Course Code: CJS 106
Academic Year: 2024-2025
Students are introduced to the communication processes that characterize the community and justice services field. Great emphasis is placed on effective verbal, non-verbal, written communication and group skills, which are essential when working in a community and justice services setting and in developing interpersonal relationships. Focus will be on the factors that influence the ways in which professionals are perceived by clients and colleagues. Topics explored in the course include effective communication, cultural competency, understanding boundary issues, appropriate self- disclosure and providing and receiving constructive feedback, practicing tolerance and suspending judgment, taking personal responsibility for behavior, learning how to effectively express difficult emotions and the importance of relational dynamics when working across difference. In addition, students will have the opportunity to discuss and begin to develop self- reflection skills in order to provide more effective support to clients and gain insights into their own behavior and attitudes. The impact of cultural, racial and gender issues on interpersonal relationships is discussed throughout the course.