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Courses - September 2025

Level 1

Course details

Careers in Correctional Services
CDEV1540

Description:

This course introduces students to the roles and responsibilities of various front-line professionals (e.g., correctional officers, youth justice officers, community and correctional workers, victim services workers, mental health workers, case managers, addiction counsellors, discharge planners). Students will broaden their knowledge of these careers by examining current issues and industry trends facing community and correctional service professionals.

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

College Reading & Writing Skills
COMM1085

Description: This course introduces students to the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse a variety of texts and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising to produce writing that meets the expectations of selected audiences and purposes. The course prepares students for college-level writing tasks, research, and documentation by asking them to produce clear, informed, and purposeful documents relevant to both academic and professional contexts.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

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:

Role of Corrections in Society
CRIM1020

Description:

Students will apply knowledge of the history, philosophy, and diverse models of corrective action of detention, rehabilitation, and reintegration and decision-making. The student will connect institutional policy and practices that promote inclusive practices within community and justice services to increase understanding within the community and meet the needs of diverse populations.

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

Canadian Criminal Justice System
LAW1060

Description: This course provides an overview of the Canadian Criminal Justice System with a particular emphasis on the history, function, role and organization of Canadian law enforcement services. It will examine the major components of the criminal justice system from enforcement through the courts to correctional services.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Criminology
LAW1210

Description: This course provides an examination of various theoretical explanations of criminal and deviant behaviour including the sociological, biological and psychological perspectives. Criminological theory is related to various types of criminal activity. The reality of crime in Canada including victimology is examined through crime statistics and correlates of criminal behaviour. The impact on theory on the development and effectiveness of the criminal justice system is discussed with an emphasis on future trends within the system. This course is part of the Law Enforcement and Investigation program.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Powers, Authorities and Corrections
LAW1680

Description:

This course is designed for community and justice services professionals who are seeking a clear, concise, and succinct explanation of the legal authorities they possess, the constraints under which they work, and the liabilities they may face. This course will examine in detail the Correctional Services Act as well as provisions of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Canadian Criminal Code.

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

Level 2

Course details

Working with Complex Populations
COMM1775

Description: This course will introduce students to understanding diversity within Canadian society. Specifically, students will examine the diverse populations that make up community, the struggles they face and the opportunities presented to them. Working within a framework of law, security, investigations and law enforcement, students will consider how the criminal justice system influences and impacts the diverse members of Canadian society, with a focus on marginalized populations.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Applied Communications in Corrections
COMM2180

Description:

This course is designed to enable students to enhance and apply the language skills learned in Basic Writing Skills to longer, more advanced projects. Students will develop and enhance their reading, listening, and observational skills and also acquire effective presentation skills. They will complete exercises that familiarize them with professional communication practices including various techniques used in speaking to groups and each student will be required to make a presentation. Additionally, they will write notebook entries and incident reports following guidelines used by community and institutional justice agencies.

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

Human Rights
ETHS1050

Description:

Human rights and diversity issues play an important role in Criminal Justice practice. This course will provide students with the opportunity to examine current issues and social problems relating to our current laws and multi-cultural society. It will provide an understanding of criminal law, and corrections in the context of today's diverse society. Students will also examine the issues surrounding race, gender, social class, crime, and their impact on the criminal justice system.

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

Wellness and Self-Care I
HEAL1395

Description:

This course will develop an understanding of the professional elements that contribute to the health and wellness of Criminal justice professionals. Students will explore the consequences of individual choices related to health and wellness and the stress of the workplace. Students will also identify and learn about the various strategies that will help them manage their wellness in their chosen career.

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

Correctional Law and Practice
LAW1690

Description:

Students will examine in detail legislation impacting on community and institutional corrections: i.e. the Ministry of Correctional Services Act, Truth in Sentencing Act, Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Prison and Reformatories Act, Corrections and Conditional Release Act. etc. Students will look at the legislation with the impact on the offender and restrictions placed on the institution in order to fulfill their mandate.

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

Safety in the Workplace
OHS1320

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:

Conflict Management
PLCE2080

Description: This course is designed to develop the ability of the participant to intervene in conflict and crisis situations with competence and confidence. The conflict situation will be examined from its inception through intervention by either police or other law enforcement agencies. Various problem solving skills and non-violent intervention techniques are discussed along with intervention strategies directed toward specific incidents. Behaviour patterns that may lead to violent encounters are analyzed and the appropriate legal responses to these encounters are learned. These responses emphasize both officer and public/client safety through awareness and preparation.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 3

Course details

Restorative Justice
CRIM2090

Description:

This course will analyse the concepts, theories and practices forming the bases of Restorative Justice. Though case based studies, Restorative Justice theories will be applied to real life situation employing various practices, policies, and legislative requirements of the Criminal justice system

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

Field Placement I (Community Justice)
FPLT2490

Description:

This course will introduce students to the application of theory to practice in community and criminal justice workplace settings. Through supervised experiences with community and correctional services personnel, students will observe and participate in front line work. Working as a member of an interdisciplinary team, students will employ the skills, knowledge and abilities learned in the program thus far.

  • Hours: 103
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Addictions and Mental Health
HEAL2220

Description:

This course provides comprehensive information about mental health and addiction and approaches to working with individuals who are involved with the criminal justice system. The importance of trauma-informed practice, harm reduction services, culturally appropriate initiatives, holistic treatment programs, and peer support strategies, which reduce stigma will be discussed.

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

Psychology of Criminal Conduct
PSYC2040

Description:

In this course, the intersection of adverse childhood experiences, mental health, addiction, social inequalities, trauma, and criminal behaviour will be discussed. Theoretical perspectives will be examined as they relate to behaviour change, social inclusion and healing.

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

Youth Justice
SOC2010

Description:

In this course, the student will learn about the importance of early intervention and trauma-informed approaches when working with youth who are in conflict with the law. Diversion and other intervention and rehabilitation strategies will be discussed in the context of the Youth Criminal Justice Act and other relevant legislation.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: LAW1060
  • CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 4

Course details

Case Management and Interviewing Techniques
CRIM2025

Description:

This course will focus on the importance of case management and working within interdisciplinary teams as a community and justice services professional. Students will learn about communication, interviewing, and facilitation skills, with a focus on cultural diversity. Participants will improve their interpersonal and communication skills through practical exercises, skills demonstration, and process recording.

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

Principles of Community Reintegration
CRIM2040

Description:

One of the ultimate goals of community and justice services is to successfully reintegrate individuals who are involved with the criminal justice system back into the community. This course will provide the student with comprehensive, up-to-date knowledge of the systemic barriers to successful reintegration. Institutional discharge planning, community-based residential facilities, probation and parole, and other institutional and community-based reintegration services will be discussed.

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

Rights Based Correctional Interventions
CRIM2100

Description:

The student will analyse the rights of the offender when inside the criminal justice system. This course will focus on investigations within the institutions. Through a combination of theory and simulated learning the student will do a in-depth examination of interviewing, search and seizure and evidence collection and the relevant legislation that governs these activities

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

Applied Ethics
ETHS1000

Description: This course focuses on ethical issues and the application of ethical principles by professionals with authority and responsibility for public safety. The course will focus on the importance of moral philosophy as a component of the decision making process.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Field Placement II (Community Justice)
FPLT2510

Description:

This course will introduce students to the application of theory to practice in community and criminal justice workplace settings. Through supervised experiences with community and correctional services personnel, students will observe and participate in front line work. Working as a member of an interdisciplinary team, students will employ the skills, knowledge and abilities learned in the program thus far.

  • Hours: 178
  • Credits: 6
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Program outcomes

  1. Work and communicate in a manner consistent with professional ethics and practice, a respect for self, others, and relevant law and legislation
  2. Employ all relevant security techniques to ensure the protection of the public, and the security of the staff, and clients in institutional, residential, and community settings
  3. Intervene with clients, individually and in groups, in order to address and manage problems and to facilitate constructive behaviour change
  4. Observe, monitor, record, and assess client behaviour accurately, and respond appropriately in compliance with legal and organizational requirements
  5. Assist in the prevention and resolution of conflict, crisis, and emergency situations using methods consistent with legal requirements and organizational policy
  6. Establish and maintain constructive relationships with clients, staff, professionals, and the community
  7. Participate in program planning, implementation, assessment, and evaluation to meet the needs of clients, staff, and administration within the organizational environment
  8. Apply knowledge of social sciences concepts when interacting with clients, staff, professionals, and the public