Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon Portland Community College

CCOG for CJA 250 Spring 2024

View archive version »
Course Number:
CJA 250
Course Title:
Human Trafficking
Credit Hours:
3
Lecture Hours:
30
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Introduces the dynamics of human trafficking. Addresses impact on survivors and society through control, manipulation and exploitation of victims from a third party exploiter. Explores the complicated dynamics of human trafficking (especially sex trafficking), including how to identify it and best practices when working with survivors. Investigates how intersections of oppression contribute to trafficking. Prerequisites: WR 121 or any writing course for which WR 121 is a prerequisite. Audit available.

Addendum to Course Description

Focuses on the severe forms of trafficking in persons for which a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such an act has not attained 18 years of age.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

  • Identify red flags that could signal trafficking.
  • Utilize best practices in working with survivors.
  • Identify resources available to survivors.
  • Articulate how oppression contributes to trafficking.

Course Activities and Design

Much of the course will review actual cases and

  • how the victim was recruited, initiated and indoctrinated
  • how successful interviewing techniques helped lead to successful prosecution
  • resources that are available to the victim
  • recognition of the role of domestic violence

Outcome Assessment Strategies

Besides traditional assessments, students may write and assemble reports based on video interviews of victims that assess their communication skills through role playing or actual interviews with shadow figures to protect identity. Students will also be tested on available resources for victims and assemble a portfolio containing reports, interviews and resources used.

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

  • Recognition of behavior indicating human trafficking
  • Common psychological traits of trafficking victims.
  • Victim recruitment, initiation and indoctrination methods
  • Common terminology used in the trafficking industry
  • Threat and use of violence for control
  • Breaking the barrier of mistrust of law-enforcement
  • Preparing and documenting for successful prosecution