynamics within the field of criminal justice.
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
- Explain fundamental aspects of interpersonal communication and interpersonal sensitivity. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4; PGC 3, 4)
- Identify the ethical and legal responsibilities of the criminal justice professional in varied communication settings. (CCC 4; PGC 3, 4)
- Describe the role of multicultural competence when working with diverse populations. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4; PGC 1, 3, 4)
- Demonstrate the interpersonal skills needed for effective communication. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4; PGC 3, 4)
- Identify and implement specific strategies to communicate with populations of varying needs and demographics. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4; PGC 3, 4)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- Explain fundamental aspects of interpersonal communication and interpersonal sensitivity.
- Explain common communication barriers.
- Demonstrate effective listening skills.
- Describe the different types of human communication.
- Identify the ethical and legal responsibilities of the criminal justice professional in varied communication settings.
- Identify common ethical issues.
- Explain the role of confidentiality and its limitations in various criminal justice settings.
- Describe the role of multicultural competence when working with diverse populations.
- Identify and discuss issues relating to culturally diverse populations, including race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexuality, disability and socioeconomic status.
- Explain the importance of applying techniques that are relevant to the population being served.
- Identify personal and implicit biases that impact communication competency and effectiveness.
- Demonstrate the interpersonal skills needed for effective communication.
- Demonstrate active listening/attending techniques.
- Demonstrate varied questioning techniques.
- Demonstrate reflection techniques.
- Demonstrate clarification techniques.
- Demonstrate techniques to effectively explore challenges and develop solutions.
- Identify and implement specific strategies to communicate with populations of varying needs and demographics.
- Differentiate communication styles for clients, victims, perpetrators, and witnesses.
- Assess effectiveness of various communication styles for select populations.
- Demonstrate strengths-based interventions.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
| 90-100 |
= |
A |
| 80-89 |
= |
B |
| 70-79 |
= |
C |
| 0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Final Course Grade
Calculated using the following weighted average
Evaluation Measure | Grade |
Summative Assessments |
Exams (4) (equally weighted) | 60% |
Formative Assessments |
The course will contain various formative assessments including but not limited to: - Quizzes
- Assignments
- Role plays
- Discussion boards
| 40% |
TOTAL | 100% |
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
- Demonstrate knowledge of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, corrections, and homeland security.
- Analyze causes of adult and juvenile crime.
- Explain the importance of professionalism, ethics, and critical thinking skills in the field of criminal justice.
- Apply skills needed in investigation, report writing, and crisis intervention.
- Demonstrate communication skills appropriate to criminal justice, including cultural competence and trauma-informed care.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.