Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Students participating in this course will study the history and impact of prejudice, discrimination and racism with-in the criminal justice system. Students will learn the importance of relating to all segments of the communities they serve in a fair and unbiased manner. The knowledge of various populations will enhance the quality of criminal justice services, improve individual correction and police officer safety, and increase understanding and empathy in criminal justice services-citizen contacts and partnerships.
Special Note : This course is required for all criminal justice certificate, degree and transfer students.

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate culturally appropriate communication with individuals using verbal and non-verbal methods that recognize diverse cultures, ethnic groups, and marginalized populations.
2. Assess social problems and their dynamics within a multicultural context.
3. Perform functions in a criminal justice setting with respect for diversity and the negative impact of racial profiling and discrimination on society.

At the beginning of the course, the instructor will detail the methods used to assess student performance and progress, as well as the criteria for the student's final grade. Methods of assessment may include the following: examinations, quizzes, an interview assignment report, weekly discussion assignments, research papers, class participation, oral presentations and group activities.

This course will address topics that include, but are not limited to:

1. An introduction to Multiculturalism
2. Group Dynamics, Communications, and Social Interaction
3. Hate crimes
4. Black Americans and the Criminal Justice System*
5. Hispanic/Latinx Americans and the Criminal Justice System*
6. Asian Americans and the Criminal Justice System*
7. Native Americans and the Criminal Justice System
8. Women and the Criminal Justice System*
9. The LGBTQA+ Community and the Criminal Justice System*
10. Older Adults and the Criminal Justice System*
11. Juveniles and the Criminal Justice System*
12. Policing and Multiculturalism
13. Racial and Ethnic Profiling
14. Corrections and Multiculturalism
15. Preparing for Multiculturalism in the Criminal Justice System: Training and Policy
16. CARE Approach (Compassionate, Attentive, Responsive and Eclectic) concept in problem solving strategies in a diverse workforce, society and environment

*These groups are receiving significant discussion for one or more of the following reasons: (1) the group is a relatively large ethnic or racial group in the United States, (2) the traditional culture of the group differs widely from that of mainstream American culture, or (3) typically or historically there have been documented problems between the particular group and the criminal justice system/society.