Criminal and Social Justice

CJ-101-48A — Introduction to Criminal Justice (3 credits)

This course is a comprehensive introduction to the Criminal Justice System, with emphasis on the roles and responsibilities of the police, courts, and corrections. It explores the impact of the three branches of the government at the federal and state levels. Federal and State Constitutional rights of the accused and the roles of key players in the judicial process are studied. This introductory course provides a solid foundation of the United States Criminal Justice system and provides a historical context for the examination of currents trends and developments in the field.

Prerequisite: None.

CJ-202 – Prisons: Punishment and Rehabilitation in America (3 credits)

This course is a study of American penology—the study of prison management and criminal rehabilitation—in a sociological context. In addition, it examines the major issues that have helped shape the landscape of American Corrections. This includes a discussion of current treatment modalities, inmate subcultures, prison management, and sentencing trends. The course explores the use of alternatives to incarceration and the latest trends in prisoner re-entry.

Prerequisite: None.

HS-101-48B — Introduction to Human Services (3 credits)

This course examines the historical, social and political forces that have led to the development of both governmental and non-profit human services systems in contemporary America. The organization and operation of the primary social supports for meeting human service needs; the various models for the delivery of those services; theoretical perspectives; target populations, and the characteristics and skills of a human service professional. Ethical considerations and diversity issues are addressed.

Prerequisites: None.

CJ-211 — Criminal Justice System and the Community (3 credits)

This course examines the relationship between the components of the criminal justice system and the communities they serve. Contemporary approaches to crime reduction are also discussed. Various community concerns are explored. Issues that prevent a cooperative environment, as well as the internal and external barriers to such relationships are examined in detail. Emphasis is placed on developing community awareness of criminal justice agencies, utilizing resources to engage in problem solving with citizens, and promoting community crime prevention initiatives.

Prerequisite: CJ-101.

CJ-212 – Ethical Issues in Criminal Justice (3 credits)

This course examines the purpose and functions of ethics in society, the sources of ethical conflicts in the criminal justice system, and appropriate resolutions. Students address personal and professional value systems, ethical standards, and ethical-decision making. Emphasis is placed on individual responsibility and accountability to society.

Prerequisite: CJ-101.

HS-121 – Principles of Interviewing and Report Writing (3 credits)

This course focuses on clinical interviewing in the context of the human services profession. Students develop effective interviewing skills such as communicating involvement, active listening, open- and closed-ended questioning goal-setting and contracting, as well as expressing warmth and empathy. Additionally, students become aware of the effect that the interviewer’s prior attitudes and behaviors can have on the success of the interview. Role-playing, case studies, and digital recording are used to aid the learning process. Data collected from the interview are utilized for report writing, improving assessment skills, and the formulation of a treatment plan.

Prerequisite:HS-101.

HS-201 – Ethical Issues in Human Services (3 credits)

This course prepares students for the challenging ethical dilemmas that often confront human services professionals. The course provides students with a general understanding of the basic principles of ethics and ethical decision-making, with an emphasis on its application to the field of human services. Students become familiar with current ethical and legal issues that the human services professional are exposed to in a variety of settings and learn the principles of bioethics as it relates to topics such as abortion, right to life, and right to die.

Prerequisite:HS-101.