Law Enforcement Associate's Degree

This course teaches students basic to advanced computer concepts and skills, including creating and modifying Word documents, designing databases, spreadsheet creation and analysis, using the Internet and E-Commerce tools, and creating presentations with enhanced features and web tools.

Prerequisite: none

Course ID: D132
Credits: 3

An introductory course designed to provide students with a general foundation of knowledge in the criminal justice field. Course participants will explore the different parts of the criminal justice system, their interrelationships, and the role of each in the criminal justice process. Students will examine the historical basis for the contemporary American legal system, policing styles and the evolution of crime prevention, the structure of the judicial system and its professional participants from pre-sentencing through post-conviction, corrections strategies for criminal offenders, and special considerations for juveniles in the criminal justice system.

Prerequisite: none

Course ID: J100
Credits: 4

Students will examine the theoretical underpinnings of police work in the United States, including its historical roots, its current status, and the trends that will shape its future. They will explore the problems and solutions facing citizens, patrol officers, administrators, and agencies. They will also cover contemporary practices such as Community Oriented Policing, Problem Oriented Policing, and Directed Patrol. In investigating these topics, student will develop skills in critical thinking and problem solving. For residential only, this course includes a fieldwork assignment.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Criminal Justice

Course ID: J120
Credits: 4

Students will master the skills of both oral and written communication. They will examine grammar and the mechanics of writing. They will also explore special communication issues, such as communicating with crime victims. They will develop skills for proper report writing, including such documents as search warrants, police reports, and case documents. Students will evaluate the impact of proper report writing, communication, and documentation on the outcome of legal proceedings, and review the importance of effectively translating written work into courtroom testimony.

Prerequisite: Policing in America

Course ID: J122
Credits: 4

This course provides an examination of substantive and procedural criminal law. Students are introduced to the Federal and State courts systems. The concepts of evidence sufficiency, standards of proof, and due process are explored. Statutory defenses, mitigating factors and circumstances which may excuse criminal responsibility, and common law principles are examined. For residential only, this course includes a fieldwork assignment.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Criminal Justice or Introduction to Law and the Legal System.

Course ID: J131
Credits: 4

This course examines violence in the family; social and legal relations within families; theories and solutions on family violence; survivors and the consequences of victimization; legal responses; the role of the police; when law enforcement responds; recognizing child abuse; recognizing elder abuse; associated crimes and stalking and domestic homicide.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Criminal Justice

Course ID: J200
Credits: 4

An overview of the juvenile justice system including the nature and extent of delinquency, explanatory models and theories, the juvenile justice system, juvenile court practices and procedures. The role of law enforcement and juvenile correctional officer will be explored as well as juvenile training schools, probation and aftercare treatment.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Criminal Justice or Introduction to Human Services

Course ID: J213
Credits: 4

Students will examine how principles of psychology relate to law-enforcement work. They will explore fundamental concepts from a policing perspective, focusing on the real-world effects these principles produce on peace officers, their families, and the citizens they serve. Students will apply ideas from psychology to create effective victim- and witness-interviewing strategies, offender behavior-modification approaches, and officer coping methods. They will review the short- and long-term physiological and psychological effects of stress, trauma, and occupational experiences unique to the profession.

Prerequisite: Policing in America

Course ID: J222
Credits: 4

This course provides a strong theoretical foundation for solving ethical dilemmas. Students will gain a realistic picture not only of what ethical questions arise in criminal justice, but also of how sound moral decisions are made in response to them.

Prerequisites: Policing in America; Criminal Law and Procedures: Crime in the Courtroom

Course ID: J255
Credits: 4

Students will learn the skills for legal, effective, and safe traffic enforcement on city streets and major thoroughfares. They will examine implications of traffic codes and relevant court decisions through practical application. They will explore criminal and drug interdiction strategies through effective traffic enforcement, and special considerations in impaired driver enforcement. They will learn to operate enforcement tools such as speed detection devices and alcohol sensory equipment. Students will examine the writing and articulation of enforcement decisions, and potential court outcomes of enforcement actions.

Prerequisites: Ethics in Criminal Justice, Practical Psychology for Law Enforcement

Course ID: LE210
Credits: 3

Students will learn the fundamental principles of marksmanship for firearms competency, and will progress to police-specific skills needed for proficiency in firearms use. They will practice the care and maintenance of firearms.

Prerequisites: Ethics in Criminal Justice, Practical Psychology for Law Enforcement or enrolled in certificate

Course ID: LE219
Credits: 2

Students will build upon fundamental principles of marksmanship to gain firearms skills unique to law enforcement and officer survival. They will examine considerations related to use of force and deadly force, focusing on decision-making in force levels and articulation of force decisions. They will implement tactical considerations throughout training, including combat firearms skills and mental preparation for use of deadly force. Students will experience scenario-based and simulation training to help them synthesize shooting skills with proper use-of-force decisions in real-time situations.

Prerequisite: Firearms I: Fundamentals of Armed Police Response

Course ID: LE220
Credits: 2

Students will learn fundamental fighting principles, including technical and psychological aspects of physical combat. They will use tactical positioning, command presence, verbalization skills, and interpretation of body language in confrontational situations. Compliance and control techniques will be taught, ranging from empty-hand techniques, ground defense, and weapon retention to application of common police officer tools such as handcuffs, chemicals, batons, and electronic control devices. They will explore concepts of physical fitness and mental survival.

Prerequisites: Ethics in Criminal Justice, Practical Psychology for Law Enforcement

Course ID: LE227
Credits: 2

Students will build on fundamental police defensive tactics to synthesize physical knowledge with use-of-force decision-making. They will learn decision-making skills in ambiguous use-of-force incidents, demonstrating their ability to assess situations, respond appropriately, apply reasonable force, and articulate their reasoning. They will use practical application exercises and scenario-based training to maximize training effects.

Prerequisite: Use of Force I: From Empty Hands to TASERS or enrolled in certificate

Course ID: LE228
Credits: 2

Students will examine the investigation processes for crime scenes and crashes. They will explore issues of scene security, evidence collection, handling, and processing, and documentation. They will discuss legal issues of crime scene processing, and review basic investigation and reporting forms and the reporting requirements established by statute and policy.

Prerequisites: Ethics in Criminal Justice, Practical Psychology for Law Enforcement or enrolled in certificate

Course ID: LE233
Credits: 3

Students will examine Minnesota criminal code and related statutes to gain a thorough understanding of peace officer responsibilities under Minnesota law. They will review specific Minnesota crimes and their elements, levels of offense, and the proper handling of suspects involved in various crimes. Charging, defenses, and sentencing will also be explored.

Prerequisite: none

Course ID: LE240
Credits: 2

Students will explore motor vehicle laws and statutes related to traffic enforcement in Minnesota. They will examine rules pertaining to driving, equipment, motor vehicle insurance, and driver licensing. They will identify unique circumstances and vehicles in traffic law, including commercial motor vehicles, implements of husbandry, boats, and all-terrain vehicles. Students will also review alcohol and drugs impairments to driving, and enforcement of related laws.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Criminal Justice or enrolled in certificate

Course ID: LE245
Credits: 2

Students will synthesize learning from all areas of training. They will respond to realistic calls for service and apply their knowledge of law enforcement to achieve resolution of a variety of common policing scenarios. They will discuss fire, arson, and explosives response. They will learn principles of good judgment and decision-making, and will articulate their enforcement choices and the potential legal implications of each. Students will also learn fundamental driving principles for routine and high-speed pursuit driving, and will apply these principles in laboratory exercises. They will discuss the legal and policy aspects of police pursuits and effective call response.

Prerequisites: Use of Force I: From Empty Hands to TASERS; Firearms I: Fundamentals of Armed Police Response; Traffic Enforcement: Managing Traffic Violators; Crime Scene Response: The Real CSI or enrolled in certificate

Course ID: LE284
Credits: 4

Students will examine the future of law enforcement by reviewing the topical areas of law enforcement required for success in the field. They will discuss current employment opportunities, certification requirements, and application and hiring processes. They will review specialty areas for successful certification and licensing, and discuss the potential ethical, legal, social, and political ramifications for the future.

Prerequisites: Students must be enrolled in the Law Enforcement program and in their last or second to last quarter.

Course ID: LE290
Credits: 2

This course is intended to help students develop their ability to write and express ideas in an organized, unified, coherent manner that reflects an appropriate awareness of purpose and audience. Through writing, reading, and discussion, students will learn to synthesize their thoughts as they communicate more effectively. Course concepts are applied to essays, research projects, and specialized writing. Regular writing and revision will improve students' grammar, punctuation and usage skills.

Prerequisite: Passing grade in Reading and Writing Strategies or placement determined by STEP assessment score.

Course ID: G124
Credits: 4

The course will introduce students to basic models and theories of the communication process. Students will learn about a variety of elements involved in communication. They will also explore how factors such as race, ethnicity, age, socioeconomic status, and gender influence communication. Students will focus on developing an awareness of the effects of various types of communication on themselves and others. They will also develop practical skills for improving their ability to communicate in personal, social and professional contexts. Specific topics will include perception, self-concept, verbal and non-verbal communication, effective listening and communicating in culturally diverse settings.

Prerequisite: Passing grade in Reading and Writing Strategies or placement determined by STEP assessment score.

Course ID: G141
Credits: 4

This course will present students with a broad understanding of communication in a variety of contexts. Students will learn the processes and strategies of oral communication by exploring speech anxiety, audience analysis, and organizational speech patterns. Students will research, use supporting materials, and use effective language to develop and present a narrative, informative and persuasive speech.

Prerequisite: none

Course ID: G227
Credits: 4

This course investigates human creative achievement. It is designed to increase the student's understanding and appreciation of cultural literacy and the pursuit of humanitarian goals. Representative disciplines may include art, music, literature, architecture, drama, and philosophy.

Prerequisite: none

Course ID: G125
Credits: 4

Students will study different elements, forms, techniques and styles of film and will learn a critical approach to film and the motion picture industry. Students will critique films and filmmakers through various approaches and assessments that demonstrate analysis, interpretation, and evaluation skills as well as fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of film as an art form.

Prerequisite: none

Course ID: G145
Credits: 4

Students will examine the historical, social, and technological factors that contribute to understanding the function and meaning of art in this course. Using a global and thematic approach, students will be introduced to the basic elements of art, while learning about a full range of media used to make art, and the fundamental concepts of art criticism. Western and non-Western art is represented, with a strong emphasis on a global perspective in relation to culture, communication, politics, and economics.

Prerequisite: none

Course ID: G147
Credits: 4

Students will study the development of representative musical styles and techniques in this course. Students will learn about the formal structure of music and the significant figures that have shaped the various periods in musical history.

Prerequisite: none

Course ID: G151
Credits: 4

This course provides students with an introductory understanding of the fundamental questions of philosophy, and an opportunity to develop their own attitudes and beliefs as they seek greater knowledge. Some of the topics students will explore include what it means to be human, the nature of reality, what is truth, morality, free will, and the nature of the self. Significant figures that have played a vital role in developing various fields of philosophy will also be introduced.

Prerequisite: none

Course ID: G155
Credits: 4

This course will develop the student's talents in creative writing. Various forms of writing will be studied, such as short stories, novels, poems, plays and non-fiction. Works by students and others will be critiqued. Students will also develop editorial skills so that each writer may revise and improve his/her work. Students will compose a minimum of 6000 words over the course of the program.

Prerequisites: Passing grade in Reading and Writing Strategies or placement determined by STEP assessment score.

Course ID: G201
Credits: 4

This course is designed to expose the student to both a variety of literary forms and important writing topics such as symbolism, myth, and character. Utilizing writing as a major mode of thinking, continued emphasis is placed on construction and composition, including word usage, grammar and sentence analysis. A documented research paper is required.

Prerequisite: English Composition

Course ID: G220
Credits: 4

A study of the rules of valid judging and reasoning, both inductive and deductive, in a traditional, language-centered context rather than a symbolic context. Logical analysis of both formal and informal fallacies and of the consistency and logical consequences of a given set of statements. Logical analysis is applied to concrete problems dealing with our knowledge of reality.

Prerequisite: English Composition

Course ID: G224
Credits: 4

This course is designed as a study of ethical practices and principles and its relationship to personal and social morality. Emphasis is placed on the application of ethical theories to problems faced in business and society.

Prerequisite: none

Course ID: G225
Credits: 4

This course offers an introduction to the most common literary genres: fiction, poetry, drama, and literary non-fiction. Students will study the basic elements of each genre, learn how to compare genres, become familiar with sample texts that illustrate the particularities of each genre, and practice the skills of analyzing and writing about literary texts. Reading and analysis of texts will include a variety of literary forms and periods. Students will engage in approaches to determine literary meaning, form, and value.

Prerequisite: none [English Comp. recommended]

Course ID: G230
Credits: 4

This course focuses on common words and phrases students need to develop a working vocabulary which will enable them to communicate with Spanish-speaking individuals in their personal and professional lives. Although oral communication is stressed, included is an overview of Spanish grammar, phonetic pronunciation and Hispanic culture.

Prerequisite: none

Course ID: G238
Credits: 4

This course provides students with the skills to achieve mastery of algebraic terminology and applications including, but not limited to, real number operations, variables, polynomials, integer exponents, graphs, factoring, quadratic equations, and word problems.

Prerequisite: Passing grade in Foundations of Math or placement determined by STEP assessment score.

Course ID: G233
Credits: 4

This course provides a working knowledge of the structure and function of the human body. A general introduction to cells and tissues is followed by study of the anatomy and physiology of the skeletal and muscular systems. The student is introduced to the nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, and endocrine systems.

Prerequisite: none

Course ID: G150
Credits: 4

In this course students will explore introductory topics in the biology of animals. Students will learn about the structure, function, and physiology of animals, and their role in the Earth's ecosystems. Students will also have an opportunity to study animal genetics, growth, and behavioral and reproductive patterns in this course.

Prerequisite: none

Course ID: G170
Credits: 4

Students will explore fundamental concepts of human biology. They will examine cell structure and function, body systems, and biochemistry. They will also learn basic concepts of genetics and evolution. Students will explore the relationship of human populations and the ecosystem.

Prerequisites: none

Course ID: G215
Credits: 4

Examines astronomical phenomena and concepts, including the solar system, stars and galaxies, planetary motions, atoms and radiation, and the origin and evolution of the universe.

Prerequisite: none

Course ID: G239
Credits: 4

Examines basic geologic principles from a physical or historical perspective. Includes such topics as the formation of rocks and minerals; internal and external processes modifying the earth's surface and phenomena; and the evolutionary history of the earth, including its life forms, oceans and atmosphere.

Prerequisite: none

Course ID: G245
Credits: 4

This course introduces students to basic sociology terms and concepts. Students will understand how to apply sociological concepts and theories and analyze the structure and relationships of social institutions and the process of social change. Students will explore a variety of topics of sociological interest, including socialization, social inequality, social movements, and the impact of technology and social change on society.

Prerequisite: none

Course ID: G142
Credits: 4

This course will provide students with a general understanding of basic methodologies, concepts, theories, and practices in contemporary psychology. Areas of investigation may include the goals and research methodologies of psychology, the science of the brain, theories of human development and intelligence, concepts of motivation and emotions, the science of sensation and perceptions, and the current practices pertaining to psychological disorders, therapies, and treatments.

Prerequisite: none

Course ID: G148
Credits: 4

This course develops students' reading and writing skills in preparation for college-level coursework. Through review of grammar, punctuation, and the writing process, students will enhance their ability to compose sentences, paragraphs, and short essays. The study of active reading strategies will provide students with the tools necessary for comprehending collegiate level texts.

Prerequisite: Placement determined by placement test score.

Course ID: B080
Credits: 4

This course is a study of the fundamentals of mathematics in the following areas: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, and percentages.

Prerequisite: Placement determined by placement test score.

Course ID: B099
Credits: 4