COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

PFP1010 Canadian Criminal Justice System

The basis of the criminal justice system in Canada operates on processes and principles originating from common and civil law. Focus is on the basic function of criminal laws and the roles and organization of law enforcement. Students explore the classification of criminal offences in context with their application. Particular attention is on the operation of the Canadian criminal justice system from the perspective of the police, the courts and the correctional system.

PFP1031 Introduction to Sociology

Sociology is a science of society and culture that explores our interdependencies and differences. By providing a critical lens regarding topics such as inequality, gender and sexuality, ethnicity, culture, and deviance, sociologists create theories that help explain and potentially change the world. Learners in the class will explore key concepts, figures, and theories of the discipline of sociology while developing their own sociological imagination. This class will both enlighten and empower learners to challenge their worldview through a combination of discussions, case studies, readings and lectures.

PFP1040 Communications I

Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-oriented approach, students focus on meeting the requirements of effective communication. Through a combination of lectures, exercises, and independent learning, students practise writing, speaking, reading, listening, locating and documenting information and using technology to communicate professionally. Students develop and strengthen communication skills that contribute to success in both educational and workplace environments.

PFP1051 Political Science/Public Administration

Decisions made at all levels of government impact the professional and personal lives of Canadians. Students cultivate an understanding of the role and structure of government, the law-making process, the influence of public policy and their own potential influence on these systems. Through participation in public meetings, media analysis and debates, students apply knowledge to current issues facing the Canadian government relating to law enforcement and the justice system in Canada.

PFP1063 Fitness and Nutrition

Society has come to recognize that personal and collective wellness is essential to enhance the quality of life. Students examine the concept of wellness and practical strategies for developing a healthy lifestyle. Through research, self-evaluation and practical experience, students address physical fitness, nutrition and potential health problems. Students set goals, design and implement an effective personal fitness program and personal nutritional plan to meet these goals. Students examine requirements involved in law enforcement fitness standards.

PFP2020 Interpersonal and Group Dynamics

Successful navigation of interpersonal and group dynamics is fundamental to working in law enforcement. Students examine and practise group leadership and organization, positive group contribution, effective communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal, and active listening. Experiential exercises, including role playing, team challenges and mock investigations, allow students to apply the theories.

PFP4010 Provincial Offences

Policing requires strong foundational knowledge of provincial legislations and acts in relation to offences. Students examine scenarios and determine the appropriate enforcement action for the most common provincial statutes. Topics include arrest, search and seizure authorities, common offences and the involvement of non-police agencies. Students examine provincial legislation including the Provincial Offences Act and other relevant laws and regulations pertaining to areas such as mental health, alcohol and drug use, hunting and fishing, child protection, accessibility and property rights.

PFP2001 Introduction to Psychology

A key component to police-community relations is possessing foundational knowledge around psychology. Students apply basic psychological concepts, including scientific methods, biological bases of behaviour, perception, states of consciousness, learning, motivation and theories of personality in relation to specific situations. Emphasis is on the causes and consequences of human behaviour, both normal and abnormal behaviour.

PFP2010 Criminology

Criminology seeks to understand the underpinnings of criminal and deviant behaviour. Students examine this behaviour through sociological, biological and psychological perspectives. Students apply this knowledge in critical examination of Canadian and global crimes and statistics. A contemporary look at victimology is also provided.

PFP2040 Communications II

By the very nature of their work, law enforcement officers communicate constantly with co-workers and a diverse public. Students study and practise typical police writing, from notebooks to arrest reports; interviewing skills; and workplace meetings and presentations. There is also focus on law enforcement entrance testing and legal terminology.

Pre-requisites: PFP1040

PFP2055 Police Powers, Ethics and Professionalism

Law enforcement requires clarity around scope of powers and professional expectations. Students examine legislated authorities and best practices related to detention, arrest, search, release and use of force. Through extensive review of statute law and case law, students explore the subjective nature of the rule of law and the necessary scrutiny around the application of police authorities. Importantly, students analyze various theories of ethical behaviour and decision-making. Through experiential learning, students examine the complexities of exercising ethical decision-making within a context of nuanced relationships between professional expectation, community expectation and personal belief.

PFP2096 Fitness and Lifestyle Management

Ensuring one's personal fitness and a healthy lifestyle is an important aspect of maintaining a successful career in law enforcement. Students evaluate the various Canadian law enforcement fitness standards used in the industry. Through reflection and self-analysis, students examine personal lifestyle and develop strategies to improve personal wellness. There is a strong focus on continuous preparation for fitness tests.

PFP3010 Criminal and Civil Law

Law enforcement officers are required to possess a basic understanding of most of the criminal laws they are charged with enforcing. Students analyze the elements of an offence in order to classify offences and identify possible defences in criminal cases. Students also examine the rights and obligations of citizens involving areas of civil law. In light of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Criminal Code of Canada and other relevant federal statues, students identify the responsibilities and limitations of citizens and police officers. Through developing legal research and analysis skills, students locate, interpret, and apply statute and case law.

Pre-requisites: PFP1010

PFP6000 Community Service

Volunteerism not only benefits a community; it can broaden the worldview of the volunteer. Students who give their time and energy to an approved community partner gain an opportunity to reflect on the value of the volunteer in contemporary society. Through research and discussion, students consider different types of volunteer settings, trace the history of volunteer organizations, examine the various roles volunteers play within society and reflect on ethical issues.

AST2000 Introduction to Astronomy

What can the sky tell us about our place in the universe, and how life began? This introductory course to astronomy will teach students indigenous and Western constellations in the sky, as well as introduce them to the major planets. Students will act as beginning astronomers and engineers by performing sketches, doing research on astronomy topics, and learning about missions to Mars that are on the hunt for signs of life.

COR1737 Psychopathology - an Introduction to Mental Illnesses

Emphasis is on the study of signs and symptoms of the major mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder, major depression, schizophrenia and personality disorders. Additionally, there are discussions about eating and sleeping disorders, stress and post-traumatic stress disorder.

DSN2100 Design Thinking

Design Thinking uses a designer mindset to produce business innovations in products and services, with a focus on deep understanding of and empathy with the people who use them. Following a holistic innovation process for an area of interest or organization, students build an initial business case and apply design thinking and creative problem-solving strategies to make innovation a sustainable practice.

ENL0009 Introduction to Children's Literature

This course introduces students to various texts and sources in the domain of Children's Literature, and gives students the opportunity to discuss the many genres, issues and theories that pervade the field, while simultaneously helping them gain practice analyzing literature for children with various critical literary elements in mind.

ENL0010 Science Fiction

Science fiction addresses key concerns that are not restricted to the imaginative worlds depicted in fiction; rather, science fiction uses alien settings, strange worlds, alternate timelines, or virtual environments as a way of exploring contemporary issues. Over the course of exploring the various issues contained in these fictions, the various movements of science fiction will be explored to provide a broader sense of the genre's development from its earliest to its most current forms; in addition, terminology will be introduced so, by the end of the course, students will have a broader understanding of science fiction's historical and thematic terrain.

ENL1798 Contemporary Canadian Issues

A critical understanding of contemporary Canadian issues is vital to being an active member in our democratic society. Students explore a variety of topics and analyze their ethical implications and relevance to Canadian life. Discussions, debates and other collaborative activities offer opportunities to consider recent controversies from different perspectives, and use of a variety of media (e.g. newspapers, articles, and other resources online) allows for in-depth reflection on the history and current state of a range of social and political topics.

ENV0002 Environmental Citizenship

Environmental citizenship is based on the principles of national citizenship, yet it goes beyond political borders to emphasize global environmental rights and responsibilities. An environmental citizen is committed to learning more about the environment and to taking responsible environmental action. Through a combination of interactive activities, assignments and discussions, students learn how they are personally connected with current environmental issues. Students are also encouraged to adopt attitudes and behaviours that foster global environmental responsibility.

ENV5004 Waste-Free Ontario

Ontario continues to generate more and more waste; historically, three quarters of this waste has been discarded. In this course, learners are introduced to the tremendous environmental and economic opportunities that exist to embrace resource conservation ideology and a circular economy - a system in which products are never discarded, but reused, recycled and reintroduced into new products. With interactive activities, videos, and gaming; learners identify concepts and technologies to make informed decisions regarding waste management. Learners reflect on material learned, connect it to their own personalized industry or interest, and locate innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities.

FAM1003 Psychology of Learning

Students explore how individuals acquire knowledge and skills and how environments influence the learning process. Through examination of different theories from both historical and current perspectives, students develop an understanding of how learning is influenced by developmental, psychological and social elements. Students use real life experiences to identify how these theories can be used to support learning and development within continuously changing environments.

GED0021 Disability in Arts: Portrayals and Identity

All forms of art have a powerful influence on our perceptions. Students describe and explore through case studies a range of disabilities and their unique features. Using arts, enquiry and discussion, students critique historical and modern-day portrayals of individuals with disabilities. Students consider the attitudes and social barriers that individuals with disabilities face, and focus on the link between the formation of cultural identity and the arts.

GED0022 Positive Psychology: the Science of Happiness and Well-Being

While fulfillment and well-being mark some people's lives, many others remain dissatisfied with life. Positive Psychology is concerned with explaining how individuals and communities flourish through the scientific exploration of happiness, optimal human functioning, and civic engagement. The field of Positive Psychology has the objective of making life more satisfying and meaningful through interventions that promote and develop qualities such as self-knowledge, learned optimism, gratitude, mindfulness, resilience, and community connection. Students participate in both interactive lectures and on-line discussions, maintain weekly journals, and develop personal strengths through direct engagement with well-being initiatives.

GED2200 Free Speech and the Challenge of Social Media

This course will allow students to explore social media and its effects on free speech and public discourse in contemporary society. It will cover the philosophical foundations of free speech, the legal and institutional expressions of free speech in modern democracies, the characteristics of social media infrastructure, how our society's free speech is being influenced if not transformed by this infrastructure, and perspectives on the need, or not, for regulatory fixes advanced from different viewpoints.

GED5007 Transatlantic Slavery and Its Abolition

The effects of transatlantic slavery, which began in the 15th century and was not abolished until the 19th, are still present in contemporary social, political and economic systems. In this course, students are provided with a chronological understanding of the transatlantic slave trade that charts: 1) its creation and its economic underpinnings in European and American power and wealth; 2) the resistance to slavery and its eventual abolition; and 3) the afterlife of slavery in the present day. Through class discussion, examination of academic and non-academic literature, and analysis of images and videos, students will be introduced to the history and continuing legacy of the transatlantic slave trade.

GED5010 The Fungus Among Us

Understanding fungi is critical for a more complete picture of both natural history, as well as historical and current human affairs. Students learn the major groups of fungi most of which are beneficial to humans. Students learn the influence of fungi on historical and cultural activities including art and food. Students also examine the direct involvement of fungi on industrial processes and current medical and biotechnological processes. Students explore the role of fungi as it relates to soil fertility and best practices in agriculture and environmental sustainability. Students will connect fungi to the world around them.

GED5301 On Death, Dying and Medical Assistance in Dying (Maid)

Though death is an immutable consequence of life, society's attitudes and reactions to it have been ever-changing. The viewpoint that life is sacrosanct, to be protected at all costs, is now being challenged by individuals demanding greater control of their quality of life, including the right to die. An historical overview of attitudes towards death will be examined, with a focus on the growing acceptability of medical assistance in dying (MAID), and the reasons behind this movement (demographics, economics, medicine). This course, through discussion of differing social perspectives, government legislation, case studies, research, images and videos will provide students a greater understanding of society's past and present approaches to death.

GEO0012 Foreign Landscapes and Their Inhabitants

Understanding the natural environment and the geological features and landscapes that shape our world is vital for students to have a greater understanding and respect for others by being more globally and culturally aware. The transformation of Earth as we know it has been a 4.5 billion year marvel in the making. The ever-changing continents, oceans, seas, and geographic landforms continue to reshape our world. Through the exploration of the unique landscapes of Earth and the examination of the geographic distribution of populations, countries, and regions of the world, students will use virtual field trips, case studies, and web quests to enhance their sense of global community.

MGT2346 Introduction to E-Business

Students are provided with tools, skills, an understanding of technology, business concepts and issues that surround the emergence of electronic business. Emphasis is on that part of the Internet known as the World Wide Web (WWW), where such tools as browsers are used. In addition to acquiring basic skills for navigating the Internet, students develop an understanding of the current practices and opportunities in electronic publishing, electronic shopping, electronic distribution and electronic collaboration. Students also explore several of the problems surrounding electronic business and commerce, such as security, authentication, privacy, encryption, safeguarding of intellectual property rights, acceptable use policies and legal liabilities.

PSI1702 Government of Canada

Students explore the Canadian governmental system and consider key principles of democracy and federalism. In addition, students analyze the impact of government on the lives of its citizens, as well as the ways in which citizens and communities affect the government. Finally, students examine the diverse political, national and ideological dynamics of Canadian politics.

PSY0007 Cults and Terrorism

In this course, students will explore the historical evolution and social impact of cults and terrorist groups. Students will learn ways to identify and define cults. Using discussions and active learning approaches, students will examine what motivates cults and terrorist groups with a specific lens towards violent activity. The impact of media and globalization will also be discussed. Students will advance their social and cultural understanding and gain awareness of cults in contemporary society. Students in this course will discuss the validity of historical evidence and research historical interpretations of events using relevant and recent sources.

PSY0014 Learning, Thinking and Problem Solving

Psychology is an academic discipline that is concerned with all aspects of human existence, focusing in particular upon human thought, emotion and action. Psychology combines the scientific study of human behaviour and mental processes with the development of therapeutic and practical approaches to human problems and concerns. Psychology is, in addition, a major contributor to the ongoing development of our understanding of human nature more generally. After a brief historical overview, this subject examines psychology as a science. Psychological research and theory making facilitates our understanding of ourselves as individuals and as members of social groups by describing, explaining and predicting how we develop and relate in society, how we create ourselves and our world; applied psychology makes its contribution through efforts to enhance individual development and adaptation within society. Students benefit by gaining an introductory knowledge of psychology that can be applied to their daily lives.

SCI2200 Dynamic Dna: You Are Not Alone

DNA is the recipe book for all living things. This small molecule can tell us about our past, present, and future. It is what makes us all unique and what ties us together. DNA can answer some of life's biggest questions: Where do we come from? How are we made? Can we cure disease? Can we predict the future or change the outcome? In this course, we will examine the spectacular DNA molecule and how it works. Through contemporary articles, research, images, and videos, we will investigate ways in which DNA can be used to predict traits, detect disease, discover ancestry and engineer babies. We will look at DNA's involvement in our evolution, and how we can harness its powers to create superfoods, change a wolf into a pug or clone extinct species. Through a combination of discussion boards, quizzes and assignments, students will discuss DNA history, technology and social attitudes, providing them with a greater understanding of their genetic make-up, both on a personal and global level.

SSC5012 Racism and Discrimination

Students learn the definition of racism and discrimination, and will be able to identify the various sources of discrimination and racism resulting from cultural values and physical differences between individuals. By identifying racism and discrimination issues in North American society, students learn how to analyze the sociological factors that cause bias and prejudice to surface in our society. The main objective of this course is to enhance sensitivity to and intolerance of mistreatment based on racial or ethnic background and appearance, and to consider how to handle these issues as professional individuals in a pluralistic Canadian society. Students communicate with one another through electronic discussion and learn to appreciate through various readings and assignments the many facets of racism and discrimination. This course will be of interest to workers in health services, education, human resources and business, and those who want to enhance their knowledge and sensitivity to issues of racism and discrimination particularly when communicating with people from other cultures or with physical appearances that differ from their own.

PFP2031 Mental Health in Law Enforcement

Having a basic understanding of mental illness and the symptoms of different mental illnesses prepares law enforcement personnel to better deal with potential issues relating to oneself and others. Students explore a best practices approach to mental health care through learning activities that encompass practical theory, new developments in the field of law enforcement, problem solving and group interaction. Students examine the value of self-care for first responders and develop strategies to support wellness of self and colleagues. Students gain a perspective on principles of mental health, disorders and behaviour management, as well as the mental health system and evidence-based practice. Students identify the signs of mental illness and provide initial help to clients facing mental health problems or crises following the guidelines of the Ontario Mental Health Act.

PFP3002 Victimology

An increased awareness of the ripple effect of crime has given rise to victimology as a significant field of study. Students investigate victims of crime and the impact that crime has on their lives, their families and society. Students raise personal awareness through the study of history of victimology and the victims' movement, the nature and extent of victimization, its emerging theories and resulting legislation. In addition, victims' services, accessibility to services, rights of the victim and the victim in the criminal justice system are examined. Students also explore crime in the workplace, schools, and campuses and the importance of recognizing those at risk.

PFP3021 Criminal Code and Federal Statutes

The Criminal Code, a federal statute enacted by Parliament, provides the federal government exclusive jurisdiction to legislate criminal offences in Canada. Students analyze specific elements of selected Criminal Code offences. These include offences against the person, against property and against public order. Through researching case law and assessing its impact on criminal offences, students use case law to argue or defend decisions. Students also analyze elements of offences related to weapons and the Firearms Act, controlled drugs and substances, and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Other topics include provisions of other federal statutes and their relationship with the Criminal Code.

Pre-requisites: PFP3010

PFP3035 Fitness for Law Enforcement

Extensive preparation is necessary when applying for a career in policing or other law enforcement fields. Students adhere to their personal fitness and nutritional plans, and focus specifically on successful completion of Canadian law enforcement fitness standards.

PFP3055 Police Powers and the Law

Parameters relating to the powers of law enforcement is essential knowledge in effectively performing one's duty. Students expand personal knowledge of legislated authorities and limitations relating to warrants, officer safety, de-escalation and use of force. Students develop communication skills through engagement in practical scenarios involving the intricacies of professional, authoritative and empathetic interactions with clients, where the subjective legislation is applied in a practical manner. Through experiential learning, students develop the knowledge and skill sets to support effective and safe interactions with members of the public, while effectively balancing the authority of the profession and the rights of the individual. Students examine the Police Services Act as well as the various internal mechanisms and external bodies of oversight which may review their policing activities.

Pre-requisites: PFP2055

PFP4040 Investigation and Evidence

Accuracy and procedure are key to ensuring admissibility of details and evidence. Students examine the requirements of a continuing investigation as well as the rules of evidence and develop the ability to apply these rules in the collection and presentation of evidence in a court of law. Emphasis is on forensic requirements, statute law and other related topics.

PFP4098 Career Preparation

Preparation is critical towards the development of competitive candidacy in law enforcement. Students work to enhance their skills, knowledge and abilities through self-reflection exercises based on current and/or previous work-integrated learning experiences. Students create a career portfolio and practice field-specific testing, behavioural-based interview skills and mock interviews aligned with industry entrance requirements.

PFP2000 Introduction to Research

Informative decisions and action are strongly influenced by research. Students examine the different types of social science research, the tools and techniques for finding secondary research sources, the nuances of source citation, and strategies for writing about a topic of cultural and social importance. Through various activities, students explore new ways of looking at how knowledge is created and gathered, and include elements of experiential learning.

PFP2071 Diversity in Canada

Diversity is a hallmark of Canada's progressive society. Students consider the historical, societal and political response to this diversity with compassion and critical thought. The rich cultural legacies of Indigenous peoples in Canada guide students toward a deep understanding of how history has shaped contemporary realities. Cultural experiences, case studies and discourse nurture students' own identities as citizens of the world.

PFP3040 Interviewing and Investigations

A key component of policing is possessing the skills and knowledge to effectively conduct interviews and investigations. Students develop the interviewing skills necessary to retrieve information from victims, witnesses and suspects. Students also employ the basic steps of investigation including the practical development of note-taking and observation skills.

Pre-requisites: PFP4040

PFP3050 Youth in Conflict with the Law

Youth in legal conflict are often given special consideration when compared to adults. From historical, philosophical and contemporary perspectives, students explore the detention, interviewing and processing through the court structure of young persons, focusing on the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the Child, Youth and Family Services Act and other relevant legislation. Students also consider sentencing alternatives that attempt to rehabilitate a young person while facilitating public safety. Contemporary and historical case studies, role-playing and scenarios, and class discussion underline the issues and challenges involved in youth crime.

PFP3071 Traffic Management

Possessing the knowledge, skills and ability to locate and apply sections of the Provincial Traffic Law and Criminal Code of Canada is a key component in management of traffic. Interpreting traffic laws and applying the law provide students with the confidence required for success. Students develop interpersonal strategies and procedures for dealing with motor vehicle stops and traffic accidents. Students complete collision investigation and other applicable reports, determine charges, and articulate evidence.

PFP4050 Conflict Management

Law enforcement personnel require the ability to intervene in conflict and crisis situations with competence and confidence. The conflict situation is examined from its inception through intervention by police. Various problem-solving skills and non-violent intervention techniques are discussed along with intervention strategies directed toward specific incidents. Students recognize behaviour patterns that may lead to violent encounters and the appropriate legal responses to these encounters. These responses emphasize officer safety through awareness and preparation.

PFP4061 Community Policing

Fostering strong relationships between law enforcement and communities lays the foundations towards a healthy, productive society. Students focus on the theories and models of community policing. Focus is on alternate resolution strategies involving the mobilization and engagement of police agencies alongside an integrated network of professionals and community partners. Students examine proactive crime prevention strategies that promote the safety and security of all community members. Students gain an understanding of the role of law enforcement and the importance of building partnerships to foster collaboration with communities.

PFP4092 Fitness and Self Defence

Students examine best practices within the policing profession in relation to restraint, protection and defensive techniques in consideration of to the Canadian and Ontario Use of Force Models. Supporting this learning, students apply federal and provincial legislation and standards, where focus remains on de-escalation and evidence-based critical decision making. Students examine lawful application of force within the context of having explored all alternative measures to mitigate the risk of injury to self, the client and the general public. With a continued emphasis on general health and lifestyle, students continue to work towards achieving industry standards in physical testing in preparation for application to a variety of agencies.