Criminal Justice

CJS 251

Introduction to Criminal Justice focuses on the various processing stages, practices, and personnel in the criminal justice system. This course examines the problem of crime in American society. Both historical and contemporary components of the system, including the police, the courts, and correctional agencies are explored. This course is designed to provide the student with a foundational, broad-based understanding of both the effects of crime upon communities, as well the criminal justice system response to crime in our contemporary society through the lens of a Christian Worldview.

3

Credit Hours

SOC 251

A study of contemporary Western society with emphasis on culture, socialization, group life, social institutions, social processes and social change.

3

Credit Hours

COM 330

Provides a basic overview of conflict resolution. The history, methods, and theory of conflict resolution will be explored. In addition, strategies in competitive versus collaborative negotiation will be examined in the context of culture and a Christian perspective.

3

Credit Hours

CJS 350

Criminology and Social Deviance explores the social and psychological influences on criminal behavior. Current theories that attempt to explain the causes of illegal behavior will be examined, including violent crime, media (video game, TV) influence, gangs, and group deviance, white- collar crime, and ‘victimless’ crime. Attention will be given to understanding criminal behavior as multifactorial within the context of a biblical worldview.

3

Credit Hours

CJS 310

Reviews criminal law and specific offenses and applies constitutional restrictions on government’s power emphasizing basic criminal law, inchoate crimes, crimes against persons and property, contraband and regulatory offenses, public order crimes, operating while intoxicated, court functions and civil law and process. This course will also explore Biblical expressions of law and applications to modern laws and sanctions.

3

Credit Hours

CJS 315

Focuses on the substantive criminal procedure and on the constitutional restrictions on government’s power to search, seize and question. The course emphasizes basic police criminal procedure, laws of arrest, search and seizure, laws on suspect identification, admissions and confessions, use of force, and other related topics. This course will include an analysis from the Christian worldview of justice and on the topics studied.

3

Credit Hours

CJS 330

Law Enforcement and Corrections examines the history, policies and laws that impact those working in the criminal justice field. Laws of arrest, evidence, admissions, confessions, search and seizure are highlighted as it guides warrant request and testimony preparation. The history, purposes and organizational structure of jails and prisons are studied. Ethical punishment and treatment are highlighted, with a focus on the legal rights of prisoners and responsibilities of officers. Emphasis is devoted to report writing and the importance of precise record keeping.

3

Credit Hours

CJS 370

Juvenile Law and Delinquency focuses on the unique challenges of working with youth within the criminal justice system. Theories that seek to explain juvenile delinquency, including the nature and extent of illegal behavior will be explored, while also considering the significant role of media violence. The justice process for juveniles will be critiqued, highlighting the structure and function of juvenile justice, probation, detention, parole, diversion for child offenders and the roles of family and social institutions in addressing illegal juvenile behavior. A biblical worldview will be promoted in responding to juvenile delinquency.

3

Credit Hours

CJS 380

Current Issues in Security discusses topics related to personal, building, and corporate security. Security knowledge in the workplace is extremely valuable and this course will help students understand the foundations of security and how to defend and react against potential threats. This course will also review legal issues, identifying suspicious behavior, technology in security, personal and structural security, internal and external threats and other related topics.

3

Credit Hours

CJS 440

An exploration of the relationships between culture, crime, and social justice with a special emphasis on ethical considerations in light of a biblical worldview. This course seeks to develop the learner’s cultural intelligence and foster compassion and a greater understanding of diverse groups who are affected by the criminal justice system.

3

Credit Hours

PSY 325

Examines individual behaviors within the context of one’s society. It is a study of how people think about, influence and relate to one another. Components of the behaviors studies in this course include attitudes, beliefs, prejudices, aggression, leadership, altruism, conformity, attraction, persuasion, and stereotypes.

3

Credit Hours

CJS 456

Focuses on the traits responsible for surviving in high-stress environments, including responding directly to high-threat encounters. Pro-survival behaviors are presented, including the “gift of fear” and balancing independence and leadership versus the need for teamwork collaboration in responding to stressful events. Organizational and professional psychological traits present in law enforcement, paramilitary organizations and high stress organizations are explored, as well as healthy lifestyle factors that lead to career effectiveness and avoiding burnout, such as managing vicarious trauma and promoting self-care.

3

Credit Hours

PSY 282

An introduction to research methodology and statistics as a liberal arts discipline, this course will not primarily be a number crunching course, though many statistical concepts will be presented in context. The emphasis of the course will be on developing an understanding of the principles and concepts underlying the use of statistics in social sciences research and applications. Topics to be explored include the formulation of questions and hypotheses, appropriate experimental design, sampling methodology, data analysis, and the presentation of results using graphical summaries and proper statistical notation. Offered alternate years.

3

Credit Hours

CAP 498

Program Capstone

3

Credit Hours

GEN 111

Focuses on the foundational knowledge, basic software skills, and motivation required to succeed 1n the digital classroom and as a follower of Christ. Through various educational experiences, students will learn about self and others, and how the Body of Christ works together to impact the world for His glory. Students will gain an understanding of university systems, vision, and mission. This course will begin preparing students to make an eternal impact wherever they go while on a successful fulfilling path to graduation.

3

Credit Hours

ENG 105

Writing is an important skill for academic, ministry, and vocational success. This course focuses on developing writing skills, providing students opportunities to break down the writing process. Students will learn how to create strong thesis statements to drive an academic paper. They will learn how to craft introductory and concluding paragraphs, build the body of a paper, consider their audience, and improve writing skills to communicate more effectively. They will develop basic skills in APA formatting and citations. Students will also work on refreshing grammar skills. Must be completed with a grade of C- or higher.

3

Credit Hours

COM 140

Life Communication prompts students to identify their passion and excitement to use the gift of speech for good. By working through the process of topic selection, research, and speech organization, students will build confidence in serving others with their communication. In Life Communication, students will be encouraged to know their story, challenged to live their story, and empowered to tell their story.

3

Credit Hours

COM 290

Explores the fundamental concepts, principles, and skills needed for effective communication in a global world. Emphasis will be given to communication concepts, skillful writing, professional interviewing, organized informational presentations, and cultural intelligence in the workplace. Prerequisite: ENG 101, COM 140

3

Credit Hours

ENG 300

Students will learn the importance of using credible sources and building strong arguments. Students will develop thesis statements, introductions and conclusions, consider audience and purpose, and integrate credible and scholarly sources using APA formatting. They will develop writing skills to help in academic courses, business pursuits, ministry, as well as other career positions.

3

Credit Hours

HST 231

Provides students with skills in historical research and analysis, a chronological understanding and factual knowledge spanning from the dawn of civilization to 1700. Emphasis is placed on the origins and achievements of the core civilizations of Asia, Africa, America, and Greco– Roman civilizations. In addition, Christian, Islamic and Byzantine cultures will be studied. The ultimate focus will be to provide students with a historical, factual, cultural, and geographical knowledge of ancient history and its relationship to the Bible. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze significant political, socioeconomic, and cultural developments up to the early modern world civilizations within the interrelations of societies and cultures.

3

Credit Hours

PHL 133

Addresses the fact that our culture is confronted with a vast assortment of differing philosophies and worldviews; each claiming to be true. Focus is provided to understand and evaluate these various belief systems in an increasingly pluralistic society. Main ideas of eight different worldviews will be explored while the student develops and expresses a personal worldview. Topics will center around the nature of God, reality, nature of man, death, truth, morality, and the meaning of life. The primary purpose of this course is to challenge students to examine the timeless truths of Christianity.

3

Credit Hours

SOC 243

An exploration of cultural diversity and multiculturalism from a Christian faith perspective. This course provides a process to understand and practice cultural diversity competence. It is designed to initiate and provide ongoing preparation for effective interaction with everyone in our culturally diverse world. Growth in these skills equips individuals with the social graces needed to form bonds of mutual trust that will bridge the differences that ordinarily divides people.

3

Credit Hours

SCI 220

Provides a general understanding of environmental science, while exploring the natural world and the resources it provides. The study of environmental science is approached with an understanding of the responsibilities of human beings to practice wise stewardship of God’s creation. Topics include, but are not limited to, exploration of environmental issues, the relations between living and nonliving things, human responsibility for the environment and the earth’s resources now and in the future.

3

Credit Hours

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3

Credit Hours

BIB 141

A survey of Old Testament literature in its historical setting. Attention is given to outstanding persons, events, and theological emphases.

3

Credit Hours

BIB 143

A survey of New Testament literature including a study of its historical settings, literary type, and main theological themes. Attention will also be given to outstanding persons, events, and major teachings.

3

Credit Hours

THE 254

Provides an overview of the basic tenets of Dispensational Theology. Included is a study of foundational passages in the Bible, a review of the historical development, as well as how a dispensational perspective shapes the study of Scripture. Special consideration will be given to the mid–Acts dispensational views of Grace Christian University.

3

Credit Hours

THE 256

A survey of foundational doctrines of systematic theology including Bibliology, Theology Proper (God), Christology (Christ) and Pneumatology (Holy Spirit). It will include an overview of the midActs dispensational perspective of theology held by the institution. The course also encourages the practical integration of these doctrines in the life and service of the Christian.

3

Credit Hours

BIB 442

Examines the background and ministry of Paul, as well as the origin and purpose of each of the Pauline epistles in the context of the development of his ministry. The study will include an analysis and synthesis of major Pauline themes, including the Pauline concept of the church and its mission.

3

Credit Hours

LEA/BUS 372

Provides an understanding of the topic of leadership in four contexts: intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships, organizational structure, processes, and culture within organizations. Includes study of organizational leadership from a theoretical, practical and biblical point of view.

3

Credit Hours

MIN 370

Emphasizes the practical outworking of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. Special consideration will be given to how the Holy Spirit equips God’s people for service, a development of a plan for lifelong spiritual growth, and appreciation for and practice of the historic spiritual disciplines.

3

Credit Hours

THE 454

Provides an in–depth study of Theology Proper, the study of God the Father. Included with this will be understanding the Trinity doctrine, with an emphasis on biblical, historical and theological dimensions of knowing God as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

3

Credit Hours

THE 332

Lays the foundation for a Christian response to ethical issues arising in 21st Century Western culture. Attention is given to the biblical foundation of Christian personal and social ethics, the history of ethics, ethical decision–making, and personal character development. Application of these topics will be made to a range of contemporary issues.

3

Credit Hours

THE 453

An in–depth study of the doctrines of systematic theology, including Anthropology (Man), Hamartiology (Sin), Soteriology (Salvation and the Atonement), Angelology (Angels), Ecclesiology (Church) and Eschatology (End Times). These doctrines will be considered from the mid–Acts dispensational view of theology held by Grace Christian University. The course also encourages the practical integration of these doctrines in the life and service of the Christian.

3

Credit Hours