Common Course Outline

Course discipline/number/title CRJU 1305: Introduction to Criminal Justice

Catalog Description

Credits 3
Hours/Week 3
Prerequisites (Course discipline/number) None
Other requirements None
MnTC Goals (if any) NA

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the American criminal justice system. Topics will include the police, courts, and correctional systems.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

February, 2025

Outline of Major Content Areas

  1. Crime and the Criminal Justice System: An Overview
  2. Crime in America
  3. Victimization and criminal behavior
  4. Police
  5. Operations
  6. Constitutional law
  7. Courts
  8. Pretrial process
  9. Plea Bargaining and trials
  10. Prosecution and defense
  11. Punishment and sentencing
  12. Corrections
  13. Development of corrections
  14. Community corrections
  15. Incarceration and prison society
  16. The juvenile justice system
  17. Youth crime in America
  18. Development of the juvenile justice system

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

  1. Explain the evolution of the criminal justice system.
  2. Explain the role of police in the criminal justice system.
  3. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the courts and its role in the criminal justice system.
  4. Explain the different types of correctional institutions and their role in the criminal justice system.
  5. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the juvenile justice system.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

NA

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Critical Thinking
Students will think systematically and explore information thoroughly before accepting or formulating a position or conclusion.

Special Information (if any)

None