Course Descriptions

Administration of Justice - AOJ

General Information

Unless stated otherwise, all courses are non-repeatable except under certain conditions.

Open Enrollment

It is the policy of West Hills College Lemoore, unless specifically exempted by statute, that every course section or class, the average daily attendance of which is to be reported for state aid, wherever offered and maintained by the District, shall be fully open to enrollment and participation by any person who has been admitted to the College and who meets such prerequisites as may be established pursuant to Chapter 11, Division 2, Part VI, Title 5 of the California Administrative Code, commencing with Section 41820.

Unit or Credit Value

Each course carries a certain credit or unit value. The amount is indicated in parentheses at the right of the title. A lecture class requires the equivalent of one academic hour, (50 minutes) per week for each semester unit conferred. Laboratory classes require three academic hours, (150 minutes) per week for each semester unit conferred.

Prerequisite

Prerequisites are prescribed courses covering skills and/or knowledge that are normally expected to be acquired prior to enrolling in another course. The intent of prerequisites is to ensure that any student enrolling in a course in which specific information is required will have the necessary background so that every opportunity exists to experience success. Therefore, any course with a prerequisite presumes that subject matter will be acquired in a sequential way.

Students enrolling in courses without the appropriate prerequisite may find that they are ill-prepared to continue their studies in that course. Prerequisites are designed to enhance success. Please refer to the West Hills College Lemoore prerequisite policy in the Academic Regulations portion of this catalog for additional information.

Corequisite

Corequisites are courses that a student is required to take simultaneously in order to enroll in another course. (Successful completion is defined as a grade C or better for the minimum prerequisite/corequisite requirement.)

Class Hours

The total number of class lecture and laboratory hours for each course is indicated in its course description. The schedule of classes, which is available at the time of class registration, will indicate which dates, days and times a given class is scheduled to meet.

Course Subject

Courses are classified by subjects as they exist at West Hills College Lemoore. All courses within an area usually count towards a major in that area. Other institutions may classify their courses differently. Transfer students should consult the catalog of the four-year college to which they intend to transfer for its classification of identical or comparable courses.

Course Numbering

Courses numbered 001-049 are baccalaureate level (transfer) courses. These courses are transferable to four-year institutions. However, the institution that the student transfers to determines the specific transferability of courses.

Courses numbered 050-99 are associate degree level courses. These courses are primarily for the student who does not plan to continue his/her education beyond the community college level; however, occupational education courses may transfer according to articulation agreements. Complete information on articulation is available through the Counseling Center.

Courses numbered 100-199 are non-transfer and are non-degree applicable; they are skill building or remedial courses.

Courses in some subject areas that are traditionally taught as combination lecture- laboratory courses at four-year colleges are split into two separate courses:  one a lecture course for transfer students and one a laboratory course for both transfer and non-transfer students. Students wishing to transfer must take both the lecture and laboratory courses.

  • NOTE:  In case of transfer and non-transfer courses taught concurrently, a student may receive credit only for the course in which he/she is enrolled, not both. A student cannot change from one course to the other except according to regular drop/add procedures. He/She should be guided by the course description and may need to consult a counselor or advisor for aid.
Abbreviations for Degree, Non-Degree and Transfer Courses

The following abbreviations designate degree applicable, transfer and non-degree applicable courses:

(AA/AS) Associate Degree Applicable

(CSU) Transferable to California State University System

(UC) Transferable to University of California System

(NDA) Non-Degree Applicable

  • AOJ-001
  • Intro to Criminal Justice
  • Credit(s) 3

Introduction to Criminal Justice
AOJ 001 introduces students to the characteristics of the criminal justice system in the United States. Focus is placed on examining crime measurement, theoretical explanations of crime, responses to crime, components of the system, and current challenges to the system. The course examines the evolution of the principles and approaches utilized by the justice system and the evolving forces which have shaped those principals and approaches. Although justice structure and process is examined in a cross cultural context, emphasis is placed on the US justice system, particularly the structure and function of US police, courts, and corrections. Students are introduced to the origins and development of criminal law, legal process, and sentencing and incarceration policies.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Advisory(s):
ENG 051A
Transfers to:
UC/CSU
C-ID:
AJ 110
  • AOJ-003
  • Intro to Corrections
  • Credit(s) 3

Introduction to Corrections
AOJ 003 provides a history of and critical analysis of punishment, the various types of punishment,alternatives to punishment, and the impact of punishment on the criminal justice system,corrections, a critical examination of the types of correctional institutions and the clients housed in each institution, and an examination of contemporary correctional issues.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Transfers to:
UC/CSU
C-ID:
AJ 200
  • AOJ-004
  • Control & Supervision Inmates
  • Credit(s) 3

Control & Supervision Inmates
AOJ 004 offers an overview of supervision of inmates at the local, state and federal levels of correctional institutions. The issues of controlling and supervising inmates in a continuum from daily institutional life through emergency and crisis situations will e introduced and discussed. The course will emphasize the roles played by the correctional workers as well as the offenders. Topics will include inmate subculture, violence and effects of crowding on inmates and staff as coping techniques for correctional officers in the institutional environment. The causes and effects of abusive tactics will also be discussed.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Advisory(s):
ENG 051A
Transfers to:
CSU
  • AOJ-005
  • Concepts of Probation & Parole
  • Credit(s) 3

Concepts of Probation and Parole
AOJ 005 includes a historical overview of correctional development in its institutions and the community methods of prisoner intake and classification survey of treatment programs community-based correctional programs post-institutional treatment, and examination of corrections as a career.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Advisory(s):
ENG 101B
Transfers to:
CSU
  • AOJ-006
  • Correct Interviewing & Couns.
  • Credit(s) 3

Correctional Interviewing and Counseling
AOJ 006 is an overview of the techniques in interviewing and counseling available to practitioners in Corrections. students will learn the use of appropriate techniques and theories in confidence building,which may be used by the correctional employee in client interviews and counseling. This is a course for students planning to enter or already employed within the Correctional Science field.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Advisory(s):
ENG 101B, and ENG 105B
Transfers to:
CSU
  • AOJ-007
  • Legal Aspects of Corrections
  • Credit(s) 3

Legal Aspects of Corrections
AOJ 007 provides students with an awareness of the historical framework,concepts and precedents that guide correctional practice. Course material will broaden the individuals perspective of the corrections environment, the civil rights of prisoners and responsibilities and liabilities of corrections officials.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Advisory(s):
ENG 051A
Transfers to:
CSU
  • AOJ-008
  • Law and Psychology
  • Credit(s) 3

Law and Psychology
AOJ 008 focuses on the interaction and application law and psychology in respect to criminal behavior. This course will focus on the legal and psychological considerations in the identification, prosecution, incarceration and treatment philosophies available to the criminal justice or social service professional. This course may be used as elective credit for either Administration of Justice or Psychology but not for both.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Transfers to:
CSU
  • AOJ-010
  • Principles & Proc of Crim Just
  • Credit(s) 3

Princ & Procedures of Criminal Justice
AOJ 010 provides an examination and analysis of due process in criminal proceedings from pre-arrest through trial and appeal utilizing statutory law and state and constitutional law precedents.(AA/AS, CSU)

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Transfers to:
CSU
  • AOJ-012
  • Written Criminal Justice Comm
  • Credit(s) 3

Written Criminal Justice Communications
AOJ 012 will cover ideas effectively in a simple, clear and logical manner in the various types of criminal justice systems reports, letters, memoranda, directives, and administrative reports. Emphasis is on law enforcement and correctional terminology, organization of information and use of English; practice experience in note taking and report writing using standard law enforcement and correction forms; presentation of testimony in court.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Advisory(s):
ENG 101B and ENG ENG 105B
Transfers to:
CSU
  • AOJ-015X
  • Occupational Work Experience
  • Credit(s) 1 - 8

Occupational Work Experience
Cooperative Work Experience Education (CWEE) develops skills and knowledge by integrating classroom study with planned, supervised work experience. It is based on the principle that well-educated individuals develop most effectively through an educational plan that incorporated work experience. Through these structured experiences, the students enrich their college studies, which enhance their total development. Occupational Work Experience is supervised employment which is intended to assist students in acquiring desirable work habits, attitudes, and career awareness in the field of the student's major. Students may earn up to 8 units per semester for a maximum of 16 total units. Credits are awarded for paid or voluntary work. For every 75 hours of paid work completed within the semester, 1 unit or credit is awarded. For every 60 hours of volunteer work completeted within the semester, 1 unit of credit is awarded. Occupational Work Experience credits are counted as electives toward an Associate's Degree at West Hills College Lemoore and are transferable to four year universities (for specific transfer eligibility, please contact a counselor or an advisor).

Class Hours:
Work Experience
Transfers to:
CSU
  • AOJ-016
  • Human & Comm Rela in Crim Just
  • Credit(s) 3

Human & Comm. Relations in Crim Justice
AOJ 016 examines the complex, dynamic relationship between communities and the justice system in addressing crime and conflict with an emphasis on the challenges and prospects of administering justice within a diverse multicultural population. Topics may include the consensus and conflicting values in cultural, religion, and law.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Transfers to:
UC/CSU
  • AOJ-020
  • Criminal Law
  • Credit(s) 3

Criminal Law
AOJ 020 offers an analysis of the doctrines of classification of crimes against persons, property, morals, and public welfare. Special emphasis is placed on the classification of crime, the general elements of crime, the definitions of common and statutory law, and the nature of acceptable evidence. This course utilizes case law and case studies to introduce students to criminal law. The completion of this course offers a foundation upon which upper-division criminal justice course will build. The course will also include some limited discussion of prosecution and defense decision making, criminal culpability, and defenses to crimes.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Prerequisite(s):
AOJ 001
Advisory(s):
ENG 001A
Transfers to:
UC/CSU
  • AOJ-022
  • Criminal Evidence
  • Credit(s) 3

Criminal Evidence
AOJ 022 This course examines categories of evidence and legal rules governing its admission and exclusion in the criminal process.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Transfers to:
UC/CSU
C-ID:
AJ 124
  • AOJ-024
  • Criminal Investigation
  • Credit(s) 3

Criminal Investigation
AOJ 024 addresses the techniques, procedures, and ethical issues in the investigation of crime, including organization of the investigative process, crime scene searches, interviewing and interrogating, surveillance, source of information, utility of evidence, scientific analysis of evidence and the role of the investigator in the trial process.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Transfers to:
CSU
C-ID:
AJ 140
  • AOJ-029
  • Criminology
  • Credit(s) 3

Criminology
AOJ 029 is an introduction to major types of criminal behavior, characteristics of offenders, factors which contribute to crime and delinquency; the criminal justice process; the function of law enforcement, the courts, probation, parole and institutions; changes in crime control and treatment processes; the role of society.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Advisory(s):
ENG 101A and ENG 101B
Transfers to:
CSU
  • AOJ-032
  • Juvenile Delinquency
  • Credit(s) 3

Juvenile Delinquency
AOJ 032 is an examination of the origin, development, and organization of the Juvenile Justice System as it evolved in the American Justice System. The course explores the theories that focuses on Juvenile Law, courts and processes, and the constitutional protections extended to juveniles administered in the American Justice System.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Advisory(s):
ENG 001A (Recommended, Previous or concurrent).
Transfers to:
UC/CSU
  • AOJ-050A
  • P. C. 832 Arrest Control Mod
  • Credit(s) 3

P. C. 832 Arrest Control Module
AOJ 050A is the 40-hour Arrest and Control Module P.C. 832 and meets the requirements set forth by the California Peace Officer Standards for Training (POST) for the Arrest Control Module, only. It is one half of the first tier of training for individuals desiring to be peace officers. Successful students must pass two examinations: (1) a physical methods of arrest/defensive tactics practical (a pass-fail test where the student must demonstrate to the instructors' satisfaction, the proper methods for approaching a subject to taken into custody (individual may be of the opposite sex, physically larger and stronger that the student), controlling that individuals with voice commands, empty hand control, including a defensive take-down, if necessary, and the proper method for searching and cuffing the individual; AND (2) the P.C. 832 state written exam. The student must pass BOTH exams to pass this component of P.C. 832, known as AOJ 50A. A DOJ Clearance Letter is not required for this component. Certificates issued to successful students are valid for three years from their issuance date. Should the student become employed as a peace officer within this three-year period, however, the certificate freezes and remains valid until he or she leaves that agency and there has been a three-year or greater break in peace office employment. Unlimited, expires every 3 years unless employed by P.O.S.T. certified agency.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Advisory(s):
ENG 101B and ENG 105B
P/NP
  • AOJ-050B
  • P.C. 832 Firearms Module
  • Credit(s) 0.5

P. C. 832 Firearms Module
P.C. 832 AOJ 050B meets the 24-hour firearms requirement of the two-module P.C. 832 course as certified by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards for Training (POST). The first three meetings are classroom instruction and the final four involve live fire on the police range. Prior to being admitted to the range students must provide the Program Coordinator with a Department of Justice Clearance Letter stating that they are not of a class of persons prohibited from possessing a concealable firearm and do not have active restraining orders against them. To obtain this, students must have their fingerprints taken (Live Scan) at the local police/sheriff's department and pay a fee for the search and services. This is not required for students sponsored by a law enforcement agency provided the agency is willing to state such on department letterhead. Information on how to fill out the Live Scan request for service form can be obtained from the AOJ Office or the Registration office. No other background checks will suffice for this mandate. If the Clearance Letter is not provided, the student will be dropped. Students must each provide their own firearm, ammunition, holster, utility belt, magazines or speed loaders and the appropriate holders, eye and ear protection, and a handgun cleaning kit made for their firearm type. There will be no sharing of firearms. All firearms and equipment must be approved by the Range Master. Students under 21 must deliver to the Coordinator a letter signed by a parent or guardian meeting the specifications set forth in section 12100 of the California Penal Code, giving their permission for the student to possess a concealable firearm, ammunition, and to participate in this firearms training course. Students under 18 may not take this course. The certificate issued to those passing the course is valid for three years only, unless the student becomes employed as a peace officer. Students are reminded that there is a 10-day waiting period for the delivery of new or used firearms. Questions should be referred to the Administration of Justice Office. DO NOT BRING YOUR FIREARM OR AMMUNITION TO THE CLASSROOM

Class Hours:
27 Laboratory
P/NP