Course Descriptions

The goal of this course is to introduce students to a computer topic chosen from a wide range of classic and state-of-the-art research, techniques, systems and technologies in the field of computer programming or networking. Topics will vary each semester. Course may be repeated for credit with a change in subtitle.

This course serves as an introduction to the American criminal justice system including police, courts and correctional systems. Minnesota Police Officer Standards and Training Board objectives are also covered in this course.

This course includes an introduction into the development of American policing and an understanding of the modern roles and functions of police in a democratic society. These roles and functions include responsibilities in peacekeeping, law enforcement, community policing and customer service. Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training Board learning objectives are also covered.

This course covers the study of juvenile delinquency, the theories of causation and the methods of corrections. It also examines the juvenile court and correctional systems. Minnesota juvenile law will be explored as it relates to the Minnesota Police Officer Standards and Training objectives.

This course examines the historical and contemporary correctional theories and programs with emphasis on the current organizational structure. Probation, parole and correctional alternatives are also explored.

This course will deal with use of force issues relating to correctional officers, defensive tactics and control techniques, proper restraint techniques and less-than-lethal weapons training. Lecture and practical applications are included in the course. Minnesota Police Officer Standards and Training Board learning objectives relating to physical control and less-than-lethal weapons are also covered.

This course is devoted primarily to Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training objectives, including but not limited to the following areas: cultural awareness, stress management, domestic abuse, crisis intervention, communication, bias-motivated crimes, victims, ethics and human behavior.

This course covers the study of juvenile delinquency, the theories of causation and the methods of corrections. It also examines the juvenile court and correctional systems. Minnesota juvenile law will be explored as it relates to the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training objectives.

This course looks at a variety of contemporary issues that are considered to be hot spots in law enforcement and criminal justice such as police pursuits, deadly force, gangs, terrorism, etc. Applicable Minnesota Police Officer Standards and Training Board learning objectives are also covered.

This is a course in substantive law, including the elements of major crimes and possible legal defenses. This course also familiarizes students with the Minnesota criminal statutes focusing on Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training Board objectives.

This course covers the study of constitutional law and criminal procedures utilizing the opinions of the United States Supreme Court and Minnesota Rules of Criminal Procedure. Emphasis is placed on the constitutional guidelines for law enforcement, rules of arrest, search and seizure, and the Minnesota Rules of Criminal Procedure. Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training Board learning objectives relating to criminal procedure are also covered.

This course provides the technical understanding and practical application in basic police report writing, field note taking and standardized report forms commonly used by law enforcement. Emphasis is placed on developing a clear, concise style in expressing factual, relevant information in an acceptable format relevant to criminal case procedures. Minnesota Police Officer Standards and Training Board learning objectives for police report writing are also covered.

This course covers the methodology of criminal investigations from preliminary investigation to court proceedings. It also covers evidence recognition, collection and preservation. Police reporting relevant to investigations is also covered, along with all Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training Board learning objectives relating to investigation of crime.

This is an introduction to the principles involved in the application of scientific and technical methods used in the discovery, review and evaluation of physical evidence. The interpretation of evidence and the linkage to suspects is also covered. Minnesota Police Officer Standards and Training Board learning objectives for collection and preservation of evidence are also covered.

This is a practical learning experience in criminal justice in the area of the student's interest. This course is usually scheduled after the student has completed one full year of coursework.