Catalog Description

Hours: 54 (27 lecture, 27 laboratory)
Description: Introductory course covering history of firearms, types and selection of weapons, ammunition and auxiliary equipment, firearm nomenclature, principles of safe shooting, weapon safety, maintenance and care, legal and moral aspects of weapon usage for both law enforcement and non-law enforcement, and development of individual shooting skills and safety. Qualifying at the firing range with a handgun. Safety fee required. (not transferable)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Analyze and demonstrate the five fundamental principles of handgun shooting.
  • CSLO #2: Justify the legal, moral and ethical aspects of deadly force.
  • CSLO #3: Assess and apply proper shooting positions based on varying distances and available cover.

Effective Term

Fall 2017

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

54

Outside of Class Hours

54

Total Student Learning Hours

108

Course Objectives

Classroom Lecture Objectives:
1. Chart the evolution of firearms used in law enforcement;
2. Identify proper nomenclature of handguns and ammunition;
3. Analyze proper usage and selection of weapons and equipment in law enforcement;
4. Describe the firearms safety related to home storage and range use; and
5. Justify the moral and legal aspects for proper use of firearms.
Lab Objectives:
1. Demonstrate proper maintenance and cleaning techniques for firearms;
2. Demonstrate the five fundamental steps of handgun shooting;
3. Apply proper shooting positions based on an assessment of distances and available coverage;
4. Compare and contrast target shooting patterns from various shooting positions;
5. Demonstrate the ability to accurately operate a handgun from a variety of distances.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
      • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
        • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

          Articulation Information

            Methods of Evaluation

            • Objective Examinations
              • Example: Students will identify the proper nomenclature of handguns used in law enforcement.
            • Reports
              • Example: Students will write a research paper covering the legal and ethical aspects of deadly force.
            • Skill Demonstrations
              • Example: Students will qualify with handguns on standard targets, using proper shooting stances related to distance from target.

            Repeatable

            No

            Methods of Instruction

            • Laboratory
            • Lecture/Discussion

            Lab:

            1. Instructor will explain and demonstrate proper shooting platforms at varying distances from target. Students will practice various shooting stances in preparation for qualifications testing.

            Lecture:

            1. Instructor will use PPT slides and current video clips to discuss legal aspects of firearms use by peace officers.

            Typical Out of Class Assignments

            Reading Assignments

            1. Students will collect and analyze two current event articles, each of which relates to a different aspect of this course. This exercise will allow the students to apply course content to real-world situations. 2. Based on assigned readings, students will compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of the various shooting positions.

            Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

            1. Students will provide a written analysis of two current event articles with a description of the relationship between the information in the articles and the concepts discussed in class. 2. Students will analyze targets to identify shooting technique and deficiencies.

            Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

            Sample Assignment: Given a regional, scenario-based problem, the students will be placed into groups of 4-5 to assess the influencing stakeholders, factors and potential solutions. Students will present their findings, which will demonstrate a synthesis of their reading, writing and research assignments up to that point, to the class for a large group evaluation of their problem-solving proposals.

            Required Materials

              Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.

              Instructor-compiled articles and handouts.