Course Number and Title:
CRJ 101 Introduction to Criminal and Social 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 provides an examination of the history and philosophy of the criminal justice system. The structure and function of law enforcement and the judicial and correctional systems are compared and contrasted with an overview of law and order issues facing the federal, state, and local agencies. Public service careers in the criminal justice system are surveyed.
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
- Describe the historical development of the United States criminal justice system, including landmark moments and cases that have shaped its evolution. (CCC 2, 5; PGC 1, 2, 5)
- Examine potential careers within the criminal justice system. (CCC 5; PGC 1, 2, 5)
- Examine the current structure and operation of law enforcement and homeland security systems within the United States. (CCC 2, 3, 5; PGC 1, 2, 3, 5)
- Examine the current structure and operation of the federal and state court systems within the United States. (CCC 3, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 4, 5)
- Examine the current structure and operation of correctional and rehabilitation systems within the United States. (CCC 3, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 4, 5)
- Assess how critical thinking and the use of data impact criminal justice outcomes. (CCC 1, 2, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 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:
- Describe the historical development of the United States criminal justice system, including landmark moments and cases that have shaped its evolution.
- Discuss the historical development of law enforcement in the United States from the 18th century to the 21st century.
- Identify key philosophical, economic, social, and political forces and events that influence the criminal justice system.
- Explain current and past policies, programs, and issues in the criminal justice system.
- Describe the importance of law and authority when dealing with issues of manmade incidents or natural disasters using historical examples.
- Examine potential careers within the criminal justice system.
- Identify the various professional positions within the criminal justice system.
- Summarize the roles, responsibilities, demands, and nature of specific positions.
- Examine the criminal justice system interrelationships and interactions within various agencies and with the general public.
- Describe the educational, technological, and training requirements necessary for specific positions.
- Examine the current structure and operation of law enforcement and homeland security systems within the United States.
- Explain the importance of hierarchy within law enforcement and homeland security agencies.
- Explain the basis of law enforcement operations in different types of law enforcement agencies.
- Describe the procedures needed to respond to incidents such as warrant searches, terrorist threats, or natural disasters.
- Discuss the importance of continued training and education for members of the law enforcement community.
- Describe the purpose and importance of community outreach by law enforcement agencies.
- Examine the current structure and operation of the federal and state court systems within the United States.
- Discuss the criminal court procedure at the federal, state, and local levels.
- Identify the role of judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and other members of the courtroom workgroup.
- Compare and contrast the structure, function, and administration of the federal, state, and local court systems.
- Examine the current structure and operation of correctional and rehabilitation systems within the United States.
- Describe the history of correctional institutions in the United States.
- Explain the differences in operation and administration in public and private correctional institutions.
- Discuss the various treatment modalities available to those supervised by the correctional system.
- Identify legal issues related to custody, probation, parole, and release processes.
- Discuss the impact of sociological forces on the correctional system and major issues influencing its future development.
- Assess how critical thinking and the use of data impact criminal justice outcomes.
- Discuss the role and importance of critical thinking in the field of criminal justice.
- Apply critical thinking skills to criminal justice scenarios.
- Examine the use of evidence-based practices in making decisions.
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% |
Career Research Analysis & Timeline | 15% |
Critical Thinking & Analysis Scenarios | 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.