Course Description
This course will focus on the basic ethical concepts and issues that arise in various aspects of the field. Students will explore and form an understanding of the concepts of morality, fairness, equity, and justice as they relate to policing, the courts, punishment, and policy making. Through the use of case studies, current events, and discussion, students will be able to develop a familiarity with the cause and effect of ethical decision making. (3 credits)
Prerequisites
- CRJ 101: Criminal Justice
- ENG 101: English Composition 1
- ENG 102: English Composition 2
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Explain the basic ethical concepts and frameworks used in ethical decision-making.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how fundamental ethical concepts are utilized in policing, criminal courts, and corrections.
- Examine the role that race, ethnicity, and gender may play a role in the administration of justice.
- Distinguish between legal issues and ethical issues.
- Relate current events (both domestic and international) to basic ethical concepts.
General Education Outcomes (GEOs)
Please check the applicable GEOs for this course, if any, by outcomes at GEO Category Search, or by subject area at GEO Discipline Search.
Course Activities and Grading
Assignments | Weight |
Discussions (2.5 Pts, Weeks 1-7) | 35% |
Current Events Presentation (10 Pts., Week 3 & 6) | 20% |
Critical Analysis Paper (20 Pts., Week 4) | 20% |
Research Project (25 pts., Week 7) | 25% |
Total | 100% |
Required Textbooks
Available through Charter Oak's online bookstore
- Banks, Cyndi. Criminal Justice Ethics. 4th edition. Sage Publishing, Inc.:Thousand Oaks, CA, 2016. ISBN-13: 978-1506326054
Additional Resource
- Student companion website: https://study.sagepub.com/banks4e
Course Schedule
Week | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
1 | 1,4 | Topic: Defining Ethics Reading:
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2 | 1,2,5 | Topic: Police Ethics Reading:
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3 | 3,5 | Topics: Race, Ethnicity, Gender and Discrimination in the Criminal Justice System Reading:
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4 | 1,2,4 | Topic: The Courts Reading:
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5 | 2,4 | Topic: Corrections Reading:
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6 | 3,5 | Topics: The media and the War on Terrorism Reading:
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7 | 1,4 | Topics: Duty, Principles and Consequences Reading:
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8 | 1,3,5 | Topics: Justice and Caring for Others Reading:
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COSC Accessibility Statement
Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.
COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources
Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.