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Ben Barber Innovation AcademyCourse Descriptions
Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security
Listed alphabetically. + Prerequisite required.
- Business Law (Semester)
- Criminal Investigation (Semester) +
- Correctional Services (Semester) +
- Court Systems & Practices (Semester) +
- Court Systems & Practices II (Semester)
- Federal Protective Services (Semester)
- Forensic Psychology (Semester) +
- Forensic Science (Semester) +
- Law Enforcement I (Semester)
- Law Enforcement II (Semester) +
- Practicum in Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security (Semester)
- Principles of Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security (Semester)
Business Law (Semester)
- Level 2 Course (11-12)
- Course: 1215CT; Credit: 1
- Length: 18 weeks at Ben Barber (1 semester)
- Description: Business Law will study the laws relevant to transactions common among large and small businesses. This course will examine the history and development of our legal system, government regulation of businesses, and the political and social influences of law in the business environment. Topics of study include common law, civil law torts, Uniform Commercial Code, contractual relationships (contracts, assignments, commercial papers, sales, and bailments), property law (real and personal), business associations (agency, partnership, corporation, bankruptcy), commercial litigation, wills and trusts, and white collar crimes. Employment and discrimination law will also be examined. Students will be exposed to the Socratic Method of learning and will be expected to speak in class each day and give presentations throughout the semester. Students will be expected to dress professionally one day each week. Subject matter in this class has the potential to be sensitive.
Criminal Investigation (Semester) +
- Level 2 Course (10-12)
- Prerequisite: Principles of Law
- Course: 19411CT; Credit: 1
- Length: 18 weeks at Ben Barber (1 semester)
- Description: Criminal Investigation is a course that introduces students to the manner in which a crime is investigated. Students will follow the investigative process by learning the different roles involved, understanding the various tasks required in each role, and the impact each role will have in the adjudication process. Students will obtain a working knowledge of terminology, investigative procedures, crime scene processing, evidence collection, fingerprinting, interview/interrogation skills, death investigation, and expert witness expectations. Students will be expected to engage in a group work environment replicating real-world, interagency experiences, where the majority of course work is of a collaborative nature. Subject matter in this class has the potential to be sensitive.
Correctional Services (Semester) +
- Level 3 Course (12)
- Prerequisite: Principles of Law
- Course: 9440CT; Credit: 1
- Length: 18 weeks at Ben Barber (1 semester)
- Description: In Correctional Services, students will learn the roles and responsibilities within the Correctional Systems; discuss relevant rules, regulations, and laws; and discuss defensive tactics, restraint techniques, and first aid procedures as used in the correctional setting. The student will analyze rehabilitation and alternatives to institutionalization. Students will be expected to demonstrate skills such as handcuffing, searches of property, and the searching of persons.. Students will be exposed to different cultural beliefs and how they impact the correctional system. Subject matter in this class has the potential to be sensitive.
Court Systems & Practices (Semester) +
- Level 2 Course (10-12)
- Course: 9415CT; Credit: 1
- Length: 18 weeks at Ben Barber (1 semester)
- Description: Court Systems and Practices I is a comprehensive examination of the federal and state court systems and the multiple areas of law practiced within them. Students will learn about US Constitutional law, criminal law, criminal procedure, administrative law, and federal jurisdiction. Students will also study the Texas Penal Code and Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. The course will identify the roles of judicial officers, the trial process from pretrial to sentencing, and examine the Federal Rules of Evidence. Heavy emphasis is placed on public speaking, mock trials, debates, speeches, student teach-backs, case law research, and group projects. Students will be required to dress in court attire one day each week. Students will be exposed to the Socratic Method of learning and will be expected to speak in class each day and give presentations throughout the semester. Subject matter in this class has the potential to be sensitive.
Court Systems & Practices II (Semester)
- Level 3 Course (11-12)
- Prerequisite: Court Systems & Practices
- Course: 9416CT; Credit: 1
- Length: 18 weeks at Ben Barber (1 semester)
- Description: Court Systems and Practices II is an extension of Court Systems and Practices I. Whereas the preceding course provided students with an overview of the federal and state court systems, students in this course will examine intentional torts and their defenses, civil procedure, case preparation for civil litigation, attorney ethics, appellate court argument, and legal writing and analysis. The course will also focus on attorney-client relationships, client interviewing techniques, client counseling and billable hours within the law firm setting. This course will also closely examine the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Students will be required to dress in court attire one day each week. Students will also be exposed to the Socratic Method of learning and will be expected to speak in class each day and give presentations throughout the semester. Subject matter in this class has the potential to be sensitive.
Federal Protective Services (Semester)
- Level 2 Course (9-12)
- Prerequisite: Principles of Law
- Course: 9450CT; Credit: 1
- Length: 18 weeks at Ben Barber (1 semester)
- Description: Federal Protective Services is taught as an introduction to Homeland Security Studies. The field is currently in very high demand at both the state and federal levels and is well remunerated. Interested individuals can pursue degrees in Homeland Security Studies from the bachelors to doctoral level. The course will study national and international threats to American homeland security posed by nation state and non-state actors. The course will also examine national security law, geopolitics, cybersecurity, critical infrastructure security, and diplomacy. Particular attention will be devoted to studying asymmetric threats to the security and sovereignty of the United States. Light physical fitness sessions will be conducted one day each week. Students will be exposed to the Socratic Method of learning and will be expected to speak in class each day and give presentations throughout the semester. Subject matter in this class has the potential to be sensitive.
Forensic Psychology (Semester) +
- Level 3 Course (11-12)
- Prerequisite:
- Course: 9431CT; Credit: 1
- Length: 18 weeks at Ben Barber (1 semester)
- Description: Forensic Psychology uses and applies basic skills developed in psychology to criminal behavior and criminal scenarios resulting in a structured and scientific approach to psychological investigative analysis, which enables police or law enforcement officials to predict criminal activity based upon mathematical/scientific data versus abstract intuition. Students will be expected to write research papers, compose research presentations, and demonstrate an understanding of basic mental illnesses and psychological theories. Subject matter in this class has the potential to be sensitive.
Forensic Science (Semester) +
- Level 4 Course (11-12)
- Prerequisite: Criminal Investigation AND Biology AND Chemistry
- Course: 9430CT; Credit: 1
- Length: 18 weeks at Ben Barber (1 semester)
- Description: Forensic Science is the application of science (chemistry, physics, and biology) to the criminal and civil laws that are enforced by police agencies in a criminal justice system. Students will include the investigation of fingerprinting, fiber analysis, ballistics, arson, trace evidence analysis, poisons, drugs, blood spatters, and blood samples. Students are taught the proper collection, preservation, and laboratory analysis of various samples. Students will learn terminology and investigative procedures related to crime scene, questioning, interviewing, criminal behavior characteristics, truth detection and scientific procedures used to solve crimes. Using scientific methods, students will collect and analyze evidence through case studies, simulated crime scenes and laboratory applications such as fingerprint analysis, ballistics, blood spatter analysis and DNA. Students will learn the history, legal aspects, and career options for forensic science. Note: Course can be used as an additional science credit for graduation. This course will count toward graduation honors GPA.
Law Enforcement I (Semester)
- Level 2 Course (9-12)
- Prerequisite: Principles of Law
- Course: 9410CT; Credit: 1
- Length: 18 weeks at Ben Barber (1 semester)
- Description: This course is an overview of the history, organization and functions of local, state, and federal law enforcement. This course includes the role of constitutional law, the United States legal system, criminal law, law enforcement terminology, and the classification and elements of crime. The student will evaluate and analyze legal and ethical behavior as it relates to law enforcement, explore the various aspects of victimology, explain laws related to the Texas Health and Safety Code, and evaluate skills needed to be a successful community policing officer. Students will demonstrate skills needed for effective report writing, detection of intoxicated drivers and develop proper protection and documentation of a crime scene, building searches. Subject matter in this class has the potential to be sensitive.
Law Enforcement II (Semester) +
- Level 3 Course (10-12)
- Prerequisite: Law Enforcement I
- Course: 9420CT; Credit: 1
- Length: 18 weeks at Ben Barber (1 semester)
- Description: Law Enforcement II provides the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare for a career in law enforcement. This course includes the ethical and legal responsibilities, operation of police and emergency telecommunication equipment, and courtroom testimony. Components of this course emulate more extensive elements of a Police Academy where students will apply their knowledge and skills into a scenario-based learning environment. The student will analyze local and state law enforcement procedures related to domestic violence, motor vehicle accidents, alcohol-related offenses, search procedures, use of force and disaster preparedness. Subject matter in this class has the potential to be sensitive.
Practicum in Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security (Semester)
- Level 4 Course (11-12)
- Course: 9422CA/CB; Credit: 1
- Length: 36 weeks at Ben Barber (2 semesters)
- Description: Students will have supervised practical application of previously studied knowledge and skills in Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security by participating in a non-paid Internship that is related to their interest within the Criminal Justice Field. Partners can include law enforcement agencies, legal firms, counseling offices, or any other businesses/agencies which operate in the Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security fields. Students will be expected to provide their own transportation to and from the internship sites.
Principles of Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security (Semester)
- Level 1 Course (9-12)
- Course: 9400CT; Credit: 1
- Length: 18 weeks at Ben Barber (1 semester)
- Description: This course introduces students to professions in law enforcement, security, corrections and fire and emergency management services. Students will examine the roles and responsibilities of police, courts, corrections, private security and protective agencies of fire and emergency services. Emphasis is placed on constitutional laws for criminal procedures that are building blocks for a career in the criminal justice system. The course provides students with an overview of the skills necessary for careers in law enforcement, fire service, security and corrections. Students should expect to speak publicly, participate in group presentations and activities such as research projects, slide show presentations, and skill demonstrations.