Academics
CRIMINAL JUSTICE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
2-year Diploma Program
Program Description & Job Opportunities
Course Listings
Course Descriptions
GE144 Algebra and Statistics (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
Algebra and Statistics is designed to cover basic algebraic concepts and a basic knowledge of statistics used in criminal justice research. The algebraic topics that will covered are basic definitions, operations with signed numbers, order of operations, evaluating formulas, manipulating and solving equations, and percentages. In statistical concept, topics that will be covered are collection of data, organizing the data into charts and graphs, measures of central tendency and measures of dispersion.
LE109 American Constitutional Law (3.0 Credits/60 clock hours)
An investigation of the constitutional foundations of the powers of the three branches of the national government, the evolution of federal-state relationships, and a study of the nature of the judicial process. This includes the concepts of precedent and judicial review. The Bill of Rights and the concepts of Equal Protection and Due Process will also be studied in relation to our criminal justice system.
CD211 Career Preparation (2.0 credits/36 clock hours)
This course supplements the on-the-job training of the internship. Individuals from the business community present material that enhances class work and the internship experience. The purpose is to help students become more professional, more self-confident, and ultimately, more successful. Among the areas covered are professional image building, ethics, sexual harassment, financial management, and health management for men and women.
CP114 Computer Fundamentals (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course in operating systems is designed to introduce students to the terminology and concepts that are required for computer literacy and for future computer related courses. Topics to be covered include hardware, software, DOS, Microsoft Windows, and a brief history of computers.
CJ202 Criminal Evidence (2.0 credits/36 clock hours)
Provides students the opportunity to develop their understanding of the manner in which legal issues and disputes are resolved by trial. The course involves a discussion of the origin, nature, and admissibility of evidence against the accused. The exclusionary rule and the distinction between real and testimonial evidence as admitted or excluded from court proceedings are emphasized. Topics include the hearsay rule and its exceptions, the opinion evidence rule, character and reputation evidence, direct and cross examination of witnesses, burden of proof and presumptions, identification evidence, and other pertinent rules of evidence.
CJ300 Criminal Justice Capstone Project (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This is the capstone course for the Criminal Justice program and gives students an opportunity to test their knowledge and skills. The students utilize criminal justice concepts and theories as they develop their own projects that may range from design and implementation of a security system and emergency procedures in a business to a rehabilitation program for juvenile offenders. A comprehensive project report is written and formally presented.
CJ601 Criminal Justice Internship (8.0 credits/336 clock hours)
To fulfill the requirements of the internship, the student will participate throughout his/her final term in a work-experience program which directly relates to the criminal justice system. Under the supervision of a site supervisor, the student will have the opportunity to enhance his/her education, personal skills, computer skills, and observe the interaction of personnel within a criminal justice environment.
CJ201 Criminal Procedure & Investigation (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
Introduces students to the rules and procedures that govern the pretrial processing of criminal suspects and the conduct of criminal trials. This course also examines the basic aspects of criminal investigation; presents an overview of crimes and their elements; identifies the major goals of investigation; discuss various investigative techniques and the criminal investigators relationship with individuals and other agencies. Discussion includes a number of issues relevant to the constitutional safeguards, as well as the cases reflecting current trends in criminal procedure. Particular investigative procedures employed in investigation of such crimes as homicide, rape, arson, and organized crime will be detailed.
CJ104 Criminology (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
Examines the extent and nature of crime in today's societies, the nature of criminal behavior and other forms of deviance. Major areas of investigation include general characteristics of crime and criminals, social and individual factors producing criminality, the most significant theoretical contributions to the study of crime and delinquency, and specific forms of crime.
LE105 Cyber Law (2.0 credits/36 clock hours)
This course covers the ethical and political issues pertaining to technology as it relates to the world of business. Subjects follow a logical application of the legal issues surrounding e-commerce. The course will provide an overview of the law and the legal system in order to provide context for concepts studied.
CP105 Database (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course will cover beginning and intermediate database topics. The student will learn what a database is and how it is used in business. The student will also learn how to design and build a database, tables, reports, queries and forms. General database topics such as normalization will be covered as well as features specific to Microsoft Access.
CJ209 Emergency Procedures (2.0 credits/36 clock hours)
This course provides an introduction to basic OSHA requirements, hazardous materials identification and response in terms of public safety. This course also examines occupational hazards, injuries, diseases and relative prevention in the workplace.
EN101 English I (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
Students will learn the current practices of effective oral and written communication skills necessary for success in business and industry.
GE127 English II (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
Students will continue studying and practicing the four bases of writing (unity, support, coherence, correctness). Students will write paragraphs, essays, summaries of short articles, continue to write in their journals, and write a research paper.
LE107 Family Law for Criminal Justice (1.0 credits/24 clock hours)
This course takes students on a study of family law. The course provides a detailed overview of family law including examination of the formation of the marriage contract, annulment, separation agreements, divorce procedures, child custody and child support, paternity and adoption.
MD220 First Aid & CPR (1.0 credits/24 clock hours)
The purpose of this course is to give individuals in the workplace the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and provide basic care for injuries, sudden illness and breathing emergencies until advanced medical personnel arrive and take over. Individuals will learn the skills necessary to perform CPR for victims of sudden cardiac arrest.
CJ210 Forensic Science (1.0 credits/ 24 clock hours)
The forensic portion of the course will examine scientific aspects of the criminal investigation. The major emphasis is placed upon the collection, analysis, preservation and processing of physical evidence. Some of the topics to be covered include the crime scene search, fingerprints, blood analysis and DNA identification, firearms, hair, fibers, paint and questioned documents.
GE109 Human Relations (2.0 credits/36 clock hours)
This course is designed to be an in depth study and the building of specific skills in the area of one-to-one communication. Emphasis is placed on group dynamics, conflict resolution, dealing with diversity and social responsibility.
CJ106 Human Rights Issues in Criminal Justice (2.0 credits/36 clock hours)
Examines the idea of human rights, its political and legal universality, and historical evolution. Major emphasis is on the concept of ethics and legal mechanisms developed to protect them within the criminal justice system. The course addresses ethical dilemmas through different stages of the criminal justice process (criminal investigation, trial, sentencing, punishment), seeking to determine if constitution, statutes and judicial decisions establish foundation for the policy which balances conflicting interests of the law.
CJ103 Introduction to Corrections (2.0 credit/36 clock hours)
An examination of the role of corrections focusing on punishment, rehabilitation, and the administration of prisons. Also, included is an introduction into the study of rehabilitation of criminal offenders.
CJ101 Introduction to Criminal Justice (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
An introductory survey of the American criminal justice system. Discussion of the police, defense and prosecuting attorneys, courts, institutional corrections, community-based corrections, and the juvenile justice system. The definition and the measurement of crime, and various efforts to explain the causes of crime. General issues for consideration include discretion in the administration of criminal justice; due process; and contemporary change in the American criminal justice system.
CJ105 Introduction to Criminal Law (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
Viewing the criminal law as a means to the end of influencing human behavior, intensive analysis is made of various principles of criminal liability that apply in virtually every criminal case: justification, attempt, conspiracy, and parties to crime. Focus is also on legal requirements for criminal defenses such as ignorance and mistake, immaturity, insanity, and intoxication. The law of homicide is explored in all its facets. The common law and statutes of Pennsylvania are studied.
CJ102 Introduction to Law Enforcement (2.0 credits/36 clock hours)
Gives an understanding of the role and function of policing in a modern democratic society. Examines contemporary American policing in light of its roots, and compares it to policing in other countries. Discussion is focused on wide spectrum of law enforcement agencies, identifying most important characteristics of city, state, and federal police work. Particular attention is paid to current issues and trends in law enforcement, including race, index crime, drugs, disorder, conflict, and riot.
LE106 Introduction to the Law of Torts (2.0 credits/36 clock hours)
This course is designed to provide the student an overview of tort law generally and historically. Topics to be covered include: negligence and its defenses; special negligence actions, such as premises liability, vicarious liability, product liability and strict liability; and intentional torts.
GE106 Introduction to Psychology (2.0 credits/36 clock hours)
This course is an overview of basic psychological concepts. The relationship of psychology and states of consciousness to behavior introduces the areas of learning, memory, thinking and intelligence. Motivation, emotion and stress will be included as well as personality and social psychology. Emphasis is placed on the application of these principles in the student’s life at work and at home.
GE140 Introduction to Sociology (1.0 credits/24 clock hours)
In this survey course, students are encouraged to think about society critically, by examining such topics as: culture, socializations, social interaction, social inequality, and social change. Included are the study of race and ethnicity, sex and gender, families, government, health care, urbanism and the environment.
CJ108 Introduction to Victimology (2.0 credits/36 clock hours)
This course focuses on the criminal justice system's treatment of crime victims, victim programs and services, and the impact of victimization on individuals and communities. The course will discuss why victims have been "rediscovered" recently, why they often do not report crimes to the police, how some victims might share responsibility for the crimes with the offenders, how they can be repaid for their losses through offender restitution and government compensation; and what new services are available to help victims prevent crime and survive attacks.
CD204 Job Search (1.0 credits/ 24 clock hours)
This course instructs students in job seeking skills. Topics such as informational interviewing, resume development, application completion and job interviewing will be covered. Students will identify work and personal skills, role-play mock interviews using a video camera, and start to develop a list of prospective employers for which they would like to work.
CJ208 Juvenile Delinquency (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
An intensive analysis of delinquent behavior by juveniles, with special emphasis upon the unique facets of delinquency (types and origins) which differentiate it from other forms of criminal behavior. Examines the legal rights, treatment, and rehabilitation of juveniles who have been adjudicated "delinquent". Special attention is given to the problems inherent in the police handling of juveniles and the functions of juvenile courts.
KE101 Keyboarding I & Lab (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course is designed to teach the student correct keyboarding techniques and to help the student operate the letters, numbers, and symbol keys. Introduction to letters, memorandums, centering, tabulation, simple reports, word division, and business forms are stressed. This class will also provide time for students to increase their speed and accuracy through drill work and timed writings.
CP212 Microsoft Office (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
MS Office XP is an integrated suite of applications providing word processing, spreadsheet capability, presentation graphics, and database management. This course will acquaint the student with a broad range of tools and techniques for each application, as well as an understanding of how information is shared between applications.
PD119 Personal Development (1.0 credits/24 clock hours)
This course is designed to explore the fundamental building blocks to a student's success in school and ultimate success in the workplace. The focus is on building success through goal setting, motivation, personal responsibility, self-discovery, and change.
CJ203 Physical Security & Safety (1.0 credits/24 clock hours)
The use of physical controls for securing facilities, as well as methods of prevention of internal and external losses in business. Topics include parking and traffic control, security and fire alarm systems, locking systems, and electronic access control devices. Safety and liability problems are also discussed.
CD212 Professional Development (2.0 credits/36 clock hours)
This course is taken concurrently with the internship. The faculty advisor and the student discuss the student's progress at the internship site in a group setting, and for specific problems and successes, individually. Weekly reports are submitted and the experiences of the week are reviewed. In addition, classroom instruction may be given to address areas where the interns, faculty or site supervisors feel additional work is needed. Field trips to explore different business environments and/or to expand knowledge about the area of study may be taken.
CJ207 Protective Security Law (1.0 credits/24 clock hours)
Basic legal issues facing a private security officer. An overview of legal powers, limitations and general liabilities are addressed. Major topics include powers of arrest, detention, search and seizure, use of force, interrogation and probable cause. The civil and criminal penalties applicable to security agents who engage in abuse of power or illegal activities are also discussed.
CJ204 Psychological Foundations of Criminal Justice (2.0 credits/36 clock hours)
This course is designed to explore and apply psychological principles and practice to the varied police functions in present-day society. Some of the specific topics that will be discussed and critically examined are: the unique psychological stresses of police work and their effect on the police officer, his family, and the public; identification and management of the problem police officer; psychological stresses of command; psychology of crowds; riots and their effective control; the application of psychological principles to detective work. The interpersonal psychodynamics of the police with civilian complainants, victims, and violent, aggressive individuals will be reviewed in depth.
CJ107 Rehabilitation of the Offender (2.0 credits/36 clock hours)
Through examination of the literature, this course will explore correctional programs designed to rehabilitate offenders. The study of both institutional treatment models and community-based models will include: family intervention, counseling, self help programs, diversion, house arrest, community service, probation and halfway houses and others.
GE224 Speech (1.0 credits/24 clock hours)
This introductory course offers fundamentals in communication with emphasis on improving speaking and listening skills. This course will familiarize students with formal speech preparation, presentation skills and non verbal communication.
CP104 Spreadsheets (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course uses a problem-solving approach to teach spreadsheet functions. The student will be introduced to beginning and intermediate level spreadsheet functions that will be used for creating, manipulating and enhancing a worksheet, for creating graphics based on the worksheet, enhancing a worksheet, integrating worksheets, and graphics.
CJ206 Terrorism & Homeland Security (2.0 credits/36 clock hours)
Studies the phenomena of international and domestic terrorism from the historical and criminal justice perspectives. Historical and political viewpoints are discussed, as well as a study of the changing trends in homeland security and justice.
WP202 Word Processing (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course is designed to provide students with the basic understanding of word processing keyboarding applications, concepts, and terminology. The purpose of the course is to develop an ability to use Microsoft Office® Word 2003 sotfware for both professional use (simple business correspondence) and for personal use (report writing).
GE145 Writing for Criminal Justice (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
Students will apply the principles of grammar, punctuation, usage, composition, and critical thinking to writing effective legal and business messages. Students will learn acceptable business correspondence formats and will prepare a resume, a letter of application, and a thank-you letter. Students will also write a legal article for publication. As a final project, students will also produce a legal issue brief on recent legal legislation or case law. The legal brief will discuss the issues, identify stakeholders, and evaluate the pros and cons of the issue. Some writing assignments will team students with partners for a collaborative writing experience. Students will also take weekly vocabulary/writing quizzes, and the average of all quizzes will equal one test score.
