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CRJ 101 Introduction to Criminal and Social Justice

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.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: SSC 100 or concurrent

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

CRJ 101 Introduction to Criminal and Social Justice

Campus Location

  • Dover
  • Georgetown
  • Stanton

Effective Date

202651

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.

Additional Materials

None

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Disclaimer

None

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Describe the historical aspects of our criminal justice system and identify the landmark moments and cases that have shaped it to the present day. (CCC 2, 5; PGC 1, 2, 5)
  2. Examine potential careers within the criminal justice system. (CCC 5; PGC 1, 2, 5)
  3. 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)
  4. 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)
  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)
  6. Describe the role of critical thinking and application of data in the field of criminal justice. (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:

  1. Describe the historical aspects of our criminal justice system and identify the landmark moments and cases that have shaped it to the present day.
    1. Trace and review the historical development of law enforcement in the United States from the 18th century to the 21st century.
    2. Identify key philosophical, economic, social, and political forces and events that influence the criminal justice system.
    3. Review current and past policies, programs, and issues in the criminal justice system.
    4. Describe the importance of law and authority when dealing with issues of manmade incidents or natural disasters using historical examples.
  2. Examine potential careers within the criminal justice system.
    1. Identify the various professional positions within the criminal justice system.
    2. Review the roles, responsibilities, demands, and nature of each position.
    3. Assess the criminal justice system interrelationships and interactions within various agencies and with the general public.
    4. Describe the educational, technological, and training requirements necessary for each position.
  3. Examine the current structure and operation of law enforcement and homeland security systems within the United States.
    1. Review the importance of hierarchy within law enforcement and homeland security agencies.
    2. Explain the basis of law enforcement operations in different types of law enforcement agencies.
    3. Assess the strategies needed to respond to major incidents such as warrant searches, terrorist threats or natural disasters.
    4. Identify the importance of continued training and education for members of the law enforcement community.
    5. Describe the purpose and importance of community outreach by law enforcement agencies.
  4. Examine the current structure and operation of the federal and state court systems within the United States.
    1. Review and discuss the criminal court procedure at the federal, state, and local levels.
    2. Identify the role of judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys and other member of the courtroom workgroup.
    3. Classify and differentiate the structure, function, and administration of the federal, state, and local court systems.
  5. Examine the current structure and operation of correctional and rehabilitation systems within the United States.
    1. Review the history of correctional institutions in the United States.
    2. Identify the operation, administration, procedures, and effects of prisons and other correctional institutions (public and private).
    3. Discuss the various treatment modalities available to those supervised by the correctional system.
    4. Explain legal issues related to custody, probation, parole, and release processes.
    5. Discuss the impact of sociological forces upon the correctional system, and discuss major issues influencing its future development.
  6. Describe the role of critical thinking and application of data in the field of criminal justice.
    1. Discuss the role of critical thinking in the field of criminal justice.
    2. Demonstrate the application of critical thinking skills to criminal justice scenarios.
    3. 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 (4) (equally weighted)

60%

Formative Assessments

The course will contain various formative assessments including but not limited to:

  • Quizzes
  • Assignments
  • Career research
  • Discussion boards

40%

TOTAL

100%

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, corrections, and homeland security.
  2. Analyze causes of adult and juvenile crime.
  3. Explain the importance of professionalism, ethics, and critical thinking skills in the field of criminal justice.
  4. Apply skills needed in investigation, report writing, and crisis intervention.
  5. 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)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. 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.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.

Academic Integrity

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Academics/Academic-Integrity

Attendance

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Search?q=attendance

Cell phone/Electronic Device

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Student-Policy/Cell-Phone-and-Electronic-Device-Policy

Tuition Adjustment Policy

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Financial/Tuition-Fee-Adjustment-Policy-Course-or-Semester-Withdrawal