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Criminal Justice - Associate in Arts (624)

Associate in Arts (624)

Community college students interested in completing bachelor's degrees in Criminal Justice and related majors are strongly encouraged to complete an Associate degree prior to transfer. Since admission is competitive, however, completion of these courses alone does not guarantee admission.

Note: Students should be knowledgeable in the use of computers, i.e., be able to negotiate an operating system; access the Internet; and use word processing, database and spreadsheet software.

Students who have already chosen the university to which they plan to transfer should consult that institution's catalog or department advisor and an SVCC academic advisor in planning their program. Individualized articulation sheets for some universities are available in the Student Services Center.

Program Contacts at Sauk Valley Community College
Academic Advising, 815/835-6354
Daniel McCollum, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, 815/835-6256

Criminal Justice - IAI Recommended Baccalaureate Curriculum

Follow this link for career information.

Total Hours Required - 65 Hours

Suggested Program

First Semester - 16 Hours

• *Mathematics 3 Semester hour(s)

• CJS101 - Intro to Criminal Justice ( 3 Semester Hours)

  The course examines the history, development and philosophy of the American criminal justice system. It includes discussions of the types of agencies involved in the administration of criminal justice and policies and procedures followed by those agencies, using a general career-oriented approach. Specific lectures include those topics such as criminal law, criminal offenses and offenders, and agencies responsible for the prevention and control of crime. Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): CRJ 901 Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

• **

  CJS130 - Criminal Investigation ( 3 Semester Hours)

  The guidelines and requisites for criminal investigators are defined and developed through a general orientation examining both preliminary and supplementary criminal investigations. Specific types of crime are examined in terms of statutory elements, modus operandi , evidence development and collection, sources of information, interview and interrogation, suspect identification, reporting and courtroom presentation and procedure. Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

• ENG101 - Composition I ( 3 Semester Hours)

  A basic course in essay writing with emphasis on exposition, ENG 101 stresses knowledge and application of the rhetorical modes. ENG 101 presupposes competence in grammar, usage, and mechanics. Prerequisite: ACT standard score in English of 22 or above; required scores on the current English placement test, or grade of C or higher in ELA 099. Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): C1 900 Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

• FYE101 - First Year Experience ( 1 Semester Hours)

  This course is designed to facilitate the self-development of the student, and introduce students to the expectations of the college community. This course reviews the academic skills that promote success during their college career. Topics will include, but not limited to, identifying campus/community resources, test-taking strategies, career exploration/decision making, problem solving, literacy, and critical thinking. Students will also learn strategies for taking personal responsibility for their academic and career choices. (Students in good standing (GPA of 2.0 or higher), who have accumulated 16 semester hours or more prior to enrolling as a degree seeking student at Sauk are not required to take this class). Semester hour(s): 1 Lecture/Lab Hours: 1 lec/week

• PSY103 - Introduction to Psychology ( 3 Semester Hours)

  This course is designed to introduce the student to major concepts, theories, principles, and research in the field of psychology. This course will survey the scientific study of human and animal characteristics and behavior. Major topics from biological, behavioral, cognitive, personality, developmental, abnormal, and social psychology theory and research will be emphasized. Universal characteristics and individual differences will be explored Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): S6 900 Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

Second Semester - 16 Hours

• Fine Arts 3 Semester hour(s)
• Personal Development 1 Semester hour(s)
• **

  CJS135 - Criminal Law ( 3 Semester Hours)

  The factors relevant to resolution and decision in the bringing forth of criminal charges are developed within the adversary system. The basic principles of criminal liability are reviewed, laying the foundation for considering specific offenses against property, habitation and persons. Special consideration is given to the criminal law within Illinois. CJS 101 is recommended. Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

• ENG103 - Composition II ( 3 Semester Hours)

  An advanced course in essay writing with emphasis on formal research, ENG 103 serves to develop a proficiency in the collection and selection of data as applied to the completion of a formal research paper. In addition, students receive instruction in logic and reasoning, including the fundamentals of argumentative and persuasive writing. Prerequisite: A grade of C or higher in ENG 101 or its equivalent or consent of instructor. Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): C1 901R Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

• PSC163 - Am Government & Politics ( 3 Semester Hours)

  Students will examine American constitutional foundations and democratic values, explore the role of public opinion and the character of the political process, and understand the role of the media and interest groups in policy-making. Students will gain an understanding of how the major branches of the federal government work, and improve skills in evaluating and analyzing current public policy issues. Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): S5 900 Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

• SOC111 - Introduction to Sociology ( 3 Semester Hours)

  Students will be introduced to the perspective, concepts and methods of sociology. Emphasis will be given to how the groups that make up our society function. The forces that hold groups together or cause them to change will be explored while the students examine how they learn to play roles within the family, school, religion, peer groups and in other social settings. Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): S7 900 Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

Third Semester - 16-17 Hours

• Humanities 3 Semester hour(s)
• ***Life Science 3-4 Semester hour(s)
• Personal Development 1 Semester hour(s)

• CJS120 - Introduction to Corrections ( 3 Semester Hours)

  The course is an introduction and analysis of punishment, custody and rehabilitation as administered by law enforcement, courts and corrections. Emphasis is placed on sociological study of the rehabilitation process. Includes visitations by practitioners and clients, as well as field trips to various types of institutions. Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): CRJ 911 Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

• CJS208 - Juvenile Delinquency ( 3 Semester Hours)

  The course is an analysis of the social and psychological factors of delinquent behavior. The practical application of theories of causation, prevention and rehabilitation is considered with regard to programs. The role of the juvenile police, corrections and probation officers is considered, as well as a look at the Illinois Juvenile Court Act. CJS 101 is recommended. Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): CRJ 914 Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

• COM131 - Intro to Oral Communication ( 3 Semester Hours)

  This course combines communication theory with the practice of oral communication skills. This course: (1) develops awareness of the communication process; (2) provides inventional, organizational, and expressive strategies; (3) promotes understanding of and adaptation to a variety of communication contexts; and (4) emphasizes critical skills in listening, reading, thinking, and speaking. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): C2 900 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

Fourth Semester - 16-17 Hours

• ***Physical Science 3-4 Semester hour(s)
• Humanities/Fine Arts 3 Semester hour(s)
• Personal Development 1 Semester hour(s)
• Electives 3 Semester hour(s)

• CIS109 - Introduction to Computers ( 3 Semester Hours)

  This introductory course consists of the study of computer hardware, software, operating systems and communications, networking, Internet, systems and program development life cycles and their role in business decision making. The use of Internet, multimedia, security, and ethics will be emphasized throughout the course. In addition, laboratory experience will be gained with a survey of Microsoft Windows and business computer software applications programs in word processing, electronic spreadsheets, database management, presentation graphics, and Internet. Prerequisite: None. Students having no experience with computers are encouraged to first take OAS 103-Keyboarding. Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): BUS 902 Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec, 2 lab/week

• CJS238 - Criminology ( 3 Semester Hours)

  The course is an analysis of theories of criminology. Crime in relation to physical and psychological factors, to cultural areas, to the family and to other social institutions will be examined. Consideration is given to professional crime and white collar crime. Prerequisites: SOC 111. Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): CRJ 912 Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

Footnotes

• *Transfer institution will determine most appropriate mathematics course(s).
• ** Western Illinois University recommends completion of CJS 101, 130, 135 and 208. Other CJS courses transfer as elective credit.
• ***One lab science required.