CRJU 495: Critical Perspectives in Criminal Justice
Prerequisites: CRJU 365, CRJU 370, and CRJU 385; Senior Standing, and declared major or minor in Criminal Justice or permission of the instructor
Credit Hours: (3)
CRJU 495 is a senior level courses designed to emphasize a variety of applied and synthesizing skills, including oral communication, intensive writing, and service learning. Decision making skills and ethics will also be emphasized in the area of public policy.
|
Note(s): Applied Learning designated course.
|
Detailed Description of Content of Course
1. Introduction to Public Policy
2. Ethics in Criminal Justice
3. Public Policy in Law Enforcement
Five law enforcement issues will be explored with ethical consideration. Position papers and student debate will be utilized to help students master relevant concepts.
4. Public Policy Issues in Courts
Five court issues will be explored with ethical consideration. Position papers and student debate will be utilized to help students master relevant concepts.
5. Public Policy Issues in Corrections
Five correctional issues will be explored with ethical consideration. Position papers and student debate will be utilized to help students master relevant concepts.
6. Service Learning
30 hours of community service (optional)
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
CRJU 495 will utilize a discussion-presentation format. Students will be required to present position papers that deal with specific public policy issues in criminal justice and be prepared to have that position critically examined by other class participants. On an individual basis, students may also be required to complete a senior level paper which deals with a problem that confronts our system of justice in the United States. Papers will consider ethical factors and issues. Students may also complete up to 30 hours of community service.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
Having successfully completed this course, the student will have:
(a) Developed the ability to communicate orally to the extent that the student can
present ideas, facts and feelings in a coherent and logical manner
(b) Developed the ability to uncover, synthesize and defend conclusions based on relevant
information involving public policy issues confronting the criminal justice system
today
(c) Demonstrated the ability to communicate ideas and thoughts through writing
(d) Developed an ethical framework that will assist with uture decision making in
the criminal justice field
(e) Developed an appreciation for and an understanding of the professional responsibilities
and obligations assumed by the various practitioners in the criminal justice system
(f) Demonstrated a sensitivity to the broad social problems that presently confront
our communities and criminal justice practitioners.
Assessment Measures
(1) Skill Assessment
(a) oral skills
1. oral presentations
2. student debates
(b) writing skills
1. position papers
2. journal entries regarding volunteer work
3. Senior level position paper
(2) Knowledge Assessment
(a) examinations
(b) public policy position papers
(c) Senior level research paper
(d) critical analysis and class participation
Other Course Information
None
Review and Aproval
DATE ACTION APPROVED BY
July 2005, Reviewed by Dr. Isaac Van Patten, Department Chair
May, 2011
March 01, 2021