ADMJUS-105 - Humanistic Policing - Brian Hospodar

Introduction

Orientation Letter for AJ-105: Humanistic Policing

Dear Prospective Student,

Welcome to the AJ-105 Humanistic Policing course at our college! This course is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the complex and dynamic relationship between people and the justice system, with a focus on administering justice in a diverse, multicultural society. Below is an overview to help you decide if this course aligns with your academic and professional goals.

Who Should Take This Course?

AJ-105 is ideal for students interested in:

• Careers in law enforcement, corrections, or criminal justice.
• Understanding the social dynamics of policing in diverse communities.
• Developing critical thinking and communication skills applicable to public service roles.
• Preparing for advanced studies in criminal justice, sociology, or public policy.

No prior experience in criminal justice is required, but a willingness to engage with challenging topics and diverse perspectives is essential.

Course Description

Course Overview

AJ-105 Humanistic Policing (3 units) examines the challenges and opportunities of policing, emphasizing strategies that promote fairness, equity, and trust. Topics include:

• Community Policing: Explore strategies to build positive relationships between law enforcement and communities.
• Restorative Justice: Learn approaches to resolve conflicts and repair harm through collaboration.
• Cultural Diversity: Understand the impact of cultural, racial, religious, and socioeconomic differences on policing.
• Ethics and Professionalism: Analyze ethical decision-making and moral challenges in law enforcement.
• Crime Prevention: Study proactive methods to reduce crime and enhance community safety.
• Resilience, Wellness, & Self Care:  Focus on equipping students with self-care strategies to manage stress and achieve balance for de-escalating from the inside out.

This course is transferable to UC and CSU systems (C-ID AJ 160) and is offered in Fall and Spring semesters with a letter grade or pass/no pass option. Advisory: Completion of AJ 101 or eligibility for ENGL 101 is recommended.

What to Expect in this Course

What to Expect

• Learning Format: Expect a mix of lectures, discussions, and case studies. Some sections may be offered online, hybrid, or in-person, depending on the semester. Check the course schedule for details.
• Assignments: You’ll complete readings, participate in discussions, maintain a journal, and may write a 4-5 page report in APA format analyzing a community justice issue, supported by research from credible sources.
• Workload: Depending on the class format, plan for approximately 54 lecture hours over the semester, with additional time for readings, research, and assignments.
• Emotional Engagement: Topics like racial profiling, community conflict, and ethical dilemmas may be challenging. We encourage self-care and provide access to campus resources like the Student Health & Wellness Center (contact: 661-362-3259 or StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu).

Other Relevant Course Information

Why Take AJ-105?

This course offers a unique opportunity to explore policing from a humanistic perspective, focusing on empathy, equity, and community collaboration. You’ll gain insights into real-world challenges faced by law enforcement and develop skills to analyze and address them critically.  You’ll study and integrate preparation strategies for this dynamic work. Whether you’re pursuing a career in criminal justice or seeking to understand the role of policing in society, AJ-105 provides a strong foundation for your journey.

Next Steps

To enroll, visit the college’s registration portal or contact the Admissions Office for guidance. If you have questions about the course, feel free to reach out to the instructor via the contact details provided in the course syllabus or through the Academic Department. For additional support, explore our Veterans Resource Center (veterans@canyons.edu, 661-362-3469) or Counseling Department for academic planning.

We look forward to welcoming you to AJ-105 and supporting your educational journey!

Sincerely,
Brian Hospodar, Adjunct
Administration of Justice
College of the Canyons

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

• CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
• CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 08/22/2025 Sub#: 1967 Sub ID: 200629