Bachelor of Community and Criminal Justice (Honours)

Select start date and campus

Close

Applying as a Canadian applicant

Domestic students should apply online or by phone at 1-888-892-2228.

Applying as an International applicant

International students should apply online.
Close

Campus tours

Campus tours are one of the best ways to experience Conestoga. During this time, we are offering online guided tours to show you all Conestoga has to offer.

Book your tour

Virtual tours

If you can't make an on-campus tour or attend one of our events, the virtual tour is a great way to visit us.

View our Virtual tour

Courses - September 2024

Level 1

Course details

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.
  • Hours: 1
  • Credits: 0
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Academic Communications
ENGL71000

Description:

This course is intended to develop the communication skills required in academic studies, which will translate into useful writing and presentation skills in Canada’s increasingly intercultural professional and technical domains. Students will practice planning, drafting, and revising documents. The complex process of researching, creating, and revising arguments will encourage critical thinking, grammatical writing, and appropriate citation skills. Correct formatting of research papers and effective oral presentation skills will be emphasized.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Introduction to Social Justice
LAW71115

Description: This course introduces students to social issues and concepts of social justice for application to the areas of community and criminal justice. Key topics will include structural explanations of social inequality and theories of justice. Examples will be drawn from groups and populations that showcase opportunities for community development and support for social inclusion. Through reflective classroom opportunities, students will discuss, review and connect these ideas in terms of their own interests, values and career aspirations. They also will begin the creation of a learning portfolio that will chronicle their learning process in the program and facilitate their reflections of learning about the field.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Criminology
LAW72300

Description: This course develops the student’s understanding and analysis of why criminals act the way they do, the settings and the transactional character of crime, the response to crime and the impact on victims and society. Various theoretical explanations of criminal behaviour including the sociological, biological and psychological are explored utilizing an integrated approach to analysis and response.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Psychology: Basic Processes Of Behaviour
PSYC71240

Description: Psychology is the scientific study of human thought processes, emotions and behaviour. Topics of interest to psychologists include all aspects of everyday life, from simple to complex thought processes to behaviours that might surprise us. This course introduces students to the basic processes of human behaviour. The course begins with a brief history of psychology and its emergence as a science. Areas of study include: the biological bases of behaviour; memory consciousness; social psychology; emotion; personality and psychological disorders and their treatment.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Electives: Interdisciplinary
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options
Interdisciplinary Elective Details

Level 2

Course details

Applied Ethics in Criminal Justice
CRIM71000

Description: This course focuses on ethical issues faced by individuals working in the Canadian Criminal Justice System. It helps students to clarify their values and establish a framework for ethical decision-making within inter-professional, work environments. The course will develop practical skills related to critical reasoning, constructive shared problem-solving, inter-professional collaboration and approaches to ethical dilemmas. Students will develop self-awareness of the bases of their own values and ethical practices so that they may make informed ethical decisions. They will continue the development of a reflective learning portfolio.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Restorative Justice
CRIM71010

Description: This course will provide an overview of the concepts, traditions, and practices forming the bases for contemporary applications of restorative justice. Approaches to restorative justice will be introduced and critically appraised in relation to various practices, policies, and legislative and cultural contexts. Criminal justice theories of punishment will be analyzed in comparison to restorative justice theories.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Canadian Law and Legal System I
LAW71400

Description: In this course, the student will be introduced to Canadian Law and the Canadian Legal System by becoming familiar with the language of the law and the terminology used throughout the administration of justice. Recognition of how law is established through judicial and legislative authority will be developed and the concepts and principles which form the structure of both civil and criminal law will be examined.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Personal and Professional Orientiatons to Practice
PSYC71000

Description: This course encourages students to explore their understanding of working with people in a supportive and professional way. Students explore values, biases, personal influences, and professional expectations as they relate to client focused services and supports in community and institutional delivery contexts. The emphasis on self-awareness requires the students to examine their understanding of themselves and their impact on people they serve.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Electives: Interdisciplinary
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options
Interdisciplinary Elective Details

Level 3

Course details

Interpersonal Communications, Interviewing and Facilitation Skills
COMM72000

Description: In this course, students are engaged in small group experiences to learn and practice counselling and facilitated meaning making skills. Students will learn about the theories and skills associated with client engagement, assessment, exploration of deeper issues, goal setting and initial contracting. Some emphasis will be placed on monitoring client progress and termination. A highly interactive course, student participation is essential in order to effectively practice these skills in a structured and safe environment. The skills developed in this course are transferable to counselling, consulting, research and community collaboration activities. Students will build on insights developed in Personal-Professional Orientations to Practice, to continue to develop self-understanding and awareness of their impacts on the people they serve. Students will continue the development of a reflective learning portfolio.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Canadian Criminal Justice System
LAW71100

Description: This course covers the central components of the Canadian Criminal Justice System including the major criminal justice agencies and the way the agencies operate to identify, apprehend, process and control offenders. The integration of the Canadian Criminal Justice System is examined in light of contemporary social, political and economic issues. Changes to legislation, innovations in technology and changes in the types of crimes being committed and their impact are considered.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Canadian Law and Legal System II
LAW72400

Description: In this course, students will explore how legislation impacts social interactions and social order in the context of application and advocacy. This course also enables the student to analyze the rights and obligations of citizens involving areas of civil law. This course will provide the student with a basic understanding of the development of labour unions in Canada in the Community Safety environment. Students will be introduced to the practical skills needed to manage effectively in unionized workplaces. Through primary research, and scenario based learning the student will have an opportunity to discuss organized labour from the viewpoints of both labour and management in the Community Safety Field.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites: LAW71400
  • CoRequisites:

Developmental Psychology
PSYC72105

Description:

Developmental psychology is the study of the process of change and continuity throughout the life of individuals. The course will follow the progression of these changes and continuities from conception through infancy, childhood, adolescence and early adulthood. The course will examine the theoretical, research and applied knowledge that has been gained in this discipline. Essential in this course will be an exploration of the contributing factors to both normal and abnormal developmental outcomes, such as deviance, mental health difficulties and health and wellness.

  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites: PSYC71240
  • CoRequisites:

Electives: Interdisciplinary
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options
Interdisciplinary Elective Details

Level 4

Course details

Co-op and Career Preparation
CEPR71050

Description: This series of modules prepares degree level students for job searching for their co-op work terms with the guidance of a Co-op Advisor. Students will examine the co-operative education policies and procedures and will learn the expectations, rules, and regulations that apply in the workplace concerning social, organizational, ethical, and safety issues while deepening their awareness of self-reflective practices. Students will critically reflect on their skills, attitudes, and expectations and evaluate available opportunities in the workplace. Successful completion of these modules is a requirement for co-op eligibility.
  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Health and Wellness
HEAL71010

Description: This course focuses on theoretical and practical applications of the principles of health and wellness. Students are encouraged to identify and assess their present state of health and wellness skills, and will then be required to apply wellness theory and new health related skills in order to improve and/or maintain their overall wellbeing in the areas of physical fitness, stress management and psychological health, and proper nutrition. Knowledge and skills developed in this course will assist students as they prepare for careers in law enforcement and criminal justice professions. In particular, students will be better equipped to recognize critical work-related stressors, caused by acute physical, mental, and emotional demands, and apply theories and strategies to enable them to minimize their effects.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Youth Justice
LAW73010

Description: This course focuses on both the youth criminal justice system and on youth justice issues. Students will examine and analyze, in the context of the Youth Criminal Justice Act and other relevant legislation, risk assessment, detention, and supervision of young offenders. Typical reasons for youth involvement with the justice system will be surveyed, along with approaches to early intervention, diversion, trauma-informed approaches, and restorative justice.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: LAW71110 OR LAW71400 AND PSYC72105
  • CoRequisites:

Crime Prevention and Community Safety
LAW73035

Description: This course develops the student’s ability to analyze, understand and apply various theories and measures for preventing crime and enhancing community safety and wellbeing. Anticipation, recognition and appraisal of crime risk and the initiation of strategies to reduce or remove crime are studied. Students will be introduced to strategies for strengthening community resilience with an emphasis on collaborative, risk-based approaches. This course will also encourage students to reflect on their own attitudes and perspectives to crime prevention and community safety and wellbeing.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: PSYC71000
  • CoRequisites:

Electives: Interdisciplinary
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options
Interdisciplinary Elective Details

Level 5

Course details

Field Placement I (Bachelor of Community and Criminal Justice
FPLT73000

Description: This is both a community based placement and a weekly seminary class focusing on the development and integration of professional practice skills through active learning, community involvement, and exploration. The placement will involve opportunities for supervised community involvement for mutual gain of both the student and the host organization. The seminar will support and extend the placement through an emphasis on: self-awareness; organizational acuity and organizational behaviour; the application of knowledge and skills; and professional meaning making. The course will also provide an opportunity for students to reflect on their placements in the context of: organizational structures, roles and accountabilities; service delivery models; and individual services and service systems. Students will continue the development of a reflective learning portfolio.
  • Hours: 84
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Safety in the Workplace
OHS71320

Description: This course focuses on developing awareness and skills for the student to safely manage and conduct him or herself within a variety of employment settings. Through the units of the course, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding and knowledge of general Health and Safety guidelines, including WHMIS, Fire Safety and Workplace Violence. The unit on Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act will instruct the student on the requirements for Accessible Customer Service and Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulations. General information on Safe Driving, Privacy of Information and Hand Washing will be addressed as well. The course also provides participants with critical information regarding their insurance coverage (WSIB or other) while employed. As well as guidelines to follow in the event of an injury. Participants will receive a printable Record of Completion upon successful conclusion of this course, in order to demonstrate awareness of safe working practices to their employers.
  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Cognitive and Social Psychology
PSYC73020

Description: Students will examine human cognitive and social processes and how individuals deal with real-life situations including problem solving and decision making. Topics covered include perception, memory, attention, attributions, social networks and social support, social identity, errors and biases, heuristics, stereotypes, prejudice, radicalization and terrorism, stigma and racism.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: PSYC72105
  • CoRequisites:

From Trauma to Recovery: Victimhood to Social Inclusion
PSYC73040

Description: This course will focus on the nature and extent of traumatic experiences among populations involved in community justice and criminal justice. Theories of trauma and their application in treatment and support environments will be explored, along with concepts and research related to resilience, social inclusion, hope, and recovery. The criminal justice system will be analyzed for how it responds to trauma. Students will examine community-based and professional models of trauma recovery, with a special focus on arts-based and peer support programs. Vicarious trauma will be studied and students will have opportunity to reflect upon how to maintain health while working in the field of trauma.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Understanding Research
RSCH73000

Description: This course will present an overview of social scientific methods. The course will address the major components of the research process, including development of theoretically informed hypotheses, implementation of theoretical concepts, development of data collection instruments, testing of hypotheses through data analysis, and the presentation of research results. The student will develop the skills necessary to read and critically analyze social science research and discuss the ethics of social research.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Diversity: Special Populations in Community and Criminal Justice
SOC73040

Description: In this course, students will critically assess social inequality and the distinctive positions of certain groups in relation to community and criminal justice. Topics will include aging populations, LGBTQ, women, poverty, race and ethnicity, colonial experiences, different abilities and religion. Through analysis of diversity and by engaging in self-reflection, students will examine the definitions of diversity and the enablers and barriers to social inclusion. This course orients learners to diversity from the perspective of anti-oppression frameworks. The course examines the social construction of social problems from a lens that highlights oppression and dominance. Issues around social justice and diversity are positioned to inform the learner about the personal, cultural, and institutional forms of oppression that maintain privilege for some and oppression for others.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: LAW71115
  • CoRequisites:

Level 6

Course details

Field Placement II (Bachelor of Community and Criminal Justice
FPLT73010

Description: Building on Field Placement I (Bachelor of Community and Criminal Justice), students will use their community placements and weekly seminars to extend individual and group learning and insights, to identify personal interests, and to further consolidate skill development in anticipation of the coop work term and the fourth year capstone research projects. Students will continue the development of a reflective learning portfolio.
  • Hours: 84
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites: FPLT73000
  • CoRequisites:

Indigenous-Settler Relations in Canada
INDS73000

Description: In this course, students will identify and critically examine cultural diversity with respect to Indigenous populations, focusing principally on those living in Canada. Special attention will be paid to cultural and systemic forms of discrimination and oppression of Indigenous peoples in Canada, which has put Indigenous peoples at increased risk of conflict with the Canadian Criminal Justice System. The course will provide an opportunity for students to develop their knowledge and awareness of important teachings/practices across various Indigenous nations in Canada. Also to be explored are the various government-legislated Acts that have defined Indigenous peoples, the colonial impositions made upon them, and conflicts arising over land claims and treaty agreements. The course will end by addressing the healing that is taking place in many Indigenous communities linked to rights and aspirations for self-determination, as well as the responsibilities of settler society for decolonization.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Human Rights and International Justice
LAW73040

Description: This course will examine current human rights and international justice issues. Students will examine and analyze significant topical national and international matters, including systems comparisons, vulnerable populations, transnational crime and justice, and social justice issues. Through analyzing legislation and justice practices internationally, students will explore diversity and complex social issues that impact human rights and international relations. This course will provide students with an overview of theoretical understandings for application and critically assess the application and utility of policies and legislation internationally.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: LAW72400
  • CoRequisites:

Applied Research: Design and Analysis
RSCH73200

Description: This course will develop students’ research skills by exploring data collection, data management and analysis, and project planning and implementation. The aim of this course is to give students confidence in developing and carrying out basic research projects involving qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods designs. Attention will be given to approaches to utilization focused research.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: RSCH73000
  • CoRequisites:

Electives: Interdisciplinary
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options
Interdisciplinary Elective Details

Level 7

Course details

Co-op Work Term I (Justice)
COOP73000

Description: The co-op work term will provide students with college-approved work experience within a community and criminal justice environment. Students will be provided an opportunity to build skills (physical and procedural skills including accuracy, precision, and efficiency); assist in the acquisition of knowledge in and application of knowledge gained in the academic setting (concepts and terminology in a discipline or field of study); develop critical, creative, and dialogical thinking (improved thinking and reasoning processes); cultivate problem solving and decision-making abilities (mental strategies for finding solutions and making choices); explore attitudes, feelings, and perspectives (awareness of attitudes, biases, and other perspectives, ability to collaborate); practice professional judgment (sound judgment and appropriate professional action in complex, context-dependent situations); and reflect on experience (self- discovery and personal growth from real-world experience).
  • Hours: 420
  • Credits: 14
  • Pre-Requisites: CDEV71050 OR CEPR71050
  • CoRequisites:

Level 8

Course details

Offender Assessment, Management and Intervention
LAW74320

Description: In this course students will examine and evaluate historical and current models for managing offenders in correctional facilities and supervising offenders in the community. The use of case management methods in the context of multi-sector partnerships is explored, including approaches to intake and assessment focusing on classification, risk factors and needs such as health, mental health, addictions, education and employment.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: LAW71100
  • CoRequisites:

Principled Leadership
MGMT74040

Description: This course provides students with a fundamental knowledge of leadership theory and leadership styles. The student will compare and contrast leadership and management, and learn leadership principles that can be applied within organizational and personal settings. Students learn about their own leadership style and reflect on how it could be used effectively in practice.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: CRIM71000
  • CoRequisites:

Political Issues and Public Policy
POLS74300

Description: In this course, students will assess the structure of the Canadian political systems. Students will explore differing political ideologies, and the development, structure, implementation and implications of public policy. Students will explore how political ideologies and structures impact community and criminal justice.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: LAW73040
  • CoRequisites:

Program Development and Evaluation
RSCH74220

Description: This course will focus on designing and evaluating programs that support individual and community capacity building in the context of community safety and wellbeing. Students will explore approaches to, and factors influencing, program design including: social values; social policy; provincial and national priorities; economic climate; funder expectations; organizational resources; and research evidence. Students will engage with approaches to program evaluation and explore program evaluation tools and techniques as applicable to work in community and criminal justice.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: RSCH73200
  • CoRequisites:

Capstone Applied Research Project I: Planning and Design
RSCH74230

Description: In this course students will demonstrate their ability to integrate the knowledge and skills learned throughout their course of studies including their co-op work term. It will entail the development of a major research project with an applied focus. In this project students will demonstrate their understanding of how to work across multiple sectors to address the needs of individuals, groups or communities at risk for encountering or being further involved in the Canadian Criminal Justice system. Students will begin to finalize the development of a reflective learning portfolio.
  • Hours: 105
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Level 9

Course details

Alternative Dispute Resolution Strategies
LAW72320

Description:

The student will explore the various mechanisms of alternative dispute resolution and the rationale for each. The student, through practical exercises, will develop the skills necessary to advise a client about Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and to take a matter through a form of ADR. The student will understand the role of a mediator.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Investigation and Communication
LAW74330

Description: This course allows students to understand the role of various types of investigations in community and criminal justice, and approaches to communicating the findings of investigations. Through an exploration of investigative techniques within different operational contexts, students will develop technical papers and deliver oral briefs using common legal, enforcement, correctional and community formats. These formats include, but are not restricted to Crown Briefs, investigation reports, and oral briefings.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: LAW71100
  • CoRequisites:

Mental Health and Addictions
MNHL74000

Description: This course provides information about mental health and addiction and approaches to responding at the individual and system levels. It will build on knowledge related to trauma and trauma-informed helping, and focus on the bases for concurrent disorders, and on approaches to their assessment. The course will also review and distinguish among various approaches to treatment versus support focused services (e.g. case management, support coordination and peer support initiatives). The role of community-based solutions and responses such as housing stability and crisis response will also be covered.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: PSYC72105 AND SOC73040
  • CoRequisites:

Advanced Topics In Psychology
PSYC74200

Description: This course provides students with the opportunity to explore and integrate psychological theories and research on the nature and treatment of a variety of psychological issues relevant to community and criminal justice. Special topics may include: risk assessments, sentencing recommendations and parole conditions; eating disorders; post-traumatic stress, suicidal ideation and self-harm; attachment disorders, neuro-developmental disorders and prosocial/antisocial behaviour; the causes and impacts of domestic violence and elder abuse.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: PSYC73020
  • CoRequisites:

Capstone Applied Research Project II: Implementation, Analysis and Knowledge Transfer
RSCH74240

Description: As a continuation of Capstone 1, in this course students will demonstrate their ability to integrate the knowledge and skills learned throughout their course of studies including their co-op placement. It will entail the development, submission and presentation of a major project. In this project students will demonstrate their understanding of how to work across justice, health, education and social service systems to address the needs of individuals, groups or communities at risk for encountering or being further involved in the Canadian Criminal Justice system. Students will complete the development of a reflective learning portfolio.
  • Hours: 105
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites: RSCH74230
  • CoRequisites:

Program outcomes

  1. Analyze system, situations and conditions that contribute to risk for diverse people and communities encountering the criminal justice system, to support professional decisions.
  2. Evaluate legislation, policy and culture in various community and criminal justice sectors, to support building community safety and wellbeing.
  3. Create and implement interdisciplinary and interprofessional intervention strategies for crime prevention and to address risk factors for community safety and wellbeing.
  4. Compare and contrast forms of community development and the way various community agencies work together in order to apply strategies for crime prevention and community well-being.
  5. Analyze key features of Canadian Justice System, and the trends and issues impacting its evolution to inform professional decision making and professional practice.
  6. Integrate an interdisciplinary understanding of theories related to community and criminal justice from the fields of sociology, psychology, criminology, and law to shape effective professional practice.
  7. Analyze justice practices that emphasize healing, including anti-oppressive, anti racist and trauma-informed perspectives, restorative and retributive justice, and Indigenous and diverse ways of living to support culturally appropriate policies and practices and their connection with the broader justice system.
  8. Develop professional practice capacity related to a holistic and compassionate understanding of diversity and complex social issues.
  9. Communicate effectively and using self-awareness and reflective skills relevant to justice and community services to support interprofessional approaches to collaborative work environments.
  10. Establish strategies for managing and dealing with vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue in one’s personal and professional environment.
  11. Develop a personal code of conduct by integrating legislative, professional, and organizational ethics and standards with personal values and attitudes to support principled leadership approaches in practice.
  12. Use research, investigation and evaluation skills for decision making and to support accountability and social change processes.
  13. Design, develop and prepare to deliver programs and services to justice-involved and marginalized individuals and groups, focused on crime prevention and community well-being.