Full Course Description List:

CRJS 1000-4000 Level Courses

(5 credits)

What is criminal justice and how is it delivered and administered? Student in this course are provided with a survey of the contemporary criminal justice system in the United States, with emphasis on the roles and responsibilities of police (law enforcement), courts (adjudication), and corrections. Students analyze methods of diversion by criminal justice personnel at all levels of practice. Students analyze the components of and major players in the criminal justice process and system and apply this content to current events and dilemmas. They overview crime and criminal law and explore how these concepts connect to criminal justice. Students also consider diversity, mental health considerations, and ethical challenges and issues as they relate to all aspects of criminal justice. Finally, students explore and discuss how the criminal justice system addresses criminality; consider its strengths and limitations; and examine issues, challenges, and trends related to the system.

(5 credits)

People commit crimes for a variety of reasons, and these crimes vary in their impact on individual victims and society. Students in this course examine a range of views, definitions, and perspectives on crime and criminology; the nature, causes, and typologies of crime and offenders; theories that attempt to explain why individuals commit crimes; and approaches to the prevention and control of crime. Students apply theories and perspectives to crime in real life as well as to crime presented in vignettes and case studies. Students devote special attention to the debate between social-responsibilities and social-problems approaches to criminology.

BS in Criminal Justice

Pre-requisites

• CRJS 1001 or PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1001Y or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003

BS in Human Services Criminal Justice Concentration

Pre-requisites

• CRJS 1001 or PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1001Y or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003

BS in Psychology Forensic Psychology Concentration

Pre-requisites

• CRJS 1001 or PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1001Y or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003

All Other Programs

Pre-requisites

• CRJS 1001 or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003

(5 credits)

In this course, students examine the factors that lead some juveniles to engage in criminal or antisocial behavior as well as ways to intervene in the process and outcome. They consider the biological, psychological, and sociological factors in juvenile delinquency as well as modern trends in prevention and treatment. Through traditional literature and interactive learning modules, students explore the concept of juvenile justice and consider the proper age that society should hold a juvenile criminally responsible as well as the age that juveniles should be tried as adults.

(5 credits)

Books, movies, and television programs about crime, particularly those that feature criminals and trials, have been popular for decades. But there's more to criminal law than the theatrics that media often features. In this course, students examine the concepts and principles related to criminal law. They engage in discussions and assignments designed to provide practical application on a variety of topics, including domestic and international crimes, criminal defense, punishment, and sentencing.

BS Criminal Justice

Pre-requisites

• CRJS 1001 or POLI 1001 or POLI 1001S or FPSY 2101

BS in Human Services Criminal Justice Concentration

Pre-requisites

• CRJS 1001 or POLI 1001 or POLI 1001S or FPSY 2101

All Other Programs

Pre-requisites

• CRJS 1001 or POLI 1001

(5 credits)

What is the goal of the corrections system? Is it punishment, rehabilitation, or both? In this course, students have the opportunity to answer such questions through the examination of the history of corrections as well as the practice and legal environment in corrections, including institutional and community-based programs and their relationship to other areas of the criminal justice system. Students also learn about correctional philosophy and practices related to incarceration, diversions, community-based corrections, and treatment of offenders. They employ analytical skills to assess the role of corrections professionals and challenges facing corrections in a society that continues to change in demographics, norms, and expectations of criminal justice.

(5 credits)

The pathways through the judicial process begin with choices—from a decision to arrest through the pursuit of a case in the system. In this course, students analyze and apply information about the components of the judicial system, including their structure, function, and processes. Students examine the professional roles within the system and learn how the system selects these figures. They learn about judicial conduct and professional standards and apply these concepts to examples of judicial behavior. Students also analyze issues related to the courts and judicial process in an increasingly diverse society and consider these in regard to future trends, such as in cases and legal claims.

BS Criminal Justice

Pre-requisites

• CRJS 1001 or PSPA 1002 or PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1001Y or FPSY 2101 or CRJS 2002

BS in Human Services

Pre-requisites

• CRJS 1001 or PSPA 1002 or FPSY 2101 or CRJS 2003

BS in Psychology Forensic Psychology Concentration

Pre-requisites

• CRJS 1001 or PSPA 1002 or PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1001Y or FPSY 2101 or CRJS 2002

All Other Programs

Pre-requisites

• CRJS 1001 or PSPA 1001
• CRJS 2003

(5 credits)

There is a diverse assortment of issues and challenges involved in enforcing laws and protecting the public, for which a wide array of agencies share responsibility in addressing. Such agencies encompass federal, state, and local police as well as private figures, such as security officers and city inspectors. In this course, students examine the roles and responsibilities of law enforcement professionals and explore the development and evolution of law enforcement in the United States. They examine community policing models and the use of power, discretion, and deception by police. Students also engage in practical discussions and exercises to explore long-standing, contemporary, and future law enforcement issues and challenges.

(5 credits)

All criminal justice professionals must understand the methods of extracting and using data and research—a critical function lending to the responsibilities of all roles in the system, including law enforcement, crime prevention, sentencing, and corrections. Students in this course explore how professionals apply basic statistical principles and research methods to contemporary criminal justice problems and issues in court, law enforcement, and correctional settings. Students learn how to evaluate data and research, represent data using graphs, and present data using statistical measures. They also consider ethical issues related to criminal justice research and technological advancements that influence current and future criminal justice data analysis and research.

(5 credits)

Law enforcement officials characterize serial murder among one of the most abhorrent of all criminal behavior. In this course, students examine the interest in serial and mass murder in popular culture and explore typologies and theories of criminal behavior. They assess and discuss the history and evolution of profiling; roles, goals, and responsibilities of profilers; the use of profiling in criminal investigations; and populations victimized by serial and mass murderers. Students also apply typologies and criminal theories to real-world case scenarios.

BS Psychology Criminal Justice Concentration

Pre-requisites

• CRJS 1001 or PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1001Y or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003

All Other Programs

Pre-requisites

• CRJS 1001 or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003

(5 credits)

Criminal investigation is a critical duty at all levels of public and private law enforcement. Students in this course examine the integral tasks involved in such investigation through the examination of proper collection, tagging, and processing of evidence as well as the chain of custody. Students also learn how to assess a crime scene; interview and interrogate witnesses and suspects; and use informants and surveillance techniques in an investigation. Students also consider and discuss the codes of ethics to which investigators adhere as well as the impact of technological advancements on the future of criminal investigation.

Pre-requisites

• CRJS 1001

(5 credits)

What makes a criminal unique? Criminal justice professionals confront criminal behavior in many forms. In this course, students explore theories and research that provide cognitive, behavioral, and psychological explanations of criminal behavior. Through the examination of such theories, students have the opportunity to gain the professional knowledge and sensibilities to be able to interact effectively with offenders. Students also investigate potential trends and current biological research that may change or advance the study and treatment of criminal behavior.

BS Criminal Justice

Pre-requisites

• CRJS 1001 or PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1001Y or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003 or FPSY 2101

BS in Psychology Criminal Justice and Forensic Psychology Concentrations

Pre-requisites

• CRJS 1001 or PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1001Y or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003 or FPSY 2101

All Other Programs

Pre-requisites

• CRJS 1001

(5 credits)

The implications surrounding drug trade, gangs, and organized crime are felt throughout communities domestically and around the globe. In this course, students explore these implications as well as domestic and international law enforcement efforts in managing issues contiguous to drugs and crime. Students have the opportunity to gain real world insight into urban problems involving drugs, gang processes and activity, and organized crime through examination of current information and trends. They further dissect these concerns to learn what impact such issues have on crime in general and the cost of policing in the United States.

Pre-requisites

• CRJS 1001

(5 credits)

In this capstone course, students have the opportunity to discover new concepts and synthesize existing knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program, keeping in mind the end goal of future positive social change. They first focus their attention on the basic rights of all human beings and the rule of law in the international arena—topics of increasing global importance. Students also investigate real-world examples of human rights violations, both domestic and international, and they assess responses and resolutions to such violations. Finally, students develop a project or paper that integrates and applies the concepts of international justice, rule of law, and/or human rights in their area of concentration.

Pre-requisites

• CRJS 1001

(5 credits)

Students in this course will explore the implications of ethics and diversity in the criminal justice field. Students examine the importance of ethical behavior on controversial issues and decision-making in law enforcement, corrections, and the courts system. Students will also explore the importance of diversity among employees in the field of criminal justice, as well as an understanding of cultural diversity as a building block of an unbiased justice system.

Pre-requisites

• All required core and concentration courses

(5 credits)

Criminal justice involves more than retribution; it is twofold in that it must punish offenders and also address their needs and the needs of victims and the community. Students in this course explore the theory of justice and practices that emphasize repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior. They learn the ways in which this effort contrasts with an adversarial approach to justice. Students learn about strategies involving stakeholders in actions that transform the relationships among victims, offenders, communities, and criminal justice agencies in their response to crime. They also explore and reflect on case studies and topical models for an in-depth understanding how professionals conduct restorative justice in the real world.

BS Criminal Justice

Pre-requisites

• CRJS 1001 or PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1001Y or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003 or FPSY 2101

BS in Human Services Criminal Justice Concentration

Pre-requisites

• CRJS 1001 or PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1001Y or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003 or FPSY 2101

BS in Psychology Criminal Justice Concentration

Pre-requisites

• CRJS 1001 or PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1001Y or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003 or FPSY 2101

All Other Programs

Pre-requisites

• CRJS 1001

(5 credits)

While victim response is vital, it is also important to focus on the potential effects of crime on a community, such as economic instability, drug use, prejudices, and further criminal activity. Students in this course identify existing community resources that professionals use in conjunction with planned and ad hoc community responses to learn positive and effective intervention strategies that address the needs of individuals and communities affected by criminal incidents. They also assess the challenges inherent in such efforts and discuss ways to mitigate obstacles. Gaining new perspectives on possible ways to address the coordination of community response, students examine how victims perceive crime and/or change their role as a result of the crime.

BS Criminal Justice

Pre-requisites

• CRJS 1001 or HLTH 3115 or PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1001Y or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003

BS in Human Services Criminal Justice Concentration

Pre-requisites

• CRJS 1001 or HLTH 3115S or PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1001Y or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003

BS in Psychology Criminal Justice Concentration

Pre-requisites

• CRJS 1001 or HLTH 3115 or PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1001Y or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003

All Other Programs

Pre-requisites

• CRJS 1001

(5 credits)

There are many considerations related to the perception, needs, and treatment of crime victims, which continue to lend to a growing area of study and legislation. Students in this course learn about the different types of victimization as well as the differences between direct and indirect victims of crime. They examine the role of criminal justice practitioners who work with and respond to victims. Students also assess and discuss the many ethical issues related to victims' human and civil rights and the impact of these rights on criminal justice professionals and changing legislation. Through case studies and contemporary literature, students also analyze both current problems and future trends in victimology.

BS Criminal Justice

Pre-requisites

• CRJS 1001 or PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1001Y or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003 or FPSY 2101

BS in Human Services Criminal Justice Concentration

Pre-requisites

• CRJS 1001 or PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1001Y or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003 or FPSY 2101

BS in Psychology Criminal Justice and Forensic Psychology Concentrations

Pre-requisites

• CRJS 1001 or PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1001Y or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003 or FPSY 2101

All Other Programs

Pre-requisites

• CRJS 1001

(5 credits)

Communities around the nation have identified the need for resources to help people in various states of crisis, such as those associated with mental health issues, substance and alcohol abuse, and myriad forms of violence. Criminal justice professionals are positioned to refer those in crisis to proper community resources or use alternate intervention responses that may avoid arrest and incarceration. In this course, students explore the phenomenon of crisis through models, skill-sets, and methods used for crisis intervention. Students examine examples of these such as de-escalation, diffusion, negotiation, employment of multicultural perspectives, and Crisis Intervention Teams (CITs).

Pre-requisites

• CRJS 1001

(5 credits)

Students in this course will review historical trends in and the evolution of probation and parole as applied in the U.S. criminal justice system. Course discussion topics will include community-based programs, such as work release, halfway houses, treatment centers, and therapeutic community centers. The course includes an examination of both adult and juvenile systems and the stakeholders in community corrections.

Pre-requisites

• CRJS 1001

(5 credits)

Acts of physical and psychological violence to create fear have occurred throughout the ages, but they have only recently begun to affect the United States directly. The American public, now more than ever, must be aware of the possible threat of further terrorist attacks. In this course, students learn about current legislation to counter terrorism as well as to provide U.S. citizens with knowledge of these efforts and any further threats. Students engage in assignments on topics related to domestic and international terrorism, including theory, history of and trends related to terrorism, causes and goals of terrorist groups, and responses to terrorist acts by the criminal justice system. Students examine and analyze contemporary terrorist threats and movements and contemplate future trends.

BS in Criminal Justice

Pre-requisites

• CRJS 1001 or HLTH 3115

All Other Programs

Pre-requisites

• CRJS 1001

(5 credits)

Today's criminal justice organizations are complex and varied, and they require effective management, administration, and leadership. Students in this course analyze and discuss the function and nature of criminal justice organizations. Through the examination of traditional literature, in addition to contemporary videos and articles, students learn about criminal justice management and leadership roles and processes, politics and socialization, motivation, organizational change, technology, and current ethical considerations. Students apply concepts presented in the course to practical management problems and issues in law enforcement, prosecution, courts, and corrections.

Pre-requisites

• CRJS 1001