Course Number and Title:
CRJ 218 Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice
Prerequisites
CRJ 118 and CRJ 220 and CRJ 231 and CRJ 226
Course Credits and Hours
3 credit(s)
3 lecture hours/week
0 lab hours/week
Course Description
This course examines the challenges and contemporary issues that face the criminal justice system today. A variety of topics include disproportionate minority confinement, police-community relations, mass incarceration, and gun violence. The course will also consider the impact of social media, news media, and political factors on the criminal justice system.
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
- Identify and critically assess contemporary issues in criminal justice. (CCC 1, 2, 5; PGC 1, 2, 3, 5)
- Evaluate the impact of social, political, and technological changes on the criminal justice system. (CCC 1, 2, 5; PGC 1, 2, 3, 5)
- Analyze criminal justice policies, practices, and reforms. (CCC 1, 2, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 5)
- Analyze case studies and current events to understand real-world applications. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 5).
- Discuss the impact of ethical decision making, cultural competence and a trauma-informed approach on current issues in criminal justice. (CCC 1, 2, 4; PGC 1, 2, 3, 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:
- Identify and critically assess contemporary issues in criminal justice.
- Recognize current issues and trends in criminal justice, including but not limited to mass incarceration, racial disparities, substance abuse, juvenile justice reform, the intersection of mental health and criminal justice and police accountability.
- Evaluate current issues and trends from various points of view.
- Evaluate the impact of social, political, and technological changes on the criminal justice system.
- Discuss the impact of technology changes in surveillance and digital evidence as well as using technology to engage in predictive policing.
- Examine the impact of social movements and the identification of racial disparities in the criminal justice system.
- Explore the impact of political and legal changes, including the intersection of addiction, crime and law enforcement.
- Analyze criminal justice policies, practices, and reforms.
- Describe how criminal justice policies and practices are created and implemented, including constitutional amendments, statutory law and regulations.
- Examine how policies and practices are legally changed.
- Examine how social movements influence the reformation of criminal justice policies and practices.
- Analyze case studies and current events to understand real-world applications.
- Explore current events in print, broadcast and social media related to current issues in criminal justice.
- Examine varied perspectives of current issues.
- Apply data driven research and practices to a current issue in criminal justice.
- Discuss the impact of ethical decision making, cultural competence and a trauma-informed approach on current issues in criminal justice.
- Identify potential ethical issues in current issues in criminal justice.
- Explore how culturally competent criminal justice professionals can create positive change in the system.
- Explain how a trauma-informed approach to justice involved individuals can create positive change in the system.
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 |
Exam (3) (equally weighted) | 50% |
Criminal Justice Reform Research Paper | 10% |
Formative Assessments |
The course will contain various formative assessments including but not limited to: Quizzes Assignments 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.