AJ034 Online

Career Planning in Criminal Justice
Course Syllabus

Instructor:  Jim Smith
Telephone: 408 741-2553
Email: jim_smith@westvalley.edu
Instructor Website http://instruct.westvalley.edu/smith/
   
Required Text: There is no required text for this class.


COURSE DESCRIPTION:

 

 

 

This introductory course is designed to acquaint students with potential careers in the criminal justice system.  The content emphasizes the application, testing, and screening process necessary for employment with criminal justice agencies. Credit/No Credit Option.


COURSE GOALS:

 

 

 
  • To develop an effective job-seeking strategy and understand the effective elements of a job application, resume, interview and follow-up process.
  • To develop the ability of the student to recognize the administration of justice agency best suited to his or her talents and aspirations.
  • To develop an appreciation of the complexity of the criminal justice system and the many sub-systems that supports its overall effectiveness.


GENERAL PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES:

 

 
  This course is designed to assist a student in identifying the many possible local, state, and federal career choices within the criminal justice system.  To be successful in this course a student will;
   

 
  • develop a plan of short and long-term goals that lead to an identified career goal.
  • experience peer learning by working in small groups to share ideas, information and strategies.
  • create, expand and utilize a personal network to enhance career opportunities.
  • identify and apply constructive communication strategies for successful initial and promotional interviews.
  • effectively research job opportunities and vacancy openings utilizing the Internet, journals, periodicals, newspapers
    and practitioner networking.
  • understand the requirements necessary to successfully compete for an employment opportunity/ position in the criminal justice field.


EVALUATION METHODOLOGY:

 

 

 

1.  Written Examinations

Point Value

 

 

 

 

     A.  Syllabus Quiz

20

 

 

 

 

     B.  Autobiography Posting (including two replies to other postings)

25

 

 

 

 

     C.  Thirteen Weekly Quizzes  (Handouts/Written Lecture/Internet Research)

 

 

            Week #1     The Value of Career Planning and Education

10

 

            Week #2     Preparing a Portfolio

10

 

            Week #3     The Three Levels of Criminal Justice Employment

10

 

            Week #4     Local Law Enforcement Opportunities

10

 

            Week #5     State Law Enforcement Opportunities

10

 

            Week #6     Federal Law Enforcement Opportunities

10

 

            Week #7     Careers in Private Security

10

 

            Week #8     Careers in Courts

10

 

            Week #9     Careers in Corrections

10

 

            Week #10    Military Occupational Specialties

10

 

            Week #11    Initial Application and Preparing for the
                             Written Examination

10

 

            Week #12    The Interview

10

 

            Week #13    Preparing for the Academy

10
     

 

            Week #14    Final Examination Posted (Comprehensive)

100

 

 

 

 

2.  Homework 

 

 

     A.  13 Weekly Written Assignments @ 25 Points Each

325

 

 

 

 

Total Points Possible

600

 

 

 

 

3.  Grading Evaluation  (Final Grade)

 
     

 

540 - 600 = A

480 - 539 = B

420 - 479 = C

 

 

360 - 419 = D

000 - 419 = F

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Items of Interest

 

 

 
         

 

  • Absolutely no homework or assignments will be accepted during the week of the final exam (summer or condensed classes excepted).  This may not be the same week as the classroom schedule, it is the week when the final is posted for this online class.

  • The college policy on plagiarism and classroom dishonesty is strictly enforced in this class.  If you submit work that is not your own, you will be dropped from the class.

  • There will be no extra credit. Please do not inquire. All students will be assessed equally based upon the established course requirements.