Criminal Justice Studies Curriculum

This introductory course explores the development of the American judicial system. Students will examine the operational procedures of the federal, state, municipal, and specialized court systems as they impact law enforcement and/or corrections.

Criminal Justice - Introduction

10504163

UGRD

| 3 CR

Students will explore the evolution of criminal justice systems, including courts, corrections, and law enforcement. Understand career pathways within the criminal justice system, including roles, functions, and professionalism.

Introduction to Criminal Law

10504164

UGRD

| 3 CR

Identify basic concepts of criminal law. Students will explore the elements of various crimes against persons, property and crimes involving drugs, alcohol, or other criminal activity. Understand the diverse sentence structures in the criminal justice system.

Communication Strategies

10504165

UGRD

| 3 CR

Students will learn about the communication process and techniques used to make them effective, professional communicators. Verbal and nonverbal communication strategies will be incorporated for a variety of situations and populations. Professional communication skills, including Motivational Interviewing (MI), interviewing, and interrogation techniques will be emphasized.

Policing Strategies

10504167

UGRD

| 3 CR

Students will learn various policing strategies. Emphasis will be placed on community policing philosophies and problem solving using community resources. Understand how to identify and develop partnerships in the community to promote positive community relationships.

Wellness

10504168

UGRD

| 2 CR

Understand how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including stress management and relaxation, weight control, effective sleep, minimization of alcohol and tobacco use, financial stability, and spirituality. Recognize factors contributing to suicide within the criminal justice profession.

Criminal Justice Due Process

10504169

UGRD

| 3 CR

Learn key concepts and principles of due process and constitutional law. the U.S. Constitution, particularly the Bill of Rights, will be analyzed as it applies to the criminal justice professionals. Legal precedent setting cases and state law will be reviewed.

Criminology

10504172

UGRD

| 3 CR

This introductory course examines the nature, demographics, and impact of crime in the United States. Using a scientific approach, students will analyze the theoretical causation of criminal activity. Explore legal and political implications of crime prevention and control.

Juvenile Justice System

10504175

UGRD

| 3 CR

Compare and contrast the juvenile and adult justice systems. The historical aspect of the juvenile system will be studies and compared to the modern day system. Juvenile sanctions and dispositions, including rehabilitation and therapy, will be discussed. Laws covering child maltreatment and children in need of protection services will be recognized.

Criminal Justice Ethics

10504176

UGRD

| 3 CR

This course explores the ethical, legal, and criminal justice professional issues. It is designed to teach a process of ethical decision-making and to increase awareness of the complexities in the criminal justice system for criminal justice professionals.

Criminal Justice Report Writing

10504181

UGRD

| 3 CR

Learn basic requirements, guidelines, and skills for proper and professional written documentation of activities in a criminal justice setting. The student will explain the context of report writing, take effective field notes, organize information in reports, write narratives, and describe what information should/should not be included in certain types of reports.

Emerging Issues in Criminal Justice

10504184

UGRD

| 3 CR

This course will explore contemporary trends and key issues associated within the criminal justice field. Drawing from student experience in learning, students will come up with solutions for responding to current issues. Topics may include implicit bias, mental health, CIT (Crisis Intervention Training), drug/alcohol effects, social media and technology, homeland security, and other current issues.
PREREQUISITE: 32 credits of 10504XXX coursework must be completed

Criminal Justice Capstone

10504183

UGRD

| 2 CR

This course is the capstone work-based experience for the Criminal Justice Studies program. It is designed to encourage students to think critically and solve challenging problems. Students will design, develop, and perform a project either in an actual work experience or a simulated project. The project will be designed to utilize skills typical of a graduate in the field. Instructor approval is required prior to enrolling in this course. PREREQUISITE: 32 credits of 10504xxx or 10520xxx coursework must be completed.

CHOOSE 1 OF THE 2 FOLLOWING COURSES:

Criminal Justice Investigations

10504173

UGRD

| 3 CR

Gain general knowledge of investigative strategies and techniques. Learn basic information on identifying, processing and preserving various types of evidence, and processing crime scenes. Interview and interrogation techniques will be practiced within legal guidelines of Miranda.

Correctional Institutions

10504174

UGRD

| 3 CR

Students will study the evolution of punishment, jails, and prisons. Emphasis will be given to institutional subgroups, evidence based practice and rehabilitative institutional programs and services.

CHOOSE 1 OF THE 2 FOLLOWING COURSES:

Traffic Law Enforcement

10504177

UGRD

| 3 CR

Gain basic knowledge of Wisconsin traffic laws. General skills of detecting traffic violations, issuing traffic citations, directing traffic and crash investigation will be gained. Identify responsibilities of a first responding officer, how to manage the response to a scene, and take necessary steps to enable effective follow-up as needed.

Probation/Parole

10504146

UGRD

| 3 CR

Explore the function, duties, and role of probation and parole. Learn the types of offenses, sentencing process, presentence investigation, revocation procedures, transitioning, and alternatives to incarceration. Identify and implement classification and assessment tools proved to be effective in evidence based practice.

Required General Studies Courses

English Composition 1

10801136

UGRD

| 3 CR

This course is designed for learners to develop knowledge and skills in all aspects of the writing process. Planning, organizing, writing, editing and revising are applied through a variety of activities. Students will analyze audience and purpose, use elements of research, and format documents using standard guidelines. Individuals will develop critical reading skills through analysis of various written documents. Students will complete a service learning or global awareness project. NOTE: This course is recognized for general education transfer as part of the University of Wisconsin (UW) System/Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Universal Credit Transfer Agreement (UCTA).

Introduction to Sociology

10809196

UGRD

| 3 CR

Introduces students to the basic concepts of sociology: culture, socialization, social stratification, multi-culturalism, and the five institutions, including family, government, economics, religion, and education. Other topics include demography, deviance, technology, environment, social issues, social change, social organization, and workplace issues. Students will complete a global awareness project. NOTE: This course is recognized for general education transfer as part of the University of Wisconsin (UW) System/Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Universal Credit Transfer Agreement (UCTA).

Intro to Psychology

10809198

UGRD

| 3 CR

This science of psychology course is a survey of multiple aspects of behavior and mental processes. It provides an overview of topics such as research methods, theoretical perspectives, learning, cognition, memory, motivation, emotions, personality, abnormal psychology, physiological factors, social influences, and development. Students will complete a global awareness project. NOTE: This course is recognized for general education transfer as part of the University of Wisconsin (UW) System/Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Universal Credit Transfer Agreement (UCTA).

CHOOSE 1 OF THE 2 FOLLOWING COURSES:

Speech

10801198

UGRD

| 3 CR

Explores the fundamentals of effective oral presentation to small and large groups. Topic selection, audience analysis, methods of organization, research, structuring evidence and support, delivery techniques, and other essential elements of speaking successfully, including the listening process, form the basis of the course. Students will complete a service learning or global awareness project. NOTE: This course is recognized for general education transfer as part of the University of Wisconsin (UW) System/Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Universal Credit Transfer Agreement (UCTA).

Oral/Interpersonal Communication

10801196

UGRD

| 3 CR

Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.

CHOOSE 1 OF THE 3 FOLLOWING COURSES:

Math with Business Applications

10804123

UGRD

| 3 CR

This course integrates algebraic concepts, proportions, percents, simple interest, compound interest, annuities, and basic statistics with business/consumer scenarios. It also applies math concepts to the purchasing/buying and selling processes.

College Mathematics

10804107

UGRD

| 3 CR

This course is designed to review and develop fundamental concepts of mathematics in the areas of algebra, geometry, trigonometry, measurement and data. Algebra topics emphasize simplifying algebraic expressions, solving linear equations and inequalities with one variable, solving proportions and percent applications. Geometry and trigonometry topics include; finding areas and volumes of geometric figures, applying similar and congruent triangles, applying Pythagorean Theorem, and solving right triangles using trigonometric ratios. Measurement topics emphasize the application of measurement concepts and conversion techniques within and between U.S. customary and metric system to solve problems. Data topics emphasize data organization and summarization skills, including: frequency distributions, central tendency, relative position and measures of dispersion. Special emphasis is placed on problem solving, critical thinking and logical reasoning, making connections, and using calculators.

Introductory Statistics

10804189

UGRD

| 3 CR

Students taking Introductory Statistics display data with graphs, describe distributions with numbers, perform correlation and regression analyses, and design experiments. They use probability and distributions to make predictions, estimate parameters, and test hypotheses. They draw inferences about relationships including ANOVA. Students will complete a data analysis project related to issues in undergraduate research. NOTE: This course is recognized for general education transfer as part of the University of Wisconsin (UW) System/Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Universal Credit Transfer Agreement (UCTA). Recommended Prerequisite: Introductory computer skills to include spreadsheets. PREREQUISITES: 10834109 Pre-Algebra, any associate degree or college parallel level WTCS mathematics course, or additional measures may be considered as determined by the counselor.

CHOOSE 1 OF THE 2 FOLLOWING COURSES:

Introduction to Diversity Studies

10809172

UGRD

| 3 CR

Introduces learners to the study of diversity from a local to a global environment using a holistic, interdisciplinary approach. Encourages self-exploration and prepares the learner to work in a diverse environment. In addition to an analysis of majority/minority relations in a multicultural context, the primary topics of race, ethnicity, age, gender, class, sexual orientation, disability, religion are explored. Students will complete a global awareness project. NOTE: This course is recognized for general education transfer as part of the University of Wisconsin (UW) System/Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Universal Credit Transfer Agreement (UCTA).

Abnormal Psychology

10809159

UGRD

| 3 CR

The course in Abnormal Psychology surveys the essential features, possible causes, assessments, and treatment of mental health challenges from the viewpoint of the major historical and theoretical perspectives in the field. Students will be introduced to the diagnostic system of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Biological, psychological, and socio-cultural perspectives in understanding and responding to abnormal behavior will be addressed, as well as current topics and issues. PREREQUISITE: 10809198 Introduction to Psychology.