Master Syllabus CJ1213, Ethics in Criminal Justice

Credits 3 Lab Hours 0 Lecture Hours 3 Clinical Hours 0
This course explores the major components involved in the study of ethics, particularly as it applies to the field of criminal justice. Focus is placed on the code of conduct and ethics of the criminal justice profession and the standards held to in their professional role. The aim if the course is to produce professionals who are not only critical thinkers, but who have the skills necessary to pursue sound ethics in their day-to-day decisions and activities.

For each unit of credit, a minimum of three hours per week with one of the hours for class and two hours for studying/preparation outside of class is expected.

Program and/or Department Mission Statement

The mission of the Humanities and Social Sciences is to foster an appreciation of the role that the humanities and social sciences has played in the evolution of civilized society and to explore the ways that an understanding of theory and practice in philosophy, the social and behavioral sciences, the fine arts, and written and oral expression will enable students to participate thoughtfully in a global society.

SCCC Outcomes

Outcome #1: Read with comprehension, be critical of what they read, and apply knowledge gained from their reading to broader issues of the day.

Outcome #2: Communicate ideas clearly and proficiently in writing, appropriately adjusting content and arrangement for varying audiences, purposes, and situations.

Outcome #3: Communicate their ideas clearly and proficiently in speaking, appropriately adjusting content and arrangement for varying audiences, purposes, and situations

Outcome #5: Demonstrate the ability to think critically by gathering facts, generating insights, analyzing data, and evaluating information.

Course Outcomes

At the completion of this course, students should have a better understanding of their values in relation to others and ethical systems. The student will demonstrate their understanding of the subject by at least 70% competency of the topics to be covered, including:

  1. Apply the criminal justice code of ethics
  2. Compare and contrast ethical theories
  3. Demonstrate the resolution of ethical dilemmas
  4. Apply ethical decision making process in practical situations
  5. Examine the effects of workplace subculture on ethical behavior
  6. Describe the process of ethical development
  7. Examine ethics and ethical concerns in criminal justice
  8. Explain the relationships between practitioner's behavior and their ethical knowledge and decision making
  9. Identify the basic functions of ethics and institutional policies
  10. Describe how ethics function with other social control systems
  11. Summarize the role of maintaining integrity within the institutional organization
  12. Examine the impact of personal behavior on your profession
  13. Describe the ethical decision-making process as it relates to the use of discretion
Course Outline

The Challenge of Determinism

The Variability of Norms and Values

The Problem of Self-Interest

Sources of Morality

The Development of Morality

The Importance of Consequences

The Ethics of Duty

Considering Character

A Guide to Moral Thinking and Decision Making

  1. Criminal Justice and the Study of Morality
  2. Choices, Values and the Scope of Ethics
  3. How Free Are We?
  4. Is Morality Relative?
  5. Can We Be Moral?
  6. Why Should We Be Good?
  7. Becoming Ethical:
  8. Means and Ends:
  9. Respecting Persons, Respecting Rights:
  10. The Virtuous and the Vicious:
  11. The Examined Life:
Instructional Methods
  1. Lecture/Discussion
  2. In-class assignments/exercises
  3. Scenarios/role play
Instructional Resources and Materials
  1. Internet
  2. Case Studies
  3. Video
  4. White Board
Methods of Assessment

Methods of assessing SCCC and course outcomes include tests, daily work, individual and group projects, and the student's discussion of topics through oral and written communication.

Outcome 1.

Outcome 2.

Outcome 3.

Outcome 5.

  1. Will be assessed by class participation, writing assignments, and verbal discussion indicating comprehension of material read.
  2. Will be assessed by various written assignments regarding subject matter.
  3. Will be assessed by class discussion and scenario-based exercises.
  4. Will be assessed by scenario-based exercises over subject matter.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Seward County Community College will make reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. If you need support or assistance because of a disability, you may be eligible for academic accommodations. Students should identify themselves to the Mental Health Counselor at 620-417-1106 or go to the Student Success Center in the Hobble Academic building, room A149.