Criminal Justice Associate Degree Curriculum

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In this course, you’ll develop the necessary skills to ensure your success in the program. You’ll learn how you can improve your study skills so you’re able to use a number of tools that will help you to be successful. You’ll also gain an overview of the field of criminal justice.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Identify skills needed to be a confident and independent online learner
• Analyze the elements and structure of the criminal justice system

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Information literacy is a fundamental skill of writing and recording research. In this course, you’ll learn what it means to formulate correct and effective research questions. You’ll also learn how to go about conducting and refining that research for any given project.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Identify how to formulate focused and specific research questions and the need for information
• Explain the different types of research tools, how they’re used to conduct different searches, and how to evaluate the quality and usefulness of the information found
• Explain how to cite sources properly using various citation styles in consideration of academic integrity, plagiarism, and ethical use of resources

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Criminal justice involves the fundamental tension between public safety and individual rights. This course is designed to assist you as you begin your study of the exciting field of criminal justice.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Discuss the nature of crime and how it affects society
• Explain the history, organization, role, and function of policing, as well as its issues
• Identify the various roles of the judicial process and the stages of a trial
• Describe the role that correctional institutions have fulfilled, their design, the people who live there, and the difficulties encountered when leaving the structured environment of prison
• Recognize how juvenile justice and terrorism impact criminal justice in the United States
• Describe the purpose and functions of the criminal justice system, including the police, courts, and corrections

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This course looks at the relationship among the judiciary, defense, and prosecution involved in the United States court system. Your studies start with an overview of the basic structures of courts. You’ll also look at the successive steps involved in prosecutions and cover topics such as plea bargains, trials, juries, sentencing, and appeals.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Point out the structure and working process of the legal system in the United States
• Analyze the emergence of law in the different systems of litigation in the United States
• Distinguish between the civil and criminal litigation in state and federal courts in the United States
• Analyze articles relating to the United States court system

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Microsoft® Office allows people to create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and databases. This course will teach you how to use three popular tools from the Microsoft® Office Suite — Word™, Excel®, and PowerPoint®. In this course, you'll learn how to use Word™ to create and edit text documents, insert figures and tables, and format pages for a variety of uses. You'll then learn how to use Excel® to organize and format data, including charts, formulas, and more complex tables. Next, you'll learn how to use PowerPoint® to create and deliver slide shows. Finally, you'll complete a graded project, which will test the skills acquired in Word™, Excel®, and PowerPoint®.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to:

• Create various Microsoft® Word™ documents.
• Produce a thorough Microsoft® Excel® spreadsheet.
• Identify the basic skills needed to use Microsoft® PowerPoint®.
• Synthesize what you’ve learned by integrating Word™, Excel®, and PowerPoint®.

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This course teaches the skills and techniques of effectively developing, drafting, and revising college-level essays toward a specific purpose and audience: active reading, prewriting strategies, sentence and paragraph structure, thesis statements, varied patterns of development (such as illustration, comparison and contrast, and classification), critical reading toward revision of structure and organization, editing for standard written conventions, and use and documentation of outside sources. Students submit two prewriting assignments and three essays (process analysis, comparison and contrast, and argumentation).

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Use writing skills to construct well-written sentences and active reading skills to understand and analyze text
• Develop paragraphs using topic sentences, adequate detail, supporting evidence, and transitions
• Contrast the revising and editing steps of the writing process
• Distinguish between different patterns of development
• Write a process analysis essay using prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing skills
• Recognize how to determine the reliability of secondary sources and to give proper credit to sources referenced in an essay
• Write a comparison and contrast essay by using persuasive writing techniques to defend a claim
• Create a sound written argument using techniques of drafting and evaluating sources

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This course covers biology and behavior, consciousness, memory thought and language, intelligence, personality and gender, stress, and community influences.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Describe the science of psychology, basic structure and function of the human nervous system, and basic structure and function of the sensory system
• Explain various states of consciousness, learning theories, and thought processes and development
• Summarize the nature of human motivation and development, the human development cycle, and approaches to understanding and assessing personality
• Prepare an essay on the topic of conditioning, memory, or motivation and emotion
• Recognize psychological disorders and available treatments
• Explain social psychology as it relates to attitudes, influences, behaviors, and stress
• Use critical thinking skills to determine the likely causes of behaviors of individuals and groups discussed in case studies.

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This course begins with an introduction to the field of sociology and discusses social structure and social interaction through groups, networks, and organizations. It also discusses deviance, crime, and social control; describes the effects of stratification, racial and ethnic inequality, sex, gender, and sexuality; discusses the role of health, family, education, and religion in sociology; and concludes with the topics of politics, the economy, population, social movements, technology, and social change.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Categorize the concepts and trajectories of sociology and culture
• Analyze the discourse of social structure, human interaction, sexual orientation, and deviance
• Point out the factors determining social, global, and gender stratification
• Compose essays reflecting on deviance and economy in society
• Compose an essay that answers questions about privilege and gender differences
• Distinguish the various institutions in the current global system and the effects of education in them
• Differentiate between the phases of evolution and social changes determined by the impact of population

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This course provides a history of criminal law and a study of specific crimes and their underlying elements. Students will also explore the moral principles behind laws and the defenses, prosecutions, and sentences that constitute justice.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Categorize the various principles related to criminal liability and criminal law
• Distinguish between homicide, sex crimes, abuse crimes, and other crimes against persons
• Analyze the various elements of crimes against property, habitation, and public morality and white-collar crimes
• Explain the various factors related to defenses and punishment
• Compare and contrast two criminal cases applying the knowledge acquired with the criminal law
• Prepare for the final exam

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This course begins the study of ethics from the larger issues of what constitutes morality and moral behavior. It looks at how ethics develop; discusses the issues of ethics and specific aspects of criminal justice, including justice, law enforcement, courts, punishment and corrections, and management; and considers professionalism and ethics for everyone in society.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Analyze the structure of ethical systems and the elements that determine punishment and treatment
• Distinguish the relationship between law, justice, and ethical practices from the perspective of law enforcement
• Show the various ethical codes and discretionary power exercised by legal professionals
• Categorize the ethical dilemmas faced by correctional professionals and the emerging issues in criminal justice
• Analyze various ethical dilemmas

Earth Science

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The primary purpose of your textbook, Foundations of Earth Science, Eighth Edition, is to explain the fundamental processes of our planet. This course covers a number of topics which are concentrated in four main categories: geology, meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy. Geology is the study of Earth, its minerals and rocks, and the many varied processes that formed our planet and continue to reform it today. Oceanography is the study of Earth’s oceans. Meteorology is the study of Earth’s atmosphere and astronomy is the study of Earth’s place in space and all things related. These four elements combined make up the Earth and are essential in understanding how the world works and how it’s evolving.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Categorize the matters, minerals, and materials that compose the Earth
• Differentiate between the elements and their ways of sculpting the landscapes
• Distinguish between the various theories and forces behind Earth’s history
• Point out the geological features of oceans and the important concepts of geology
• Categorize the causes and effects of various phenomenon affecting Earth’s atmosphere
• Analyze the components of the solar system and the universe

Introduction to Biology

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Few subjects can teach you as much about the world around you as biology. During this introductory course, you’ll gain insight into the origin of life, the relationships among all living organisms and the environment, and even how your own body works. You’ll learn how a significant number of organisms are structured and how they work to enable you to discuss intelligently the various forms of life and their processes.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Analyze the structure and function of a cell and the chemical metabolism required for its survival
• Point out the features of cellular reproduction and involvement of genetics in the process
• Explain Darwin’s theory of natural selection and Wallace’s ideas on evolution adapted by various living organisms
• Write responses to fundamental biology essay prompts
• Summarize anatomy and physiology of plants, animals, and humans
• Report the development of living communities and its impact on the ecosystem
• Write responses to fundamental ecological essay questions

Nutrition

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Nutrition is the science that investigates how the body takes in, breaks down, and uses foods. The course will provide you with basic information on how these processes take place, including information about nutrients and how they contribute to the way the body functions. This will help you to have a better understanding of your decisions about food and diet. You’ll also learn about physical activities that can contribute to a healthier lifestyle. Because a central focus of nutrition studies is on health promotion, suggestions for individual nutrition choice will be discussed, as well as tactics for maintaining a healthy weight and keeping food supplies safe. 

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Describe how nutrition supports a body's wellness
• Recognize the body's use of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins 
• Identify the body's use of water, minerals, and micronutrients
• Discuss what nutritional needs are for a healthy weight and for an athletic lifestyle 
• Define food safety and the nutritional needs of humans over a lifetime
• Prepare a research paper on a nutritional topic 

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This course looks at the role of policing in America; discusses the existence of a police subculture, the role of management and the nature of patrolling; considers different strategies for investigating and solving problems; and includes a discussion about ethics, civil liability, and possible directions for policing in the future.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Identify the various roles, selection process, organizational structure, and operations of law enforcement forces
• Point out the policies, procedures, and work culture adhering to the law enforcement forces
• Categorize the types of police corruption, the torts, and the structure of ethics and deviance
• Analyze the nature of violence and crimes, issues related to gangs, and terrorism fighting agents
• Design a community policing policy

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This course provides an understanding of the scientific theory, practices, and techniques used to process a crime scene. It examines how crime scene professionals protect themselves and the evidence at a crime scene. It identifies and describes the different roles that law enforcement professionals execute at the scene of a crime. The course also describes the types of evidence and how evidence is collected and secured before a crime lab processes it.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Summarize the importance of physical evidence
• Explain how to assess, photograph, sketch, map, and document a crime scene
• Recognize the different methods and technologies used to collect evidence
• Describe how to analyze and reconstruct a crime scene
• Write an essay on the methods of investigating a crime scene associated with arson

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This course is designed to introduce you to the procedures used in criminal cases. To this end, you’ll explore the framework for studying criminal procedures; matters involving arrests, search warrants, and probable cause; exceptions to search warrant requirements; and admissions, confessions, and pretrial identification. After the decision is made to bring charges against someone for a crime that has been committed, the court process begins. Your course will also address the court process, including sentencing and appeals. To conclude this course, new law enforcement procedures developed to combat terrorism will be introduced.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Point out the procedures and sources involved in the criminal justice system
• Analyze the circumstances that allow an officer to perform frisking, arrests, searches, and inspections
• Categorize the litigation processes involving police interrogation, identifications, exclusionary rules, evidences, and remedies
• Distinguish between the legal processes and law enforcement procedures performed by the court system
• Prepare a report on the criminal case in John Grisham’s “The Innocent Man”

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The police manager fills a vital role in the operation of a law enforcement agency. This course is designed to provide you with a fundamental understanding of the underlying principles and theories of management, both in general and as they specifically relate to police agencies.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Define introductory concepts of police management
• Analyze the behavioral aspects of police management
• Identify the functional aspects of police management
• Categorize major issues in police management
• Develop solutions for issues with modern police management

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This course will focus on the general principles of private security operations and tactics as they apply to modern economic structures. It’ll discuss the impact of criminal activity on contemporary society. It’ll also explore how security departments and organizations are often involved in securing publicly accessible venues and are involved in law enforcement and government operations through cooperative relationships.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Describe the origins and evolution of private security
• Explain the administrative and management strategies of security organizations
• Identify key security components and workplace violence indicators
• Analyze the contributions of private security professionals to criminal investigations, retail security, and loss prevention
• Examine the role of private security professionals in homeland security and emergency and crisis/disaster management
• Describe critical infrastructure security and the foundational principles of information, cyber, and computer security
• Show how an understanding of crime theory relates to private security in a real-world scenario
• Demonstrate the general principles of private security operations and tactics

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This course is designed to introduce you to the correctional system in the United States. To this end, you’ll explore the American correctional context, correctional practices, and a number of correctional issues and perspectives.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following: 

• Explain the historical development of corrections in America as it relates to the purposes of punishment
• List the different types of correction programs, reforms, and the issues in them
• Discuss how different correctional programs handle the treatment of prisoners and how that has developed over time
• Analyze the trends in sentencing and corrections and their racial implications as well as the issues surrounding the incarceration of women and children
• Apply the philosophy and knowledge of corrections to initiating the process of reentry
• Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrate effective quantitative skills
• Demonstrate computer and information literacy
• Prepare for the final exam

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Algebra is the mathematical language used to interpret and represent patterns in numbers by using variables, expressions, and equations. Algebra is an essential tool used in business, science, and computer technology. Throughout this course, you’ll be introduced to algebraic concepts, along with real-world application problems from a variety of fields. In addition to providing a springboard to the discovery of underlying mathematical properties, these applications illustrate the importance of mathematics in your world.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

• Demonstrate effective quantitative skills
• Solve algebraic equations, linear equations, inequalities, and absolute value equations
• Solve and graph linear equations and inequalities
• Solve polynomials
• Apply algebraic operations to rational expressions and rational equations
• Solve problems involving radicals and complex numbers
• Solve quadratic equations, rational inequalities, nonlinear equations, and nonlinear inequalities
• Calculate exponential and logarithmic functions
• Solve binomial expansions, sequences, and arithmetic and geometric series
• Prepare for the final exam

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Music Appreciation

In this course, you'll practice the skill of active listening. Learning to listen differently will allow you to experience all kinds of music in a new way. Most listeners are familiar with how music makes them feel, and we often say we like a particular piece of music because it has a "good beat" or a beautiful melody. This course will allow you to go deeper. You'll identify what the composer might have been trying to convey and listen for the way elements of musical composition and performance make each piece unique.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Identify the building blocks of music a composer can use to create a piece, such as rhythm, melody, harmony, texture, form, and timbre
• Differentiate between the music of the baroque era and the musical styles of previous time periods
• List the major characteristics of classical music, including form, melody, and instrumentation
• Describe the musical trends and innovations that occurred during the romantic era
• Relate musical styles of the early twentieth century to comparable movements in art and literature
• Explain the evolution of American popular music in the twentieth century
• Describe the influence of world music on modern western composition
• Synthesize research comparing composers' influence in their respective genres

Textbook: Experience Music

Introduction to Literature

This course will allow you to develop your critical thinking skills and broaden your knowledge of the main genres of literature — fiction, poetry, and drama.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Explain how to effectively read fiction for both knowledge and enjoyment
• Identify different styles and forms of poetry
• Use what you've learned in this course to discuss, write about, and understand literature
• Prepare a critical interpretation of fiction or poetry based on what you've learned in this course
• Discuss how literary dramas differ from fiction and poetry
• Identify different strategies of critical literary analysis

Art Appreciation

In this course, you will gain an understanding of artistic media, historical periods and artistic movements, the roles of the artist and the viewer, and the principles of art criticism.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Define the language, visual elements, and principles of design of art
• Identify two-dimensional media
• Identify three-dimensional media
• Explain the evolution of art from ancient Mediterranean cultures through eighteenth century Europe
• Identify features and popular examples of art throughout the history of African, Asian, Pacific, and American cultures
• Compare the genres of the Modern and Postmodern eras of art from around the world

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This course provides a comprehensive, critical, and balanced examination of the issues of crime and justice with respect to race and ethnicity. By the time you’ve completed this course, you’ll have an increased awareness on a subject that historically has sparked—and continues to spark—much debate in the legal and civil rights communities.

The issue of race is discussed from multiple perspectives within the criminal justice system. This course reviews some theories and examines practical realities in policing, the courts, and sentencing.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Distinguish between the impacts of racial and ethnic groups on the criminal justice system
• Analyze the theories associated with race, crime, and offenders in the juvenile justice system
• Point out the ways in which racial issues and disparities in policing industry affect courts
• Analyze the racial disparities found in corrections and in the death penalty
• Prepare a paper on the United States v. Bass case ruling

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Considers the difference in mission and goals between juvenile and nonjuvenile courts; focuses on how this court’s different mission reflects society’s views towards the care and management of juveniles; looks at situations where juveniles can and do face the possibility of prosecution in traditional courts and looks at the roles that different actors can play in processing juveniles; and considers how many of the new issues a society faces first come to the attention of society through juvenile court proceedings.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Point out the fundamentals of juvenile justice system and its historical background
• Analyze the role of police in preventing drugs and gangs among the juvenile offenders
• Categorize the court procedures, methods of interventions, and corrections associated with juvenile justice
• Distinguish between the issues, proposals for reforms, and factors of victimization for the juvenile offenders
• Prepare essays on the juvenile crime problem, safe schools, traumatic events, and legal procedures

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Criminology is the discipline that studies crime and criminal behavior. In this course, you’ll study the causes of crime, reactions, and different forms of criminal behavior. Criminology is focused on the study of the phenomena of crime and criminality. The study of crime (criminology) is interesting because it’s a topic that relates to everyone. Various theories explain the causes of crime. As you read the textbook, you’ll be able to see the many interrelationships of the criminal enterprise, the criminal justice system, and the study of the reasons for criminality. At the end of this course you’ll have a far greater, deeper understanding of the intricacies of crime.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Analyze the disciplines of criminology, victimology, and the associated research methods
• Point out the important theories in criminology
• Distinguish between violent crime, property crime, and white-collar crime
• Categorize the special types of crime and the future of crime
• Analyze theories on the emergence of law

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See the list of electives below

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See the list of electives below

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See the list of electives below

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Terrorism became a household term for all American citizens, but particularly for law enforcement professionals, after the September 11, 2001, attacks. This course examines the theory and practice of domestic and international terrorism. This course delves into the world of terrorism and terrorists—mostly unknown to the average American citizen before September 11, and obscure even to trained law enforcement officers.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Point out the criminology of terrorism and how it has evolved over time
• Prepare an essay on establishing and improving the public and police relationship within a community
• Show the impact of national and ethnic terrorism on different countries
• Analyze how the ideological and religious terrorism has impacted Middle Eastern countries
• Develop the answers by reading the given articles
• Point out the various counterterrorism measures that the United States has incorporated

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This course will explain and define organized crime and demonstrate how it’s treated in contemporary society. Organized crime has expanded to become a global issue. Understanding how organized criminals operate is important to understanding the field of criminal justice. Anyone who has been to the movies has seen a screen image of a criminal. The Godfather and other films presented stories about the American mafia. But how true are these images we see in film? How different is a scholar’s perspective on organized crime? You’ll find out in this course.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Categorize the illegal activities and operating structures of organized crime groups
• Analyze the history, causes, and hierarchical structure of organized crime groups
• Point out the tools used to bring in changes in the organized crime world
• Distinguish between the legal sources that help in controlling organized crimes
• Apply the knowledge of laws and investigation techniques in the research to combat organized crimes

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In this course, you’ll be introduced to various aspects of crimes done under the umbrella of white-collar crime. You’ll also be studying the criminal justice system and all its different parts: police, courts, corrections, legislatures, crimes, and criminals. Different types of crimes and different types of criminals are processed differently by the criminal justice system. Your focus will be mainly on the crimes committed by white-collar professionals in various fields.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Point out white-collar crime, its indefinable nature, and methods of committing these crimes
• Analyze the crimes committed by professionals in a variety of systems
• Categorize the white-collar crime that affects the economic system
• Point out the ways of preventing and policing white-collar crime
• Prepare a research project by using the knowledge of white-collar crime in the provided scenario

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This course examines the range of issues involved in security management, across disciplines and around the world. This includes industrial security in light of business concerns. Your study material also examines the context for security and legal aspects of security management and loss prevention. Specific security applications and the investigation process of gathering information used to assess security systems is also presented in this course.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Identify the evolution of private security and its role and purpose in modern society
• Analyze effective methods of providing protection and security in different areas by the security professionals
• Identify the challenges faced by security professionals in different areas of their job sphere
• Analyze the importance of private security and measures taken in the workplace and against terrorism
• Apply the concepts provided and discussed in this course to the given hypothetical scenario
• Identify various concepts discussed in this course

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This course is designed to introduce you to the procedures used in criminal cases that involve the use of computers. Cyberspace, the Internet world of communication, is an environment favorable to committing some traditional crimes and to creating new ones. Problems related to computer crime include underestimating and underreporting the magnitude of the problem, prosecutorial reluctance, lack of resources, and unclear legal standards. Old criminal issues, such as location of the physical act, become more complex when using the Internet. Computer crimes raise issues regarding the target of the crime, the means, or secondary applications of computer technology. State and national law enforcement have undertaken initiatives to address computer crime. Internationally, efforts have also focused on the nature of criminal activities. As an emerging discipline, forensic computer science requires investigators to remain vigilant when examining and locating evidence, especially regarding information storage methods.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Analyze the various factors that influence cybercrimes
• Analyze the implications of hacking, malware, piracy, identity fraud, and other computer-based traditional statutes crimes
• Describe the threat of online sex crimes, cyberbullying, and cyberterrorism
• Analyze the implications of various government legislation and the trends to minimize cybercrimes in the future
• Create a research paper based on Internet research and concepts learned in this course

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Crises are a normal part of our lives, just like joy. All crisis intervention workers will see many different crises throughout their practice. People die, get terminal illnesses, lose loved ones, take drugs or live with a drug addict, and form families. Any of these situations may create a crisis situation for many individuals. Crisis workers have to understand the different crises that might affect people and, most importantly, they have to be able to be there and help such people. A crisis that goes unresolved can end up in a suicide. Although that’s the extreme situation, it’s nonetheless a very possible one. Crisis workers have a very important job to do. Whether it’s a devastating flood, a terrorist attack, cancer, or a loss of primary income, crisis workers have to be able to help clients overcome negative feelings, painful emotions, and reenter the everyday world as fully functioning individuals.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Categorize the different reasons of crisis and the ways of coping with crisis
• Analyze the ABC model, suicidal intervention, and developmental crisis as important aspects of crisis intervention
• Prepare a research paper addressing a crisis intervention plan
• Develop the ways to deal with people having culturally sensitive and posttraumatic stress disorder
• Develop the way one deals with people suffering from different crisis situations
• Prepare a research paper continuing the same scenario with additional details

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This course will prepare you to work your way up to supervisory or managerial positions in the security industry, or to be a better leader and decision-maker in the position you already have. Knowing what to do and how to handle security issues is an important part of the job in security management. From documenting daily activities to working with local law enforcement, the role as a security professional is vital.

You’ll start by learning about the foundations of the industry and basics of supervision, and move on to human resource management, emergency management, and investigations. Practical discussions of the numerous challenges that occur from day to day for a security management professional will help you understand the scope of the profession. Additionally, this course covers current trends and issues, such as how to work with different generations of employees and how technological advances have changed the industry.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Explain the foundational principles and concepts of security management
• Discuss roles and challenges of security supervision
• Identify the components of human resources within security management
• Explore present-day technology issues and emergency management dilemmas
• Demonstrate lawful approaches to investigations and understanding of current trends in the security industry

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This course looks to how criminal justice has responded to the heightened interest of society paying more attention to the victims of crime in the last few decades; presents the laws designed to support victims, including but not limited to programs and services; examines the growing Victim Rights Movement; explores a range of kinds of victimization, its origins, and will consider what segments of society have been most vulnerable to certain crimes.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Categorize the concepts and theories under the discipline of victimology
• Analyze the financial and judicial structure catering to victim justice
• Point out the various crimes and laws concerning traditional crimes and domestic abuse
• Distinguish between the needs and risks concerning special victims
• Prepare a report on uniform crime, victim rights groups, battered-woman syndrome, and hate crime laws

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Understanding the concepts of community corrections is an integral part of the study of criminal justice. Community corrections encompasses offenders who are supervised in community programs such as probation, house arrest, work release, or treatment court initiatives. Some may be assigned to community corrections in lieu of jail; others are placed on parole where they’re supervised in the community after serving a minimum term of incarceration ordered by the court.

As you work through this course, you’ll begin to understand the study of criminology and how to assess offenders who meet the criteria to be placed in community corrections programs. You’ll become knowledgeable about community corrections programs that can afford the offender opportunities to avoid re-offending while keeping the community safe. When considering community corrections, courts must evaluate the offender’s needs and the needs of the community. Here are some questions to consider when looking at a community corrections alternative to imprisonment:

• Can the offender pay for his or her crime without going to prison?
• Can the offender stay in the community while serving the court-ordered punishment?
• What type of program can serve as punishment, allow the offender to rehabilitate, and therefore allow the offender to meet his or her needs and possibly avoid further criminal behavior?

Your textbook will clarify these issues and will help you become familiar with the concepts associated with community corrections. It will also introduce you to theories and schools of thought to assist you in assessing criminal behavior and determining the needs of the offender and the risk he or she poses, while reviewing available intermediate sanctions and community correctional programs which will best serve the community and the offender.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Analyze the development, theories, and programs/sanctions related to community corrections
• Distinguish between probation and parole and the way each one is implemented
• Point out the alternative supervision programs as options for correctional programs
• Analyze the treatment and supervision of the mentally ill, sex offenders, and juveniles under corrections
• Prepare a report for the mentioned factors that is addressed by your jurisdiction