Department of Criminal Justice

CJ-165. Introduction to Criminology. 3.00 Credits.

Theories and research findings on lawbreaking: the role of criminal law; types of criminal careers; crime prevention and the criminal justice system.

CJ-170. Intro to Criminal Justice. 3.00 Credits.

The criminal justice process from arrest through conviction: the law of arrest, the role of the prosecutor, plea bargaining, sentencing practices, jury trials, diversion and alternatives to imprisonment. Careers in criminal justice.

CJ-175. Intro to Law Enforcement. 3.00 Credits.

The police in modern urban society: policewomen, the training of police, police corruption, social science research on the police.

CJ-177. Police Culture. 3.00 Credits.

The total way of life of police: formal and informal on the job and off the job. Police norms, values, beliefs and behavior. Police brutality, corruption, community relations, misunderstandings, and scapegoating are considered. Prerequisites: CJ-175 OR CJ-170.

CJ-185. Special Topic-Law & Justice: Emmett Till. 3.00 Credits.

An in-depth study of the life, death, and legacy of Emmett Till.

CJ-210. Multiculturalism in Justice. 3.00 Credits.

Understanding community groups of various ethnic, racial and cultural backgrounds, elevating the awareness in Law Enforcement Agencies. Course Type(s): Pluralism.

CJ-222. Family Law. 3.00 Credits.

A study of laws and court decisions regarding marriage, cohabitation, divorce, child custody and support, reproductive rights, adoption, parental rights and child abuse and neglect.

CJ-225. Sports and Crime. 3.00 Credits.

One commonality between sports and crime would be the entertainment value of both subjects-sports providing the world with both televised and live entertainment and crime serving as the topic for media's favorite genre. The connection runs much deeper, however, as sports and crime are inextricably linked at all levels. This class will cover famous sports scandals; illegal gambling operations and Olympic Committee corruption; doping; race and sports; gender and sports; sports fan aggression, athletes accused of crimes; the disparities in treatment of accused athletes, and sports leagues' policies.

CJ-230. Homeland Security & Terrorism. 3.00 Credits.

Introduction to and understanding the importance of Homeland Security with dealing with contemporary terrorism. Prerequisites: CJ-170.

CJ-237. Forensic Science. 3.00 Credits.

The basic concepts and practices of biology and chemistry as applied to criminal investigation, examining and preserving forensic evidence, conducting crime-scene investigations, science in the courts, laboratory experience. Three class periods weekly.

CJ-238. Origins of Organized Crime. 3.00 Credits.

This course examines organized crime in th U.S. from the early 1800's through the 1920's, beginning with the robber barons. Familiar names such as Rockefeller, Astor, Stanford, and Vanderbilt still hold sway in the U.S. today because of their efforts to "improve" the country while amassing great fortunes. Their methods often included usury, bribery, unethical labor practices, forcing people to live in slum conditions, unscrupulous deals with foreign countries, and the slaughter of Native Americans. This course will also illuminate why the Irish were considered the first organized criminals in this country, and explore the changes in organized crime that took place during the Prohibition era. Prerequisites: CJ-170.

CJ-240. Gangs and Organized Crime. 3.00 Credits.

Examines the street gang from Colonial era America to present day. Explores ethnic organized crime groups, the connections between groups, drug trafficking, extortion, prostitution, money laundering, and violent criminal activity.

CJ-245. Introduction to Human Trafficking. 3.00 Credits.

This course provides a comprehensive overview, and explores different terms and concepts in human trafficking. It examines the criminological theories of human trafficking, and considers the significant characteristics of the victims and the traffickers. It also distinguishes different types of human trafficking all over the world, including sex trafficking, labor trafficking, child soldiers, organ trafficking, and forced marriage. Multiple case studies will help students develop thier problem solving and critical thinking skills. Prerequisites: CJ-165.

CJ-250. Victimology. 3.00 Credits.

Contemporary developments in Victimology conceptual boundaries, basic concepts and literature subfields and role as a field of study within criminal justice. The historical and emerging roles of Victimology and various aspects of victimization the social, psychological, financial and other impacts of crime. Prerequisites: CJ-165 CJ-170.

CJ-253. Social Deviance. 3.00 Credits.

Explores the concepts of social norms, egocentricity, and ethnocentricity. Examines the relativity of deviance including criminal behavior, human sexuality, drug use, suicide, and other alternative forms of behavior.

CJ-258. Criminal Justice Ethics. 3.00 Credits.

The course examines the justice system from the ethical point of view: the human treatment of human beings. It is concerned with such matters as police procedures, the conduct of trials, operations of correctional institutions, and how they might justly achieve their ends. Prerequisites: COMPLETE 6 CREDITS: 1 COURSE FROM COURSES PL-130 PL-140 AND 1 COURSE FROM COURSES TH-110 TH-120; Course Type(s): Values.

CJ-265. History of Crime & Punishment. 3.00 Credits.

This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to crime and delinquency, both as a philosophical and historical exercise in corrections and contemporary criminal justice systems. Provides an understanding of how crime plays a role in the historic development of the criminal justice system.

CJ-269. Media Crime & Public Policy. 3.00 Credits.

This course provides insight into the intersection of media and crime and the subsequent influence this has on public policy. Every citizen, every day, has contact with the media in some form. Newspapers, advertising, television, etc. all have an impact on our lives. The list of media forms has grown rapidly-in addition to more traditional sources of media, we now rely on websites, social network sites, and blogs. From the beginning of this "American experiment," crime and criminal justice have held a prominent place in media. Today, this focus on crime and entertainment that centers on crime is widespread. This explains why people who rely on media for their information about crime and criminal justice often hold misconceptions about the nature of crime, criminal justice practices, and criminals themselves. It is imperative that future practitioners in the field of criminal justice come to an understanding of this phenomenon. Because much of public policy stems from reaction to voters' opinions, how voters form these opinions matters greatly. If there are minor or gross misconceptions surrounding the criminal justice system and voters galvanize what we refer to as "living room policy-making," the results can be ineffective, irresponsible, or injurious.

CJ-275. Violence. 3.00 Credits.

This course provides an in-depth analysis of the relationship between violence and criminal behavior, and assesses the theoretical bases of violence by exploring its anthropological, biological, and sociological explanations. It also examines violence within the contexts of individual, group, and societal behavior. Prerequisites: SO-121.

CJ-280. Juvenile Delinquency. 3.00 Credits.

Theories of delinquency causation; the family and delinquency; problems of adolescence; the juvenile justice system; delinquency prevention programs: methods of treatment; alcohol and drug abuse; child abuse and neglect.

CJ-285. Criminal Corrections Systems. 3.00 Credits.

Objectives of punishment, jails and their contemporary problems types of prisons corrections officers and their training prison work, education and treatment programs inmate social structure parole and reintegration programs. Prerequisites: CJ-165.

CJ-290. Comparative Justice Systems. 3.00 Credits.

Post conviction differences between the United States and several other nations: sentencing, probation, fines, prison systems and alternative punishments, highlighting Japan, Canada, India/Egypt. Stress on values and political influences. Prerequisites: ONE SEQUENCE: PL-130 PL-140 OR 2 COURSES FROM TH:.

CJ-295. Credited Internships. 3.00 Credits.

Cooperative work experience. Course Type(s): Independent Study.

CJ-298. Special Topics. 3.00 Credits.

This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive interdisciplinary understanding of international justice systems and institutions with the primary emphasis on the history and development of legal systems. The study of the police organizations, the courts, the criminal sentencing process and rehabilitative institutions and their respective jurisdictions. Additional travel course fee of $50. Course Type(s): International (Travel), Pluralism.

CJ-299. Leadership for Criminal Justice. 3.00 Credits.

Provides students with a solid foundation in leadership principles and effectively leading change in criminal justice agencies. Prerequisites: CJ-170; Course Type(s): Interdisciplinary.

CJ-315. Criminal Procedure. 3.00 Credits.

An analysis of the fourth, fifth, sixth, and eighth amendments to the Constitution as they apply to criminal suspects and defendants. Prerequisites: CJ-170.

CJ-316. Criminal Evidence. 3.00 Credits.

The nature of evidence, its classification, admissibility, weight and relevance the trial record and rules of evidence hearsay and its exceptions the constitutional issues in the gathering and introduction of evidence expert and scientific evidence. Prerequisites: CJ-170.

CJ-333. Gender Crime and Justice. 3.00 Credits.

An in-depth survey of changing social values about gender, changing criminal codes about sex crimes, changing law enforcement policies and procedures in prosecuting sex offenders, and emerging legal doctrines about privacy and sexual rights. Prerequisites: CJ-170 OR CJ-390 OR SO-121 OR WS-140.

CJ-350. Research Techniques & Data Analysis. 3.00 Credits.

Methods of scientific inquiry in the field of criminal justice: theory and research; causation and validity; research design, conceptualization, operationalization and measurement, sampling; survey research, field research, agency records, content analysis, secondary data, program evaluation and analysis of data. Prerequisites: CJ-165; Course Type(s): Writing Intensive.

CJ-357. Infamous Crimes and Criminals. 3.00 Credits.

A survey of anti-social behavior manifested by infamous criminals including serial murderers, mass murderers, and organized crime members. The impact of these crimes on victims and society the role of law enforcement agencies and profiling. Prerequisites: CJ-165.

CJ-358. White Collar Crime. 3.00 Credits.

Types of crime by the privileged: crimes of the professions: employee pilferage, embezzlement and fraud corporate crime and the crimes of managers political corruption and crimes of public officials. Techniques of investigation and prosecution for upper class defendants. Prerequisites: CJ-170.

CJ-359. Corruption. 3.00 Credits.

Analysis of deviance and criminal activities of corporations and government agencies. sociological and psychological implications are discussed. Organizational processes of communication, power, socialization, group processes and ethics are analyzed. Prerequisites: CJ-170.

CJ-366. Intelligence Analysis. 3.00 Credits.

In this course, students will learn the origins and purposes of intelligence analysis, the processes of collecting and analyzing intelligence, and the ways intelligence is used in crime prevention, counter terrorism, homeland security, and other contexts. Furthermore, students will discuss applications and specific real-world examples of crime analysis. Prerequisites: CJ-170 CJ-230 RECOMMENDED.

CJ-375. Sex Crimes. 3.00 Credits.

The course examines sexual crimes across different contexts, including sexual crimes against minors, sex crimes in cults and/or extremist groups, sexual assaults in intimate and sexual assaults by strangers. Risk factors for sex crimes will also be discussed, as will the history of prevention and treatment efforts of both victims and offenders. The course will also cover offenders' motives for sexual assault. The last portion of the class will be dedicated to sexual assault on college campuses and efforts to combat this specific type of violence.

CJ-389. Intro to Forensic Pathology. 3.00 Credits.

This course introduces students to the theory and practice of forensic pathology, and underscores the importance of thorough death investigations in the criminal justice system. Topics covered includes the role of the forensic pathologist, postmortem changes, autopsies, causes of death, classification and documentation of injuries, toxicology, and other related forensic disciplines.

CJ-390. Criminal Law. 3.00 Credits.

Origins of the criminal law from the Napoleonic Code and the English common law; substantive and procedural criminal law. The new state penal codes.

CJ-395. Probation and Parole. 3.00 Credits.

Techniques, procedures and regulations of supervision of criminal offenders. Training and preparation of parole and probation officers. Prerequisites: CJ-165.

CJ-396. Community Policing. 3.00 Credits.

Police involvement in the community: regular and meaningful contact, quality of life conditions, problem solving and coordination with community service organizations. Crime information, investigation and prevention through community relations. Prerequisites: CJ-170 OR CJ-175.

CJ-405. Crime Investigation. 3.00 Credits.

Primary crime investigation, preservation of the crime scene and identification of witnesses. Secondary investigation; use of computerized data bases, development of witnesses, role of informants, criminalistics and the role of the evidence laboratory.

CJ-406. Homicide: Investigation & Prosecution. 3.00 Credits.

Crime scenes: physical evidence and witnesses, constructing the scenario. Prosecution: case evaluation, pretrial and grand jury. Plea bargaining and trial strategies.

CJ-418. Intro to Forensics Techniques. 3.00 Credits.

The basic concepts of forensic science emphasizing recognition, evaluation, and utilization of physical evidence. The significance of forensics; types, classification, collection and preservation of evidence; rules governing scientific and physical evidence and expert testimony.

CJ-420. Drugs Society & Human Behavior. 3.00 Credits.

Processes of interaction through which substance abusing careers are developed and maintained substance abusers and crime impact upon families and communities organized public response. Prerequisites: CJ-165.

CJ-435. Police Patrol. 3.00 Credits.

The police mission in a democratic multicultural society: staffing, management and rewards for routine patrol. Traffic, calls for help, crimes in progress calls. Tactics and strategies. Prerequisites: CJ-170 OR CJ-175.

CJ-440. Criminal Minds. 3.00 Credits.

The criminal mind is determined by a number of bio-psycho-social factors and variables. This course examines the behavioral, emotional and cognitive aspects of crime and criminals, along with the biological, psychological, social, and environmental causes and correlates of violent and criminal behavior. Students will explore violence and criminal behavior as a developmental process that may begin in childhood and endure through adolescence and into adulthood. Prerequisites: PS-151, CJ-165.

CJ-441. Careers in Criminal Justice. 3.00 Credits.

Career opportunities in the highly glamorized but often misunderstood field of criminal justice at the municipal, state, county and Federal levels. Students will explore their own goals and the connection of their goals to the many careers in the criminal justice system. Prerequisites: CJ-170.

CJ-485. Child Protection Agencies and the Law. 3.00 Credits.

Emphasizes state-level child protection agencies federal and state statutes affecting child welfare and theories of abuse and maltreatment. Prerequisites: CJ-170.

CJ-486. Internship I. 3.00 Credits.

Provides students interested in pursuing careers in criminal justice with field placements in law enforcement, courts, corrections or investigative agencies. Course Type(s): Senior Seminar.

CJ-487. Internship II. 3.00 Credits.

Provides students interested in pursuing careers in criminal justice with field placements in law enforcement, courts, corrections or investigative agencies. Normally runs in the spring semester.

CJ-489. Senior Seminar in Criminal Justice. 3.00 Credits.

The capstone course for the Criminal Justice major. This course allows students the opportunity to explore career options prior to graduation, or to pursue a special topic within the Criminal Justice arena. Prerequisites: CJ-165 CJ-170 CJ-350; Course Type(s): Capstone, Senior Seminar.