Aboriginal Justice Studies
This program explores topics related to crime, the criminal justice system and the law. The program looks at the roles and responsibilities of key components of the system that ensure the safety and protection of people and pro p e rty in society. Students will look at the issues of Aboriginal people in the criminal justice system and how Aboriginal cultural approaches to corrections, policing and courts are helping to address the legacy of colonization. This legacy is demonstrated in the high rates of Aboriginal people served by the courts and prisons.
The practicum placement allows students to gain experience working with agencies and organizations related to criminal justice. Graduates have entered criminal justice careers in policing, courts, customs, community agencies and adult and youth corrections. The program credit transfers to colleges and universities for further studies leading to a Diploma in Criminology or to a Bachelor of Arts, Criminology. Students may then further their education on to law school.
Aboriginal Justice Studies
Program Content
| Semester I | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| CRIM 100 | Introduction to the Criminal Justice System | 3 |
| ENGL 101 | Business Communications | 3 |
| FNST 110 | First Nations Studies | 3 |
| CRIM 150 | Introduction to Criminology | 3 |
| CMNS 125 | Interpersonal Communications | 3 |
| Semester II | Credits | |
| CRIM 120 | Introduction to Policing | 3 |
| CRIM 160 | The Canadian Legal System | 3 |
| CRIM 170 | Introduction to Corrections | 3 |
| CRIM 180 | Introduction to Psychosocial Approaches to Criminal Behavior | 3 |
| CRIM 145 | Employment Preparation | 3 |
| Semester III | Credits | |
| CRIM 155 | AJS Practicum | 3 |
| Total Certificate Credits = 33 |
Course Descriptions
CRIM 100
Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
Credits: 3
The Canadian criminal justice system’s structure and operation will be analyzed using a systems approach. Case studies will be used to follow the offender through the system from apprehension to the end of any formal or informal disposition. 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. The 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.
FNST 110
First Nations Studies
Credits: 3
This course examines the political and social realities of being an Aboriginal person in Canada today. The course exposes students to 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.
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. The course explains the basic concepts of criminology such as crime, delinquency, deviance, rehabilitation and the victim. The relationship of criminology to other social sciences and the relationship between theory and practice are also examined. The evolution of criminology through classical and modern theories and the foundations for a scientific criminal policy will be discussed.
ENGL 101
Business Communications
Credits: 3
The course has been specifically designed to meet the needs of Aboriginal criminal justice students. Topics include written communication skills, report writing, correspondence, and other documents. Students will gain computer literacy skills as well as oral presentation skills. It covers file management in justice areas that require administration of client records.
CMNS 125
Interpersonal Communications
Credits: 3
The course develops students’ interpersonal communication skills. Special activities will focus on traditional Aboriginal values and the interpersonal respect that stems from living in small communities and extended families. Topics include: interpersonal communication skills, conflict resolution and negotiation skills, giving useful feedback, professionalism, anger management and t rust-building, teamwork and leadership.
CRIM 120
Introduction to Policing
Credits: 3
The course covers the historical development of policing as a component of the total justice system. Specific topics examined are: police culture as an international phenomenon, internal and external police controls, the effect of Canadian federalism on policing, the escalating costs of policing, the expanding police role and professional accountability. The roles of fighting crime and maintaining order are compared and contrasted. Students will study cross-cultural communication and compare contemporary policing with Aboriginal policing based on traditional cultural values and practices.
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 involves a historical review of the Canadian, European and American correctional system and the current theory and practice of Canadian corrections. Topics will include sentencing, alternatives to incarceration, the incarceration process, correctional workers, institutional programs (including work, education, security and social programs), rehabilitation, community based correctional programs, community involvement in corrections, and other issues in corrections.
CRIM 180
Introduction to Sociological Approaches to Criminal Behavior
Credits: 3
This course uses the tools of criminology to examine crime and deviance in North America and community responses to this behavior. 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.
CRIM 145
Employment Preparation
Credits: 3
This course is designed to give students in the Aboriginal Criminal Justice Program the lifestyle knowledge and skills to be successful as students and as practicum employees. The course will assist them to make effective career choices given their work attitudes, values, skills and knowledge and to choose an appropriate practicum placement then develop the job search skills to obtain it. Topics include: self-awareness and self-assessments, goal setting, planning, organizing, career/job research skills, skills and knowledge matching, the recruitment process, professional deportment, ethics and confidentiality issues, work environments and cultures, resume development and production, cover letters, application forms, criminal record check, the interview process and relocation issues.
CRIM 155
AJS Practicum
Credits: 3
Through working under the supervision of a professional in one area of the criminal justice system, 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.
