Justice Studies Diploma

School Bow Valley College
Method At the institution
Location Calgary
Type Diploma
Course fee By request

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Justice Studies Diploma

Objectives The Correctional Studies Diploma is a four-semester (two year) program that gives you the skills and knowledge to build a career in corrections and youth work. With an increasing offender population and the need for leadership and programming, this field offers exciting career opportunities.
Practical experience Students will take part in a practical course in selected correctional settings.
Academic title Correctional Studies Diploma
Course description Courses – Year 1:College Success SkillsEnhance and strengthen your skills for success for college and career. Emphasis is on personal management, study skills, and critical thinking.Introduction to the Criminal Justice SystemThe structure and jurisdictions of governments are examined together with the development, role and functions of the police, courts, and corrections.Criminal LawStatute law and basic constitutional law, including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is examined.Human Relations in the Criminal Justice SystemAuthority figures, attitudes and their dynamics, professionalism and ethics, decision making processes, and customer service skill development are explored.Health, Wellness and Fitness (or approved elective)You are required to develop your own personalized fitness program and participate in a variety of fitness training activities, sports and wellness topics.Effective Presentation and SpeechThis course has been designed to teach the student to prepare and present formal presentations to an organized class, within the classroom environment.English Composition IIn order to be successful in the Criminal Justice System field, you must be able to write clearly, concisely and accurately. Emphasis is placed on grammar skills.Introduction to SociologyLearn about Canadian culture, diversity, and social trends and how Canada is affected by its position in the world as a whole.InterviewingExplore interpersonal relationships, barriers to effectiveness, paraphrasing as well as obtaining statements from complaints, victims and witnesses. Role-playing is employed extensively.Introduction to CorrectionsThe history of corrections, the role of corrections in contemporary society and the relationship between community corrections, correctional centres, and parole are covered.Introduction to CorrectionsThe history of corrections, the role of corrections in contemporary society and the relationship between community corrections, correctional centres, and parole are covered.Multiculturalism & Criminal Justice in CanadaThis course examines multiculturalism and the criminal justice system emphasizing recognition, acceptance, and affirmation of ethnic, racial, religious, and physical differences in Canada.Alternative Dispute ResolutionThe main focus of the course involves training in mediation and family group conferencing (FGC) as well as other methods of conflict resolution.Introduction to PsychologyAttention is given to the scientific method, biological factors, cognitive processes, learning, memory, intelligence, motivation, personality, and social psychology.Law, Youth & Young OffendersThis course includes the evolution of law and a detailed analysis of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.Correctional LawExpectations of correctional staff in light of the Charter of Rights and Criminal Code are reviewed. Current legal issues in corrections are explored.Courses – Year 2:CriminologyHistorical and modern day theoretical concepts of crime, criminals and criminality and the relationships with other sciences are included.Drugs in CorrectionsLearn the symptoms of drug and alcohol intoxication and how to identify and manage offenders who are abusers or addicts of drugs or alcohol.Correctional ClassificationThe implications of classification for case management, security and control and the management of risk are included.Correctional MethodsSecurity procedures, offender management skills and issues confronting corrections officers are studied and, where appropriate, practical application is provided.English Composition IIAssignments closely follow current law enforcement agencies’ English testing procedures and current business communication skills. Library research techniques are introduced.Corrections Practicum IFirst-hand observation of correctional practitioners at work in selected correctional settings and ongoing contact between you and the faculty supervisor ensures a high degree of professional development.Abnormal PsychologyDevelop working definitions of normal and abnormal behaviour of mental health. The DSM IV is used as basis for classification of abnormal behaviour. Crisis ResolutionCrisis InterventionA basic understanding in the areas of victimology, human interaction and behaviour, with emphasis on techniques for safe and effective intervention, mediation and referral are explored.Correctional Report WritingReports utilized in both community and institutional corrections (federal and provincial) are addressed, as well as those required for young offender work.Corrections AdministrationExplore motivation theory, organizational behaviour, labour relations, personnel evaluation, and how the system is influenced by governmental priorities.Correctional Casework and CounsellingA thorough understanding of the purpose of casework, the specific procedures involved and practical application through case studies are provided.Corrections Practicum IIObservation of correctional practitioners at work in selected correctional settings and ongoing contact between you and the faculty supervisor and the student ensures a high degree of professional development.Defence and Tactics (or approved elective)A variety of defence and control tactics necessary in the provincial and federal corrections are taught. Physical fitness is maintained as a necessary condition for application of tactics.Special Needs OffendersThis course focuses on the identification of offender groups and the development of appropriate responses within the correctional contexts.Introduction to e-PortfolioThis course introduces you to e-portfolio philosophy and software. Create and maintain an e-portfolio that emphasizes your personal, educational, and career goals.Career Skills EvaluationThis final course in the college success series helps you assess your employment skills and design a professional development plan as you prepare to transition from college to the workplace.