Aboriginal Justice Studies

Course Descriptions

CRIM 100  Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
Credits: 3
The Canadian criminal justice system’s structure, levels, and operation will be analyzed. Attention will be paid to the historical development and current role of the police, the correctional system, the judiciary and criminal laws. The factors involved in decisions and practices and the role of discretion will be studied for the entire system, including both statutory and voluntary agencies. Students will also examine the various, and at times competing, goals within the system and analyze current trends in Canadian criminal justice policy, such as restorative justice.

CRIM 150  Introduction to Criminology
Credits: 3
This course will present an overview of the concepts, themes, and issues encountered in the discipline of criminology (or the study of crime). The course explains the basic concepts of criminology such as crime, deviance, rehabilitation, and the victim, as well as looking more in-depth at critical theories of race,
gender, and class. We will examine the development of criminology through classical and modern theories. The relationships between theory and practice are also examined.

ENGL 101  Business Communications
Credits: 3
The workplace requires increasingly specialized technical and professional communication skills. This requires a solid basis in grammar, precise language, and effective editing. With an immense amount of information at our fingertips, we need skills in effectively sifting and combining information for effective communication. Many jobs require complex electronic communication as well as effective oral presentations. Upon successful completion of this course, students will  be able to demonstrate technical and professionalcommunications, with sensitivity to cultural differences, develop use of the writing process, distinguish fact from opinion in writing, research information from a variety of sources, produce effective written, oral, formal, and informal communications, and be aware of the special issues in communication and the importance of maintaining traditional Aboriginal languages.

FNST 110  First Nations Studies
Credits: 3
This course examines the political and social realities of being an Aboriginal person in Canada today.  Students will study the history and culture of First Nations peoples through anthropology, political science, history, sociology, and legal studies. Issues of law, social policy, land claims, and racism will be discussed. Where possible, the course draws on First Nations’ writings and contrasts First Nations and non-First Nations perspectives. The course prepares students to be active participants in the processes of cultural revitalization, political reorganization, and social change.

CMNS 125  Interpersonal Communications
Credits: 3
This course develops students’ interpersonal communication skills through experiential workshops and participatory learning exercises. Special activities will focus on traditional Aboriginal values and the interpersonal respect that stems from living in small communities and extended families – and students will be presented with larger challenges on how to take these values with them into the workplace and criminal and social justice environments. Topics include: interpersonal communication skills, conflict resolution and negotiation skills, giving useful feedback,professionalism, anger management and trust-building, teamwork, and leadership.

CRIM 120  Introduction to Policing
Credits: 3
This course will look at policing from a critical perspective. Students will trace the organizational development of the police force from a historical perspective to the roles of police in contemporary society. Particular emphasis will be on Aboriginal policing (based on traditional cultural values and practices) and policing within the larger minority communities in Canada. To do this, students will look at police/minority relations in a cross-national/
cultural context. Other topics that will be explored include community policing, police and the use of discretion, police officers as risk assessors, the use of force in policing, organizational structure of policing, recruitment and training, escalating costs of policing, the expanding police role, and professional
accountability

CRIM 160  The Canadian Legal System
Credits: 3
This course focuses on the history, development, and present day operations of the legal system. It covers: constitutional law, administrative law, civil liberties, the court system, the functions of judges and lawyers. It considers the history of Canadian law and the system of the Canadian courts. The course will consider the nature of legal reasoning, the doctrine of precedent, principles of statutory interpretation and will introduce the fields of contract, torts, administrative law, and family law. It also examines the process of law reform in Canada.

CRIM 170  Introduction to Corrections
Credits: 3
This course will critically examine the history, development, and contemporary social organization of correctional institutions, including experiences of prisoners, victims, families, communities, and administrators. The overrepresentation of Aboriginals in the correctional system will discussed from a historical and contemporary perspective. Students will also survey community-based and restorative alternatives, institutional, educational, and Aboriginal programs, as well as issues of parole, prison education, and re-entry into the community. Trips to correctional institutions in the Lower Mainland will occur throughout the semester.

CRIM 180  Sociological Approaches to Crime
Credits: 3
This course uses the tools of criminology to examine crime and deviance in North America and community responses to this behaviour. Students examine various theories explaining the nature and patterns of Aboriginal crime and delinquency. A critical examination of the First Nations experience with the criminal justice system is included. Innovative First Nations’ justice programs are examined and international comparisons of justice services for indigenous people are discussed. Students will look specifically at a number of criminalized or stigmatized social issues through the lens of moral panic: drugs, homelessness, prostitution, and youth crime. A main question to be asked is: what are the some of the processes that allow phenomena generally outside the realm of crime to become regulated by law?

CRIM 145  Employment Preparation
Credits: 3
This course is designed to give students in the Aboriginal Justice Studies program the lifestyle knowledge and skills to be successful as students and as practicum employees. The course will assist students in making effective career choices given their work attitudes, values, skills, and knowledge; choosing appropriate practicum placement; and developing the job search skills to obtain it. Topics include: self-awareness, goal-setting, career/job research skills, the recruitment process, ethics and confidentiality issues, work environments and cultures, stress management, resume development and production, cover letters, application forms, and the interview process.

CRIM 155  AJS Practicum
Credits: 3
Through working under the supervision of a professional in an area of the criminal justice system or social services sector, students will demonstrate professionalism and time management,communication, teamwork, and networking skills. Specific assignments and an evaluation by both the practicum supervisor and the program coordinator will allow the student to demonstrate readiness for employment or further training.
Prerequisite:  CRIM 145