Course Descriptions

Introduction to Criminal Justice
AOJ 001 introduces students to the characteristics of the criminal justice system in the United States. Focus is placed on examining crime measurement, theoretical explanations of crime, responses to crime, components of the system, and current challenges to the system. The course examines the evolution of the principles and approaches utilized by the justice system and the evolving forces which have shaped those principals and approaches. Although justice structure and process is examined in a cross cultural context, emphasis is placed on the US justice system, particularly the structure and function of US police, courts, and corrections. Students are introduced to the origins and development of criminal law, legal process, and sentencing and incarceration policies.

Class Hours:

54 Lecture

Advisory(s):

ENG 051A

Transfers to:

UC/CSU

C-ID:

AJ 110

Introduction to Corrections
AOJ 003 provides a history of and critical analysis of punishment, the various types of punishment, alternatives to punishment, and the impact of punishment on the criminal justice system, corrections, a critical examination of the types of correctional institutions and the clients housed in each institution, and an examination of contemporary correctional issues.

Class Hours:

54 Lecture

Transfers to:

UC/CSU

C-ID:

AJ 200

Control & Supervision of Inmates
AOJ 004 offers an overview of supervision of inmates at the local, state and federal levels of correctional institutions. The issues of controlling and supervising inmates in a continuum from daily institutional life through emergency and crisis situations will be introduced and discussed. The course will emphasize the roles played by the correctional workers as well as the offenders. Topics will include inmate subculture, violence and effects of crowding on inmates and staff as well as coping techniques for correctional officers in the institutional environment. This will include legal issues of inmate supervision.

Class Hours:

54 Lecture

Transfers to:

CSU

Correctional Interviewing and Counseling
AOJ 006 is an overview of the techniques in interviewing and counseling available to practitioners in corrections. The student will learn the use of appropriate theories and confidence-building techniques used by correctional employees in client interviews and counseling. This is a course for students planning to enter or already employed within the Correctional Science field.

Class Hours:

54 Lecture

Advisory(s):

ENG 051A

Transfers to:

CSU

Legal Aspects of Corrections
AOJ 007 provides students with an awareness of the historical framework, concepts and precedents that guide correctional practice. Course material will broaden the individual's perspective of the corrections environment, the civil rights of prisoners and responsibilities and liabilities of corrections officials. {This course has been identified by the Correctional Peace Officer Standards and Training Board of the Department of Corrections, California Youth Authority and California Correctional Peace Officers Association to fulfill educational requirements of the CPOST Certificate for apprentices hired after July 1, 1995 by the C.D.C. and C.Y.A.}

Class Hours:

54 Lecture

Advisory(s):

ENG 051A

Transfers to:

CSU

Principles & Procedures of Criminal Justice
AOJ 010 provides an examination and analysis of due process in criminal proceedings from pre-arrest through trial and appeal utilizing statutory law and state and constitutional law precedents.

Class Hours:

54 Lecture

Transfers to:

UC/CSU

C-ID:

AJ 122

Written Criminal Justice Communications
AOJ 012 will cover ideas effectively in a simple, clear and logical manner in the various types of criminal justice systems reports, letters, memoranda, directives, and administrative reports. Emphasis on law enforcement and correctional terminology, organization of information and use of English; practice experience in note taking and report writing using standard law enforcement and correction forms; presentation of testimony in court.

Class Hours:

54 Lecture

Transfers to:

CSU

Occupational Work Experience
Cooperative Work Experience Education (CWEE) develops skills and knowledge by integrating classroom study with planned, supervised work experience. It is based on the principle that well-educated individuals develop most effectively through an educational plan that incorporates work experience. Through these structured experiences, the students enrich their college studies, which enhance their total development. Occupational Work Experience is supervised employment which is intended to assist students in acquiring desirable work habits, attitudes, and career awareness in the field of the student's major. Students may earn up to 8 units per semester for a maximum of 16 total units. Credits are awarded for paid or voluntary work. For every 75 hours of paid work completed within the semester, 1 unit of credit is awarded. For every 60 hours of volunteer work completed within the semester, 1 unit of credit is awarded. Occupational Work Experience credits are counted as electives toward an Associate's Degree at West Hills College Coalinga and are transferable to four year universities (for specific transfer eligibility, please contact a counselor or an advisor).

Class Hours:

Work Experience

Transfers to:

CSU

Human and Community Relations in Criminal Justice
AOJ 016 examines the complex, dynamic relationship between communities and the justice system in addressing crime and conflict with an emphasis on the challenges and prospects of administering justice within a diverse multicultural population. Topics may include the consensus and conflicting values in culture, religion, and law.

Class Hours:

54 Lecture

Transfers to:

UC/CSU

C-ID:

AJ 160

Criminal Law
AOJ 020 offers an analysis of the doctrines of criminal liability in the United States and the classification of crimes against persons, property, morals, and public welfare. Special emphasis is placed on the classification of crime, the general elements of crime, the definitions of common and statutory law, and the nature of acceptable evidence. This course utilizes case law and case studies to introduce students to criminal law. The completion of this course offers a foundation upon which upper-division criminal justice course will build. The course will also include some limited discussion of prosecution and defense decision-making, criminal culpability, and defenses to crimes.

Class Hours:

54 Lecture

Prerequisite(s):

AOJ 001

Advisory(s):

ENG 051A

Transfers to:

UC/CSU

C-ID:

AJ 120

Criminal Evidence
AOJ 022 examines categories of evidence and legal rules governing its admission and exclusion in the criminal process; explores the origin, development, philosophy, constitutional and procedural basis of evidence, arrest, and search and seizure; and examines judicial decisions and statutory rules of evidence impacting the admissibility of testimony, writings and material objects in a United States court of law.

Class Hours:

54 Lecture

Transfers to:

UC/CSU

C-ID:

AJ 124

Criminal Investigation
AOJ 024 addresses the techniques, procedures, and ethical issues in the investigation of crime, including organization of the investigative process, crime scene searches, interviewing and interrogating, surveillance, source of information, utility of evidence, scientific analysis of evidence and the role of the investigator in the trial process.

Class Hours:

54 Lecture

Transfers to:

UC/CSU

C-ID:

AJ 140

Criminology
AOJ 029 is an introduction to major types of criminal behavior, characteristics of offenders, factors which contribute to crime and delinquency; the criminal justice process; the function of law enforcement, the courts, probation, parole and institutions; changes in crime control and treatment processes, the role of society. Not open for credit to students who have had a Sociology Crime and Delinquency course of Introduction to Criminology.

Class Hours:

54 Lecture

Advisory(s):

ENG 051A

Transfers to:

UC/CSU

C-ID:

SOCI 160

Juvenile Delinquency
AOJ 032 is an examination of the origin, development, and organization of the Juvenile Justice System as it evolved in the American Justice System. The course explores the theories that focus on juvenile law, courts and processes, and the constitutional protections extended to juveniles administered in the American Justice System.

Class Hours:

54 Lecture

Advisory(s):

ENG 001A

Transfers to:

UC/CSU

C-ID:

AJ 220

Understanding Gangs
AOJ 044 is an introduction to both street and prison gangs. The course is focused on providing a foundation of knowledge on the origins, history, philosophy, community impact, and current trends in gang culture. The course will explore theories of gang involvement, violence, recruitment, graffiti, attire, and criminal activities; with emphasis placed on the organizational structure within gangs and their racial backgrounds. Students will be exposed to an overview of the California legal codes affecting gang enhancements and the prosecution of gang members. Students will explore gender issues, race and ethnicity, gang victimization, and prevention and intervention programs.

Class Hours:

54 Lecture

Advisory(s):

AOJ 001 or ENG 051A

Transfers to:

UC/CSU