Criminal Justice Diploma - Psychology Specialization

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 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

Community Psychology focuses on the four systems which function in a community: the mental health system, the educational system, the criminal justice system, and the social service system. As human service professionals, students will analyze problems in these communities and will evaluate individuals functioning in these systems, offering both answers and proactive models of prevention. Community psychology works toward the empowerment of members within a community, while appreciating diversity and understanding human behavior. Social change will be examined as well as understanding that setting or environment is as important as the individual in it.

Prerequisite: General Psychology

Course ID: HS260
Credits: 4

In this course students will understand the applied discipline of social psychology. In order to understand the social interaction of functioning humans in their communities and with individuals, theories of socialization and self image will be explored. Students will examine how the social environment influences thought, behavior, feelings, and potential actions of people. Consequences of social interaction and motivation based on judgment, attitudes, persuasion, conformity, and aggression will be explored. Different social interactions will be analyzed including conformity, productivity, and leadership.

Prerequisite: General Psychology

Course ID: HS270
Credits: 4

In this course students will understand the applied discipline of abnormal psychology. In order to understand and change abnormal patterns of functioning humans in their communities, thoughts and behavior will be examined. Students will explore what is abnormal behavior and what is not in current society and cultures. Numerous applications will be examined, including a variety of mental health disorders, individuals who have difficulty functioning effectively in everyday life, the impact of family dysfunction on the individual, and the influence of mental illness on criminal behavior. Variables that may affect a person's ability to adapt and function in a community will be considered, such as one's genetic makeup, physical condition, learning, reasoning, and socialization.

Prerequisite: General Psychology

Course ID: HS280
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

The course will focus on the physical, psychological, and sociological aspects of drug and alcohol abuse. Treatment and prevention of abuse will be explored. In addition, policy implications of drug use and the criminal justice system response will be analyzed. An overview of the theories of use, drug business, and drug law enforcement will be explored. Such recent developments as "club drugs," inhalants, herbal stimulants, and designer drugs will also be discussed.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Criminal Justice or Introduction to Human Services

Course ID: J250
Credits: 4

The capstone class examines the future of the criminal justice system. The current cutting edge technology in different fields within the criminal justice system is discussed along with insights from accomplished scholars of what the near future holds. Methods and philosophies that will govern the criminal justice field in the near future are introduced along with discussions of the ethical, legal, social, and political ramifications expected. This course includes ten hours of field experience.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Criminal Justice. Students must be enrolled in the Criminal Justice program and in their last or second to last quarter.

Co-requisite: Sophomore Seminar

Course ID: J280
Credits: 4

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

In this course, students will use a variety of Rasmussen College library & World Wide Web resources to develop and hone information literacy skills. Students will be expected to use these skills in all other courses at Rasmussen College.

Prerequisite: none

Course ID: E170
Credits: 2

The course is designed to study the personal and professional characteristics necessary for obtaining and maintaining suitable employment. The student will assemble a complete job-seeking portfolio including his/her resume and references, letters of application and appreciation, documentation of work and educational history, and demonstration of skills through examples of student work. The course includes an in-depth study of self-marketing approaches, job interviewing techniques and professionalism as well as participation in a mock interview.

Prerequisite: none

Course ID: E242
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

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

This course examines the social and behavioral issues involved in the study of crime as a social phenomenon. Included is an explanation of what crime is, what causes crime, and the various techniques for measuring the amounts and characteristics of crime and criminals.

Prequisite: none

Course ID: J106
Credits: 4

A general overview of U.S. corrections, jails and prisons, institutional procedures and recent innovations in offender treatment. Students are introduced to correctional philosophies, practices and procedures. The concepts of retribution and rehabilitation are examined. For residential only, this course includes a fieldwork assignment.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Criminal Justice

Course ID: J115
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

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

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

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