Riverland Community College

This course addresses the Criminal Justice Process, Constitutional and Criminal Law for Peace Officers, the Criminal Justice System, Civil Law, Civil Liability and Civil Process, and Juvenile Law and Procedure. Students gain a general knowledge and background of the history and development of the criminal justice system and the various theories, concepts, and resources used and currently utilized in this field. Successful completion of this course prepares students for the Minnesota P.O.S.T. licensing exam. This course includes criteria required by the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training and Learning Objectives for Professional Peace Officer Education. (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course involves a 90 hour on-site experience in a professional criminal justice/corrections/law enforcement/government agency or other non-profit organization.  Students participate in progress meetings to process experiences in the professional environment.  Prerequisites:  Enrollment in the Criminal Justice or Law Enforcement program.

(2Cr – 0 lect, 2 lab)

This course involves a 90 hour on-site experience in a professional criminal justice/corrections/law enforcement/government agency or other non-profit organization. Students participate in progress meetings to process experiences in the professional environment. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Criminal Justice or Law Enforcement program and must have completed CRJU 1104, Criminal Justice Field Experience I. (3 Cr - 0 lect, 3 lab)

This course focuses on victims themselves.  Most courses in criminology focus on the offenders and various criminal offenses, with only cursory examination of their victims.  The term “victimology” generically refers to the study of victims—patterns, characteristics, and the various types of harm victims incur.  The role of victims in the criminal justice system throughout history, the nature and extent of crime victimization, and victim characteristics will be studied. Also covered are the various types of costs experienced by victims, as well as the various legal rights of the victims.  The myths of victim perception and various efforts to blame victims for their own victimization, as well as other factors that influence victimization (e.g., drugs and alcohol and the mass media) are included.  Specific types of victims (e.g., sexual assault, domestic violence, homicide) and their treatment in the criminal justice system will be discussed.

(3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab) 

This course addresses the history of community-based corrections, pretrial release and diversion, restorative justice, treatment perspectives, assessment and risk prediction, management and case planning, along with parole, reentry and problematic offenders. Students gain a general knowledge and background of the history and development of the community-based corrections and the various theories, concepts, and resources used and currently utilized in this field. (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course introduces the student to the corrections field in the United States. Students examine the corrections systems used in Minnesota and other states. Community corrections as well as other correctional systems are explored. Various correctional treatment methods and sentencing alternatives are examined. The county jail, state, and federal prison systems are discussed with a focus on the functions of the institutions. Levels of security for inmates within various institutions are explored. Probation and parole functions are introduced with an exploration of the various levels of service offered. Field trips to various correctional facilities (both adult and juvenile) may be incorporated into this class. Successful completion of this course prepares students for the Minnesota P.O.S.T. licensing exam. This course includes criteria required by the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training and Learning Objectives for Professional Peace Officer Education. (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course introduces concepts, theories, and statutes associated with juvenile offenders with specific treatment method and modalities as applied to this offender group. Students are introduced to the various correctional facilities, programs, and professional interventions available to youth offenders. Specific differences among delinquent offenders and various types of juvenile statutes are presented along with the dispositional alternatives available ranging from Diversion through Extended Juvenile Jurisdiction (EJJ) and Certification. Several landmark legal cases involving juvenile matters are presented. The Minnesota Juvenile Code and Court Procedure are examined. In addition to traditional educational experiences, students have opportunities to attend and participate in workshops, seminars, conferences, and/or other relevant training sponsored by various associations and organizations within the criminal justice system. These experiences provide avenues for possible future employment in Juvenile Corrections. Successful completion of this course prepares students for the Minnesota P.O.S.T. licensing exam. This course includes criteria required by the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training and Learning Objectives for Professional Peace Officer Education. (3 Cr ? 3 lect, 0 lab)

This introductory course will apply the principles and theories of biology and chemistry to the study of forensic science. The focus of forensic science is the crime lab using scientific principles and techniques in order to analyze evidence that would be admissible in court.  An orientation to crime scene investigation and evidence collection will lead to analysis of the following:  Impressions, drugs and powders, blood, serology, hair, questioned documents, firearms/tool marks, bones, glass, paint, fibers, and DNA. This course is activity-based and the student participates in a variety of lab and lab-like experiences demonstrating the principles covered in the course and illuminating how scientific experimentation and research are performed and interpreted.

(MnTC (Goal 3/NS and Goal 2/CT); (3 Cr – 2 lect, 1 lab) 

This course is a survey of the sociological concepts, theories and ideas that have been developed through the scientific study of human interaction. The emphasis of the course is the description and analysis of the nature and characteristics of societies, the structure and processes of social life, the influence of social forces on individuals and groups with an emphasis on cultural diversity and globalism. MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 7/HD); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course examines the historical framework and the social interactions of racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Gender, sexual orientation, religion and other characteristics that contribute to a culturally diverse society are also described and analyzed in this course. MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 7/HD); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course explores human growth and development from the prenatal through adult life stages, including aging and death.  Students will examine the interaction between genetics and environment on the individual’s physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development. In addition, family, culture and cohort influences will be explored.

MnTC (Goal 5/SS and Goal 9/EC); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course introduces the student to general topics in psychology and is designed to provide an overview of the field of psychology and human behavior.  Topics include psychology as a behavioral science, the scientific method, biological foundations of behavior, sensation, perception, consciousness, learning, memory, thinking, language, intelligence, motivation, emotion, lifespan development, social psychology, stress and coping, and a brief overview of psychological disorders and therapies.

MnTC (Goal 5/SS and Goal 7/HD); (4 Cr – 4 lect, 0 lab)

This course introduces the student to fundamental ethical principles developed throughout the history of philosophy through the study of classical and modern writings. Students are encouraged and challenged to apply such principles to contemporary issues. MnTC (Goals 6/HU and 9/EC); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course examines the major world religions and their “sub-groups.” Emphasis is placed on when, where and under what influences the various religions developed, the geographical areas of the world where the religions are located, as well as the primary tenets, qualities and characteristics of the religions. The course examines the place and role of religion in human life.

      MnTC (Goals 6/HU and 8/GP); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)