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 emphasizes the development of effective interpersonal communication skills, and cultural awareness in criminal justice settings. Course topics examine how bias, identity, and social dynamics influence interactions across diverse communities. Expectations include, respectful engagement with individuals such as other criminal justice professionals, victims, witnesses, and offenders through real-world scenarios and applied practice. The course emphasizes strengths-based communication and strategies that promote trust and professionalism.
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
Apply fundamental aspects of interpersonal communication and multicultural sensitivity. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4; PGC 3, 5)
Identify the ethical and legal responsibilities of criminal justice professionals in varied communication settings. (CCC 2, 4; PGC 3)
Explain the role of multicultural competence when working with diverse populations. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4; PGC 3, 5)
Demonstrate the interpersonal skills needed for effective communication. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4; PGC 4, 5)
Model effective communication strategies with populations of varying needs and demographics. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4; PGC 4, 5)
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:
- Apply fundamental aspects of interpersonal communication and multicultural sensitivity.
- Explain common communication barriers.
- Demonstrate effective listening skills.
- Describe the major types of human communication (e.g., verbal, nonverbal, written, digital).
- Identify the ethical and legal responsibilities of criminal justice professionals in varied communication settings.
- Identify common ethical issues in criminal justice communication.
- Explain the role of confidentiality and its limitations in various criminal justice settings.
- Explain the role of multicultural competence when working with diverse populations.
- Explain communication issues affecting interactions with culturally diverse populations (e.g., race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexuality, disability, socioeconomic status).
- Describe techniques for adapting communication strategies to meet the needs of diverse populations.
- Describe personal and implicit biases that impact communication effectiveness.
- Demonstrate the interpersonal skills needed for effective communication.
- Demonstrate active listening, appropriate questioning, and reflection techniques to build understanding and rapport.
- Apply clarification techniques to ensure understanding.
- Apply strategies to explore challenges and develop collaborative solutions.
- Model effective personal communication strategies with populations of varying needs and demographics.
- Differentiate communication styles for clients, victims, perpetrators, and witnesses.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies used with specific 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 (2-3) (equally weighted) | 30% |
Role-Play Scenario: Interpersonal Communication in Action | 15% |
Communication Analysis Assignment: Bias and Cultural Impact in CJ Settings | 15% |
Formative Assessments |
The course will contain various formative assessments, including but not limited to: Quizzes Assignments Career research Journals 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.