Criminology in Halifax

Abnormal Psychology

This course provides you with an introduction to maladaptive behaviours and their individual and societal ramifications. You will develop a basic understanding of the mental status exam, behavioural assessments, neurological testing processes, and central nervous system. Subsequently, you will apply this information to develop an understanding of the integrative approach and how it is applied in abnormal psychology. You will examine the historical development and theoretical frameworks of abnormal psychology so that classification, assessment, and comprehension of specific disorders may be applied to real-life case studies. You will complete a case study integrating course content and demonstrating your ability to apply abnormal psychology to real-life scenarios.

Behaviour Modification

Behaviour modification is a technique that promotes positive changes in behaviour. This module places strong emphasis on defining problems in terms of behaviours that can be measured. You will chart behaviour and the progress of your intervention through daily behavioural modification applications. You will learn the benefits of altering client behaviour patterns through positive and negative reinforcement, understanding response class, and intervention techniques. You will be assessed on your ability to integrate and apply course material by assessing, charting, analyzing, practicing prevention techniques, and creating an action plan for behaviour modification.

Canadian Criminology

Within this course, you will develop an awareness of the criminal justice system from a criminological perspective. You will gain an understanding of the framework on which the Canadian criminal justice system is built, this includes crime, policing, court system, sentencing, corrections for males, females and youths, and rehabilitation and reintegration. This will give you the foundation on from which further criminology modules can be decisively analyzed, critiqued, and understood. As part of your assessment, you will lead a seminar to enhance presentation and facilitation skills.

Corrections in Criminal Justice

This module will provide a clear understanding of where corrections fit in the Canadian criminal justice system. Beginning with an introduction to the philosophy of corrections, the elements and theories of correctional practice will be analyzed and discussed so that students will realize an adequate understanding of specific prison systems. A critique of correctional practice and community agencies/resources in the correctional continuum will provide students with insight into future trends in correctional objectives. Students will also discuss the duty to act fairly in correctional settings and examine features of the inmate subculture.

Corrections in Criminal Justice

This module will provide a clear understanding of where corrections fit in the Canadian criminal justice system. Beginning with an introduction to the philosophy of corrections, the elements and theories of correctional practice will be analyzed and discussed so that students will realize an adequate understanding of specific prison systems. A critique of correctional practice and community agencies/resources in the correctional continuum will provide students with insight into future trends in correctional objectives. Students will also discuss the duty to act fairly in correctional settings and examine features of the inmate subculture.

Current Issues in Criminology

Current Issues in Criminology is the most fluid and evolving module in Eastern College’s Criminology program. On a daily basis, you will examine real-life cases, news stories, and legislative changes that relate to criminology. You are expected to integrate and apply program knowledge to individuals, society, and the Canadian criminal justice system. To that end, you will research and analyze current events and identify trends in Canadian criminology, such as the death penalty, Black Lives Matter, Idle No More, criminal justice reform, and early interventions. As part of this module, you will complete a research paper and presentation on a current issue where you analyze and apply criminology theories to real-life cases.

Procedures and Administration in Criminal Justice

Procedures and Administration of Criminal Justice is designed to give you an overview of the criminal justice system through an integrative lens of the Canadian Constitution and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. You will explore the history, development, the application, policing, the judiciary and corrections, and how they form the backbone of Canada’s modern system of jurisprudence under the Canadian Constitution and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. You will challenge both yours and societal understanding of key criminal justice issues to understand the advocacy role required in criminology for individuals, institutions, and programming. For this module, you will be expected to participate in daily classroom discussions and debates relating to the Charter of Rights and its application in the administration of criminal justice in Canada.

Career Planning & Preparation - Level I

This module will introduce you to and provide practice in using the tools required for a successful job search. The concepts covered in this module will help you maintain a career-focused approach throughout your studies so that you are better prepared to conduct a job search after graduating. Specifically, you will learn how to identify your soft and hard skills and how to articulate your abilities in a clear and concise Elevator Pitch that will appeal to employers and resonate with industry contacts. You will learn about the job search resources available to you including using career websites, creating Linked In profiles, accessing the “hidden” job market, and networking. You will examine sample resumes and cover letters and begin the process of creating your own professional resumes and cover letters that align with current conventions for content, organization, and formatting. You will also learn about the role of references, thank you letters, workplace philosophies, and strategies for success including maintaining a professional image and using proper etiquette when communicating with potential employers and industry contacts. An introduction to Occupational Health and Safety is also provided with specific focus on employees’ rights and responsibilities, workplace health and safety policy and programs, hazard identification and control, and safety training options such as WHIMIS and First Aid.

Career Planning & Preparation - Level II

This module builds on concepts and skills introduced in the Career Planning and Preparation Level 1 prerequisite module. In this subsequent module, you will update and refine your resume and Linked In Profile. You will continue writing cover letters and learn the value of customizing cover letters to specific job postings. You will have the opportunity to apply this knowledge as you conduct a job search and write a cover letter tailored to an ideal job post. Through research, you will create a list of top employers and target current industry opportunities. You will learn about current methods for applying to job postings using technology. You will also gain an understanding of the job interview process, typical interview questions and possible responses, and expectations of both the interviewer and interviewee. In addition, you will engage in practical application of the interview process through role-plays. Topics such as negotiating salary, self-management, and on-the-job success for placements and post-graduate employment will be also covered.

Career Planning & Preparation - Level II

This module builds on concepts and skills introduced in the Career Planning and Preparation Level 1 prerequisite module. In this subsequent module, you will update and refine your resume and Linked In Profile. You will continue writing cover letters and learn the value of customizing cover letters to specific job postings. You will have the opportunity to apply this knowledge as you conduct a job search and write a cover letter tailored to an ideal job post. Through research, you will create a list of top employers and target current industry opportunities. You will learn about current methods for applying to job postings using technology. You will also gain an understanding of the job interview process, typical interview questions and possible responses, and expectations of both the interviewer and interviewee. In addition, you will engage in practical application of the interview process through role-plays. Topics such as negotiating salary, self-management, and on-the-job success for placements and post-graduate employment will be also covered.

Cultural Awareness

The emphasis on this module will be to identify local minorities in the Atlantic Provinces and to examine the various norms, practices, and values. You will gain an understanding and sensitivity to the issues surrounding Indigenous peoples in Canada, immigrant families, and other vulnerable populations. You will discuss and demonstrate the awareness of subcultures in our society. You will also identify the social issues and challenges facing minorities and subcultures. As part of this module, you will create a brochure or pamphlet on services and resources available to refugees and immigrants. You will be assessed on your awareness of economic, cultural, religious, social, and gender diversity, as well as marginalized populations.

Digital Literacy for Professionals

This course has four units that introduces you to the fundamental concepts and principles of learning and working in a digital environment. The first unit introduces you to using devices and handling information with topics on operating systems (Windows, MAC, and Linux), computer organization (folder management and naming conventions), cloud storage (including Microsoft OneDrive), types of web browsers including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari), and fundamental troubleshooting. In the second unit, you will become familiar with creating and editing information through learning about file formats (pdf, mp4, docx), productivity (including iWork and Microsoft Office Suite) and creativity (Adobe, Canva, iMovie) platforms, and basic introduction to Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The third unit on communicating and collaborating will introduce you to web conferencing applications (Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams), mail applications (including Microsoft Outlook and Gmail,), project management tools (Trello, Asana), and time management tools (including Todoist, Outlook Calendar, and iCal), and building rapport virtually. In the final unit, you will gain an understanding on netiquette, cybersecurity, and digital wellness. After completing this course, you will have enhanced digital literacy skills as a professional in the working and learning environment.

Forensic Psychology

This module is designed to introduce you to the scientific study of behaviours, mental health, and mental processes. Additionally, it will provide you a thorough grounding in different types of psychology, and the role psychology plays in understanding the interplay between psychological conditions and human behaviour. You will recognize the application of psychology in selecting police officers for the Academy and the creation of various screening tests, such as the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and the Inwald Personality Inventory (IPI). You will learn about psychological and racial profiling, psychopathy, recidivism, line-ups, polygraphs, false confessions, interrogation techniques, legislation pertaining to criminal insanity and the death-penalty debate. We will discuss domestic violence, false memories, confidence games, different types of power, different types of crisis and phases of crisis, aggravating and mitigating factors. Additionally, the following types of offenders will also be covered within this module: types of sex-offenders, hostage takers, organized versus disorganized criminals, serial killers, mass killers and spree killers. Finally, you will discuss rape myths, types of rapists, jury psychology, jury bias and stress and eye-witness testimonies. This course covers the outlined topics in the context of Canadian cases.

Field Placement - Criminology

At the successful completion of the classroom hours of this program, students will be placed in a 120?hour field placement at an outside organization. Students will have the opportunity to apply their new and developed skills in a real?world environment.

Introduction to Basic Counselling Skills

This module is intended to give students counselling knowledge such that they may work constructively with a professional counsellor and function effectively in initial contact with clients. Students will learn to apply the ethical and legal principles of counselling and be able to demonstrate basic counselling skills and techniques. You will complete daily activities on MindTap, as well as live scenarios. You will also practice positioning, decorum, safety techniques, encouraging clients to share information and learn to take initiative in their own lives. The Privacy Act will also be discussed in terms of what is protected under the act and safe information sharing.

Introduction to Criminology

The Canadian criminal justice system is a complex, dynamic, and ever-changing system. How the various components of the system operate and the extent to which they are successful in preventing and responding to crime and criminal offenders affects not only the general public, but also criminal justice personnel. This module is designed to provide a concise overview of how the system works and the critical issues that surround each stage of the process. As part of your assessment, you will complete end-of-chapters as knowledge checks.

Introduction to Research and Writing

This course aims to help you improve all of your communication skills: writing, reading, speaking, and listening. The main emphasis, however, is on writing skills. You will learn research and documentation strategies and will strengthen and expand their writing skills so they can write more effectively for relevant audiences and purposes. Within this course, you will compose a research paper based on a topic of choice within the field criminology. Based on your research paper, you will then complete a grant proposal, highlighting essential problems and how the grant will help to alleviate and or resolve the issue. Additionally, you will gain practice with writing an incident report.

Introduction to Sociology

Sociology is the study of society. This module provides students with a fundamental background into sociological study, focusing on identifying, explaining, and interpreting patterns and processes of human social relations. By analyzing theoretical approaches to sociological issues the students will be able to discuss and rationalize complex material with a “sociological imagination” and apply a practical sociological perspective to many different contexts.

Introduction to Sociology

Sociology is the study of society. This module provides students with a fundamental background into sociological study, focusing on identifying, explaining, and interpreting patterns and processes of human social relations. By analyzing theoretical approaches to sociological issues the students will be able to discuss and rationalize complex material with a “sociological imagination” and apply a practical sociological perspective to many different contexts.

Personal Fitness

This module will provide students with the education to evaluate their own health and wellness and enable them to design a lifestyle plan that will help prevent injury in the workplace along with aiding them in living healthy lifestyles. We will also discuss mental well-being and the importance of self-care. Creating awareness of the dangers of addiction and stress-based health conditions within the criminological field. You will engage in discussions throughout this course relating to health, wellness, and personal fitness, both mental and physical.

Provincial Statutes

This module is designed to familiarize students with the statutes most relevant to their line of work. This module will provide students the opportunity not only to become familiar with these acts but will also assist them to become acquainted with understanding the “legal language” used in the statutes. You will choose, read, analyze, and summarize a piece of provincial legislation with the purpose of teaching your peers the main points and facilitating discussion. You will also gain perspective by creating learning material for your peers to enhance their learning experience, as well as, leading a discussion around the shortcomings and strengths of the legislation as it pertains to criminology.

Psychology of Addictions for Criminology

This module is designed to provide students with an extensive analysis of the psychology of addictions. There have been a number of major advances in our understanding of addictive disorders. The aim of the module is to allow students insight into the discoveries in the field of substance abuse tempered with the fact that the faculty of addictive medicine is ever changing. Foundations in the area of substance abuse and applicable terminology will provide students a basis from which current information can be effectively and accurately critiqued. Common addictions, as well as the individual and familial consequences, will be discussed. Within this module, you will create and run a seminar enlightening your peers on a particular topic based around addictions and interventions.

Related Training 1

Related training includes a series of seminars and workshops provided by third-party agencies that professionals in criminology are expected to complete. The following are included: Back Injury Prevention Program, Standard First Aid Level C/CPR, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHMIS), Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention. The WHMIS component teaches leaners the basic elements of WHMIS 2015 and the Global Harmonization System. This covers the safety measures and guidelines to be followed when exposed to or working with hazardous materials. The Applied Suicide Intervention Skills training aims to provide you with the knowledge and skills of how to help intervene with a person who is contemplating suicide.

Related Training 2

Related training includes a series of seminars and workshops provided by third-party agencies that professionals in criminology are expected to complete. The following are included: Critical Incident Stress Management, Correctional Officer Training Standards, Manipulation/Self Defense Skills, Canadian Firearms Safety, Food Hygiene (Halifax specific), and Medication Awareness (Halifax specific). The Canadian Firearms Safety course will equip you with introductory knowledge of the responsibilities of having and using non-restricted firearms, including safe use, handling, and storage. Within the Critical Incident Stress Management session, you will learn of the signs and symptoms of a stress reaction and the techniques that could minimize the impact. In this module, you will also attain the Food Hygiene Certificate. This program is designed to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses and explains the importance of practicing good personal hygiene, along with basic food safe principles, in effort to reduce the risk of contamination that leads to foodborne illnesses.

Software Lab - Presentations

This software lab module will use a simulation-based program called MindTap that consists of online trainings and assessments in Microsoft PowerPoint. You will learn a comprehensive set of skills centered on creating a presentation (create title slide, slide with lists, format text, duplicate, rearrange, and delete slides, change a theme, and so on). You will learn how to effectively add media and special effects (apply theme used in another presentation, insert shapes and pictures, rotate objects, create a table, and more). You will apply advanced formatting and animation to objects (including inserting SmartArt graphic, audio clips, and WordArt style). You will be able to distribute presentations and integration PowerPoint with other Microsoft Office programs, such as Word and Excel. You will learn how to customize presentations and become familiar with the PowerPoint environment, (how to work in a Slide Master View, work with comments, save a custom theme, and so on).

Software Lab - Word Processing

This software lab module will use a simulation-based program called MindTap that consists of online trainings and assessments in Microsoft Word. It builds on the skills introduced in Digital Literacy for Professionals course. You will learn a comprehensive set of skills, with coverage including creating and editing a document (this includes saving a document, using AutoComplete and AutoCorrect, undo and redo actions, paragraph spacing, and more), formatting a document (covering topics like addressing comments in documents, using drag and drop, as well as cut, copy and paste). This course will also introduce you to how to create tables and a multipage report (including options found in the Navigation pane, formatting a table, merging cells and adding a formula, using SmartArt graphic, and more). You will acquire skills in editing text or content for layout and appearance (wrap text, WordArt, cropping a picture, and so on). Additionally, you will work with templates, themes, and styles (creating a new document from a template, using thesaurus, saving a custom theme, customizing a style, and so on). This course concludes with the mail merge feature (such as inserting mail merge fields into a document, complete a mail merge, and more).

Sociology of Deviance

This course is designed to provide students with a fundamental knowledge of the principles of deviance, conformity, and social control. Students will examine theoretical models and substantive issues from the world today. Students will look at a variety of theories and topics in a sociocultural context, reflecting on their own attitudes to deviance and conformity, how their experience has shaped these beliefs, and how this knowledge will impact their work in criminology. You will expand on an area of deviance that can be researched and create knowledge and understanding between deviance and conformity.

Student Success Strategies

In this orientation module, you will focus on achieving success from day one. You will develop non-technical skills to enhance your personal, academic, and career success. You will explore learning styles, including visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning. You will also enhance your practical study skills, such as memory, reading, note- and test-taking techniques. Personal exercises will focus on teamwork, decision-making and problem-solving skills, setting SMART goals, and maintaining a positive attitude. You will also explore techniques for managing change, stress, and conflict.

Youth Criminal Justice

Youth Criminal Justice is designed to give students a thorough understanding of the history, development, amendments, and current practices in legislation that apply to young offenders in Canada. Topics include the evolving perspective on youth rights, the evolution of law, an analysis of the Youth Criminal Justice Act and its application as well as legal provisions for dealing with youth in conflict with the law in Canada. You will research a Canadian case under the Youth Criminal Justice Act in which you will analyze the application of relevant legislation and the ramifications for youth in Canada.

Abnormal Psychology

This course provides you with an introduction to maladaptive behaviours and their individual and societal ramifications. You will develop a basic understanding of the mental status exam, behavioural assessments, neurological testing processes, and central nervous system. Subsequently, you will apply this information to develop an understanding of the integrative approach and how it is applied in abnormal psychology. You will examine the historical development and theoretical frameworks of abnormal psychology so that classification, assessment, and comprehension of specific disorders may be applied to real-life case studies. You will complete a case study integrating course content and demonstrating your ability to apply abnormal psychology to real-life scenarios.

Behaviour Modification

Behaviour modification is a technique that promotes positive changes in behaviour. This module places strong emphasis on defining problems in terms of behaviours that can be measured. You will chart behaviour and the progress of your intervention through daily behavioural modification applications. You will learn the benefits of altering client behaviour patterns through positive and negative reinforcement, understanding response class, and intervention techniques. You will be assessed on your ability to integrate and apply course material by assessing, charting, analyzing, practicing prevention techniques, and creating an action plan for behaviour modification.

Canadian Criminology

Within this course, you will develop an awareness of the criminal justice system from a criminological perspective. You will gain an understanding of the framework on which the Canadian criminal justice system is built, this includes crime, policing, court system, sentencing, corrections for males, females and youths, and rehabilitation and reintegration. This will give you the foundation on from which further criminology modules can be decisively analyzed, critiqued, and understood. As part of your assessment, you will lead a seminar to enhance presentation and facilitation skills.

Corrections in Criminal Justice

This module will provide students with a clear understanding of the important role corrections play in the Canadian criminal justice system. You will examine sentencing, the history of corrections, the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, conditional release options, and their impact on corrections. In addition, you will then investigate specific programming options, offender classifications, persistent criminogenic factors both dynamic and static, and the impact on offender, inmate, and correctional populations. To that end, the Federal Correctional System, the Parole system, and use of authority in the correctional and reintegration systems will be explored. You will undertake a thorough examination of international and Canadian Human Rights, abuse of power, and wrongful conviction cases to understand the history of corrections, and an awareness of best practices to be applied in the study of criminology. The evaluations of this course examine ethics and special populations in corrections with the opportunity to develop further knowledge through a research paper and presentation. As part of this module, you will be assessed on your understanding of special populations, ethics of the Standford Prison Experiment as they relate to corrections today, and a research topic of your choice on corrections.

Current Issues in Criminology

Current Issues in Criminology is the most fluid and evolving module in Eastern College’s Criminology program. On a daily basis, you will examine real-life cases, news stories, and legislative changes that relate to criminology. You are expected to integrate and apply program knowledge to individuals, society, and the Canadian criminal justice system. To that end, you will research and analyze current events and identify trends in Canadian criminology, such as the death penalty, Black Lives Matter, Idle No More, criminal justice reform, and early interventions. As part of this module, you will complete a research paper and presentation on a current issue where you analyze and apply criminology theories to real-life cases.

Procedures and Administration in Criminal Justice

Procedures and Administration of Criminal Justice is designed to give you an overview of the criminal justice system through an integrative lens of the Canadian Constitution and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. You will explore the history, development, the application, policing, the judiciary and corrections, and how they form the backbone of Canada’s modern system of jurisprudence under the Canadian Constitution and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. You will challenge both yours and societal understanding of key criminal justice issues to understand the advocacy role required in criminology for individuals, institutions, and programming. For this module, you will be expected to participate in daily classroom discussions and debates relating to the Charter of Rights and its application in the administration of criminal justice in Canada.

Career Planning & Preparation - Level I

This module will introduce you to and provide practice in using the tools required for a successful job search. The concepts covered in this module will help you maintain a career-focused approach throughout your studies so that you are better prepared to conduct a job search after graduating. Specifically, you will learn how to identify your soft and hard skills and how to articulate your abilities in a clear and concise Elevator Pitch that will appeal to employers and resonate with industry contacts. You will learn about the job search resources available to you including using career websites, creating Linked In profiles, accessing the “hidden” job market, and networking. You will examine sample resumes and cover letters and begin the process of creating your own professional resumes and cover letters that align with current conventions for content, organization, and formatting. You will also learn about the role of references, thank you letters, workplace philosophies, and strategies for success including maintaining a professional image and using proper etiquette when communicating with potential employers and industry contacts. An introduction to Occupational Health and Safety is also provided with specific focus on employees’ rights and responsibilities, workplace health and safety policy and programs, hazard identification and control, and safety training options such as WHIMIS and First Aid.

Career Planning & Preparation - Level II

This module builds on concepts and skills introduced in the Career Planning and Preparation Level 1 prerequisite module. In this subsequent module, you will update and refine your resume and Linked In Profile. You will continue writing cover letters and learn the value of customizing cover letters to specific job postings. You will have the opportunity to apply this knowledge as you conduct a job search and write a cover letter tailored to an ideal job post. Through research, you will create a list of top employers and target current industry opportunities. You will learn about current methods for applying to job postings using technology. You will also gain an understanding of the job interview process, typical interview questions and possible responses, and expectations of both the interviewer and interviewee. In addition, you will engage in practical application of the interview process through role-plays. Topics such as negotiating salary, self-management, and on-the-job success for placements and post-graduate employment will be also covered.

Cultural Awareness

The emphasis on this module will be to identify local minorities in the Atlantic Provinces and to examine the various norms, practices, and values. You will gain an understanding and sensitivity to the issues surrounding Indigenous peoples in Canada, immigrant families, and other vulnerable populations. You will discuss and demonstrate the awareness of subcultures in our society. You will also identify the social issues and challenges facing minorities and subcultures. As part of this module, you will create a brochure or pamphlet on services and resources available to refugees and immigrants. You will be assessed on your awareness of economic, cultural, religious, social, and gender diversity, as well as marginalized populations.

Digital Literacy for Professionals

This course has four units that introduces you to the fundamental concepts and principles of learning and working in a digital environment. The first unit introduces you to using devices and handling information with topics on operating systems (Windows, MAC, and Linux), computer organization (folder management and naming conventions), cloud storage (including Microsoft OneDrive), types of web browsers including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari), and fundamental troubleshooting. In the second unit, you will become familiar with creating and editing information through learning about file formats (pdf, mp4, docx), productivity (including iWork and Microsoft Office Suite) and creativity (Adobe, Canva, iMovie) platforms, and basic introduction to Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The third unit on communicating and collaborating will introduce you to web conferencing applications (Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams), mail applications (including Microsoft Outlook and Gmail,), project management tools (Trello, Asana), and time management tools (including Todoist, Outlook Calendar, and iCal), and building rapport virtually. In the final unit, you will gain an understanding on netiquette, cybersecurity, and digital wellness. After completing this course, you will have enhanced digital literacy skills as a professional in the working and learning environment.

Forensic Psychology

This module is designed to introduce you to the scientific study of behaviours, mental health, and mental processes. Additionally, it will provide you a thorough grounding in different types of psychology, and the role psychology plays in understanding the interplay between psychological conditions and human behaviour. You will recognize the application of psychology in selecting police officers for the Academy and the creation of various screening tests, such as the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and the Inwald Personality Inventory (IPI). You will learn about psychological and racial profiling, psychopathy, recidivism, line-ups, polygraphs, false confessions, interrogation techniques, legislation pertaining to criminal insanity and the death-penalty debate. We will discuss domestic violence, false memories, confidence games, different types of power, different types of crisis and phases of crisis, aggravating and mitigating factors. Additionally, the following types of offenders will also be covered within this module: types of sex-offenders, hostage takers, organized versus disorganized criminals, serial killers, mass killers and spree killers. Finally, you will discuss rape myths, types of rapists, jury psychology, jury bias and stress and eye-witness testimonies. This course covers the outlined topics in the context of Canadian cases.

Field Placement

You will complete a six-week placement at the end of the program at a field appropriate site. Sites may include schools, non-profit agencies, addiction centres, police stations, and Federal Halfway Houses. Potential roles you may shadow are outreach workers, correctional officers, police officers, client support workers, security officers, shelter workers, and residential/group home workers. You may also have the opportunity to work in criminal justice or security related fields as they pertain to sheriff services, child protection, and victim services/restorative justice. You will demonstrate the knowledge and skills you have attained throughout the program, including behaviour modification, interventions, and proper decorum. You will have the opportunity to apply and integrate documentation skills and legislative knowledge.

Introduction to Basic Counselling Skills

This module is intended to give students counselling knowledge such that they may work constructively with a professional counsellor and function effectively in initial contact with clients. Students will learn to apply the ethical and legal principles of counselling and be able to demonstrate basic counselling skills and techniques. You will complete daily activities on MindTap, as well as live scenarios. You will also practice positioning, decorum, safety techniques, encouraging clients to share information and learn to take initiative in their own lives. The Privacy Act will also be discussed in terms of what is protected under the act and safe information sharing.

Introduction to Criminology

The Canadian criminal justice system is a complex, dynamic, and ever-changing system. How the various components of the system operate and the extent to which they are successful in preventing and responding to crime and criminal offenders affects not only the general public, but also criminal justice personnel. This module is designed to provide a concise overview of how the system works and the critical issues that surround each stage of the process. As part of your assessment, you will complete end-of-chapters as knowledge checks.

Introduction to Research and Writing

This course aims to help you improve all of your communication skills: writing, reading, speaking, and listening. The main emphasis, however, is on writing skills. You will learn research and documentation strategies and will strengthen and expand their writing skills so they can write more effectively for relevant audiences and purposes. Within this course, you will compose a research paper based on a topic of choice within the field criminology. Based on your research paper, you will then complete a grant proposal, highlighting essential problems and how the grant will help to alleviate and or resolve the issue. Additionally, you will gain practice with writing an incident report.

Introduction to Sociology

Sociology is the study of society. This module provides students with a fundamental background into sociological study, focusing on identifying, explaining, and interpreting patterns and processes of human social relations. By analyzing theoretical approaches to sociological issues, the students will be able to discuss and rationalize complex material with a “sociological imagination” and apply a practical sociological perspective to many different contexts. The information in this module will serve as the introduction to major sociological and criminological theories from differing perspectives, such as feminists, conflict, and so on.

Personal Fitness

This module will provide students with the education to evaluate their own health and wellness and enable them to design a lifestyle plan that will help prevent injury in the workplace along with aiding them in living healthy lifestyles. We will also discuss mental well-being and the importance of self-care. Creating awareness of the dangers of addiction and stress-based health conditions within the criminological field. You will engage in discussions throughout this course relating to health, wellness, and personal fitness, both mental and physical.

Provincial Statutes

This module is designed to familiarize students with the statutes most relevant to their line of work. This module will provide students the opportunity not only to become familiar with these acts, but will also assist them to become acquainted with understanding the “legal language” used in the statutes.

Psychology of Addictions for Criminology

This module is designed to provide students with an extensive analysis of the psychology of addictions. There have been a number of major advances in our understanding of addictive disorders. The aim of the module is to allow students insight into the discoveries in the field of substance abuse tempered with the fact that the faculty of addictive medicine is ever changing. Foundations in the area of substance abuse and applicable terminology will provide students a basis from which current information can be effectively and accurately critiqued. Common addictions, as well as the individual and familial consequences, will be discussed. Within this module, you will create and run a seminar enlightening your peers on a particular topic based around addictions and interventions.

Related Training 1

Related training includes a series of seminars and workshops provided by third-party agencies that professionals in criminology are expected to complete. The following are included: Back Injury Prevention Program, Standard First Aid Level C/CPR, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHMIS), Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention. The WHMIS component teaches leaners the basic elements of WHMIS 2015 and the Global Harmonization System. This covers the safety measures and guidelines to be followed when exposed to or working with hazardous materials. The Applied Suicide Intervention Skills training aims to provide you with the knowledge and skills of how to help intervene with a person who is contemplating suicide.

Related Training 2

Related training includes a series of seminars and workshops provided by third-party agencies that professionals in criminology are expected to complete. The following are included: Critical Incident Stress Management, Correctional Officer Training Standards, Manipulation/Self Defense Skills, Canadian Firearms Safety, Food Hygiene (Halifax specific), and Medication Awareness (Halifax specific). The Canadian Firearms Safety course will equip you with introductory knowledge of the responsibilities of having and using non-restricted firearms, including safe use, handling, and storage. Within the Critical Incident Stress Management session, you will learn of the signs and symptoms of a stress reaction and the techniques that could minimize the impact. In this module, you will also attain the Food Hygiene Certificate. This program is designed to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses and explains the importance of practicing good personal hygiene, along with basic food safe principles, in effort to reduce the risk of contamination that leads to foodborne illnesses.

Software Lab - Presentations

This software lab module will use a simulation-based program called MindTap that consists of online trainings and assessments in Microsoft PowerPoint. You will learn a comprehensive set of skills centered on creating a presentation (create title slide, slide with lists, format text, duplicate, rearrange, and delete slides, change a theme, and so on). You will learn how to effectively add media and special effects (apply theme used in another presentation, insert shapes and pictures, rotate objects, create a table, and more). You will apply advanced formatting and animation to objects (including inserting SmartArt graphic, audio clips, and WordArt style). You will be able to distribute presentations and integration PowerPoint with other Microsoft Office programs, such as Word and Excel. You will learn how to customize presentations and become familiar with the PowerPoint environment, (how to work in a Slide Master View, work with comments, save a custom theme, and so on).

Software Lab - Word Processing

This software lab module will use a simulation-based program called MindTap that consists of online trainings and assessments in Microsoft Word. It builds on the skills introduced in Digital Literacy for Professionals course. You will learn a comprehensive set of skills, with coverage including creating and editing a document (this includes saving a document, using AutoComplete and AutoCorrect, undo and redo actions, paragraph spacing, and more), formatting a document (covering topics like addressing comments in documents, using drag and drop, as well as cut, copy and paste). This course will also introduce you to how to create tables and a multipage report (including options found in the Navigation pane, formatting a table, merging cells and adding a formula, using SmartArt graphic, and more). You will acquire skills in editing text or content for layout and appearance (wrap text, WordArt, cropping a picture, and so on). Additionally, you will work with templates, themes, and styles (creating a new document from a template, using thesaurus, saving a custom theme, customizing a style, and so on). This course concludes with the mail merge feature (such as inserting mail merge fields into a document, complete a mail merge, and more).

Sociology of Deviance

This course is designed to provide students with a fundamental knowledge of the principles of deviance, conformity, and social control. Students will examine theoretical models and substantive issues from the world today. Students will look at a variety of theories and topics in a sociocultural context, reflecting on their own attitudes to deviance and conformity, how their experience has shaped these beliefs, and how this knowledge will impact their work in criminology. You will expand on an area of deviance that can be researched and create knowledge and understanding between deviance and conformity.

Sociology of Deviance

This module is designed to provide students with a fundamental knowledge in the principles of sociology with specific reference to deviance, criminology and criminal justice. It examines the reality of social and legal deviance, the factors, which may contribute to its development and the methods of identifying, controlling and adjusting to it. It provides an overview of the theoretical framework underlying criminological rationale while outlining specific criminal justice issues. The emphasis on specific criminological issues allows the student in-depth analysis and insight into the complexities of Canadian research and policy. By adopting a straightforward style and using concrete examples this module facilities the comprehension and understanding of even the most complicated criminological questions.

Student Success Strategies

In this orientation module, you will focus on achieving success from day one. You will develop non-technical skills to enhance your personal, academic, and career success. You will explore learning styles, including visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning. You will also enhance your practical study skills, such as memory, reading, note- and test-taking techniques. Personal exercises will focus on teamwork, decision-making and problem-solving skills, setting SMART goals, and maintaining a positive attitude. You will also explore techniques for managing change, stress, and conflict.

Youth Criminal Justice

Youth Criminal Justice is designed to give students a thorough understanding of the history, development, amendments, and current practices in legislation that apply to young offenders in Canada. Topics include the evolving perspective on youth rights, the evolution of law, an analysis of the Youth Criminal Justice Act and its application as well as legal provisions for dealing with youth in conflict with the law in Canada. You will research a Canadian case under the Youth Criminal Justice Act in which you will analyze the application of relevant legislation and the ramifications for youth in Canada.