Full Course Description List:

CRJS 5000-6999 Level Courses

(5 credits)

In the 21st century, criminal justice organizations have evolved in the way they use records and data management systems to protect and gather evidence. While new technologies and the use of social media have increased and have assisted criminal justice professionals in tracking and apprehending criminals, there still are challenges for law enforcement, the courts, and prison systems. In this course, students will explore case studies related to challenges with protecting and collecting evidence as well as ethical dilemmas with the use of technology. Students examine how technology is used in criminal law, law enforcement, criminal procedures, or court procedures. In addition, students can look into the future of information technology as it relates to criminal justice.

(5 credits)

Students in this course are introduced to contemporary views and theories of maladaptive and criminal behavior. They examine a broad conceptualization of criminal behavior from an interdisciplinary perspective as well as theories and application of criminal profiling. Students also explore specific views of criminal behavior germane to groups, such as psychopaths, serial offenders, and sexually violent predators. At the end of this course, students will have an understanding of the theories and practices that are the foundations of the field of criminology.

(5 credits)

What is the relationship between victims and those who commit crimes against them? How does the criminal justice system protect victims of crime? Who are the secondary victims of crime? In this course, students explore how victims interact with the police and the legal system and their patterns and tendencies. Students review how factors such as class, race, and sexual orientation affect the perception of the victim by different constituents, including the public, the court system, and the media. Students assess the concept of primary and secondary victims and gain knowledge about the range of services and resources available to victims.

(5 credits)

In this course, students review recent events that have significantly changed how the legal system interprets the U.S. Constitution, the U.S. Code, and the U.S. Patriot Act. Students analyze case studies to further explore relevant events, such as how the terrorist acts of September 11, 2001, have broadened the interpretation of certain areas of the law. Students heighten their understanding of how social and historical changes have shifted perspectives and sparked debates on expanding the rights of government versus safeguarding personal civil rights and civil liberties.

(5 credits)

Criminal justice encompasses many roles and responsibilities, including responding to victims, punishing or rehabilitating criminals, and developing laws and policies. To carry out these tasks effectively and responsibly, taking into account current trends and ethical considerations, criminal justice professionals need to understand underlying factors, such as the root causes of crime and the impact of crime on communities. In this course, students examine a range of research methodologies, including quantitative and qualitative methods, that professionals use to collect data and analyze trends in criminal justice. They examine models, metrics, and tools used to evaluate criminal justice programs and policies, and they assess the strengths and limitations of research methods. Students also learn about threats to the validity of data and consider the legal and ethical issues associated with research and evaluation methods.

(5 credits)

In this course, students learn about the relationship of technology and criminal activity, which includes current trends in cyber crime. Not only will students gain a comprehensive view of cyber crime, they will learn how technology is used by law enforcement agencies to track and apprehend such criminals. Students are provided with technique scenarios for solving the crimes. Methods to deal with the problem are introduced, and students study legal responses for these issues. By identifying, data mining, protecting, and gathering evidence, students will have a comprehensive understanding of solving and prosecuting these crimes. Additionally, techniques and tools used to build and solve cyber crime cases are presented and analyzed.

(5 credits)

Practitioners in the field of criminal justice must be adept in preparing communications for colleagues, supervisors, and the public. In this course, students have the opportunity to develop the skills needed to produce effective documents that criminal justice professionals use on a daily basis, such as court records, data analysis reports, and program-implementation plans. Student learn how to conduct interviews, gather background information, and use decision-making and critical-thinking skills to create clear, concise communications. They broaden their ability to write for a specific purpose and a highly defined audience as they incorporate criminal justice principles and practices into a variety of communication tools.

(5 credits)

Students in this course engage in a collaborative study of the changing strategic context of criminal justice management and leadership. Students will understand the strategic context for stakeholder relations needed while resolving issues in criminal justice. They engage in readings and practical assignments that emphasize management and leadership in a time of unprecedented and unpredictable change. Students also work toward being able to apply data and statistics to engage communities and to design program evaluations.

(5 credits)

Students in this course perform an in-depth analysis of treatment of women and people of color as professionals, litigants, victims, and offenders in the criminal justice system. They further examine systemic outcomes of the intersections of race, class, sexual orientation, and gender for these groups in relation to social justice and social inequality. Through critical examination of readings and data analysis, students will come to understand the complexity of the historical relationship between these groups and the American criminal justice system and broader social context.

(3 credits) 

Students in this course are introduced to Walden University and to the requirements for successful participation in an online curriculum. Students work toward building a foundation for academic and professional success as a scholar-practitioner and social change agent. They assess the relationship of mission and vision to professional goals and develop a program of study and strategies for online success. Students also explore resources used throughout the program, such as the online Walden University Library. Students engage in course assignments focused on the practical application of professional writing, critical-thinking skills, and the promotion of professional and academic excellence.

(5 credits)

Students in this course examine the theories and concepts underpinning contemporary emergency management and how to understand the phenomena of natural and human-caused disasters. Students examine the historical context of emergency management, the general process of risk assessment, the emergency management cycle, communications within emergency management and crisis planning, and the general policy and legal framework surrounding the process of emergency management in the United States with a focus on the National Incident Management System (NIMS). Case studies of major catastrophes are used to explore contemporary and practical hazard management. Students can complete the FEMA Emergency Management Institute courses IS-100.b - Introduction to Incident Command System and either IS-800.b - National Response Framework: An Introduction or IS700.a - National Incident Management System as part of this course. Nationally recognized certificates are awarded for successful completion of FEMA courses.

(5 credits)

In the 21st century, criminal justice organizations have evolved in the way they use records and data management systems to protect and gather evidence. While new technologies and the use of social media have increased and have assisted criminal justice professionals in tracking and apprehending criminals, there still are challenges for law enforcement, the courts, and prison systems. In this course, students will explore case studies related to challenges with protecting and collecting evidence as well as ethical dilemmas with the use of technology. Students examine how technology is used in criminal law, law enforcement, criminal procedures, or court procedures. In addition, students can look into the future of information technology as it relates to criminal justice.

(5 credits)

Students in this course are provided with contemporary views, theories, and case-study analysis of maladaptive and criminal behavior, victimology, and victim-offender relationships. A broad conceptualization of criminal behavior, such as that woven from biological, sociological, and psychological perspectives is explored and evaluated. Theories of crime and the application of risk factors associated with criminal behavior are examined. Additionally, students will be exposed to specific offender groups, both violent and nonviolent, including psychopaths, serial and mass murderers, criminal paraphiliacs, arsonists, white-collar thieves, scam artists, domestic terrorists, and others.

(5 credits)

Students in this course are introduced to contemporary views and theories of maladaptive and criminal behavior. They examine a broad conceptualization of criminal behavior from an interdisciplinary perspective as well as theories and application of criminal profiling. Students also explore specific views of criminal behavior germane to groups, such as psychopaths, serial offenders, and sexually violent predators. At the end of this course, students will have an understanding of the theories and practices that are the foundations of the field of criminology.

(5 credits)

Risk assessment and mitigation are key components to effective emergency management and all-hazard planning and response. Students in this course focus on the methods and techniques required to assess an organization or government's risk associated with the protection of human life and capital assets. They study ways to evaluate the social vulnerabilities to disaster and the special needs of at-risk populations, and they explore methods to reduce vulnerabilities and build capacity through structural and nonstructural mitigation. Additionally, students complete the FEMA Emergency Management Institute course IS-393.a: Introduction to Hazard Mitigation as part of this course.

(5 credits)

Through this course, students explore the nature and extent of the psychological nexus of criminal homicide across various environments to include serial, mass, spree, workplace violence homicide, school shooter homicide, and child abduction homicide. Students will examine the theories and trends of these types of violent crime regarding offender and victim psychological and behavioral characteristics.

(5 credits)

Human trafficking is one of the most serious and widespread types of crime occurring at both the national and international levels. Human trafficking is a complex and global issue that is driven by economic, social, and political forces and has many direct impacts at the regional, national, and international levels. In this course, students explore the types (labor and sex trafficking), prevalence, risk factors, responses, and best practices related to treatment in order to address this human rights issue. Students also complete authentic assessments designed to simulate real-world professional tasks required in the field. Students will develop critical-thinking skills and engage in reflective practice regarding the law enforcement response to human trafficking and many impacts to direct victims and communities.

(5 credits)

What is the relationship between victims and those who commit crimes against them, and how does the criminal justice system protect and respond to victims of crime? In this course, students have the opportunity to answer such questions through a comprehensive assessment of victimology, a relatively new discipline in the field of criminal justice. Students examine victim patterns and tendencies and learn how victims interact with the police and the legal system. They also examine how factors of class, race, and sexual orientation affect the perception of the victim by different constituents, including the public, the court system, and the media. Students assess and discuss the concept of primary and secondary victims and gain practical insight on a range of services and resources available to all types of victims.

(5 credits)

In this course, students explore the traits and behaviors of both deviant and criminal sex offenders. Legal issues raised in both criminal and civil cases that involve sex offenses will be discussed. Students analyze the empirical evidence behind various assessment tools and treatment plans for sex offenders. They evaluate the risk for future sexual offense behavior and whether the protection of society outweighs the loss of civil liberty experienced by civil commitment for sex offenders. 

(5 credits)

In this course, students review the psychobehavioral factors of criminals who engage in criminal activities using digital social media and other online resources. Students analyze the types and trends of both domestic and global cybercrime. In addition, students will examine characteristics of cyber perpetrators and cyber victims. Students are also provided a foundational understanding of the origins and consequences of human trafficking; sexual exploitation of children from psychological, social, and legal perspectives; and how technology facilitates these types of crimes. Students in this course examine the best practices in preventing and responding to cybercrimes.

(5 credits)

Criminal justice systems vary by country and include different approaches for policing, prosecution, sentencing, and punishment. Understanding criminal justice systems and approaches in other countries can often lead to the implementation of new and more effective approaches in one's own country. In this course, students will explore crime and justice from a global perspective, identifying crimes and criminal proceedings that affect multiple countries and promote global justice. Students will also compare crime rates and criminal justice systems between and among specific countries and evaluate the fairness and efficacy of different criminal justice systems, models, policing approaches, and punishments. As students progress through the course, they will be asked to consider evidence-based practices that could be applied universally to combat crime and how their learning during each module leads to a greater understanding of the criminal justice system and combatting crime in their own country.

(5 credits)

Justice is at the heart of the U.S. democratic system, yet opposing viewpoints surrounding and within the system often muddle interpretations of the law and the development of policies to promote and enforce justice. In this course, students examine events that have significantly changed how the legal system interprets the U.S. Constitution, the U.S. Code, and the U.S. Patriot Act, for example, the terrorist acts of September 11, 2001. They learn how social and historical changes have shifted perspectives and sparked debates on expanding the rights of government versus safeguarding personal civil rights and civil liberties. Through discussion with peers, assessment of contemporary articles, and examination of Supreme Course cases, students have the opportunity to reflect on and potentially broaden their own opinions and perspectives on current criminal justice affairs in regard to issues of law enforcement, public perception, policy development, and ethics.

(5 credits)

Criminal justice encompasses many roles and responsibilities, including responding to victims, punishing or rehabilitating criminals, and developing laws and policies. To carry out these tasks effectively and responsibly, taking into account current trends and ethical considerations, criminal justice professionals need to understand underlying factors, such as the root causes of crime and the impact of crime on communities. In this course, students examine a range of research methodologies, including quantitative and qualitative methods, that professionals use to collect data and analyze trends in criminal justice. They examine models, metrics, and tools used to evaluate criminal justice programs and policies, and they assess the strengths and limitations of research methods. Students also learn about threats to the validity of data and consider the legal and ethical issues associated with research and evaluation methods.

(5 credits)

In consideration of modern technological innovation and the spread of knowledge through digital means, the relationship between technology and criminal activity is increasing. In this course, students explore this relationship and gain a comprehensive view of cyber crime, including current trends. They learn how law enforcement agencies use technology to track and apprehend criminals. Through real-world scenarios, students examine legal responses to cyber crime and learn different approaches and techniques for solving cyber crimes and handling related challenges. Students also have the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of building cases and prosecuting crimes through practical exercises in identification, data mining, and the protection and gathering of evidence.

(5 credits)

Practitioners in the field of criminal justice must be adept in preparing communications for colleagues, supervisors, and the public. In this course, students have the opportunity to develop the skills needed to produce effective documents that criminal justice professionals use on a daily basis, such as court records, data analysis reports, and program-implementation plans. Student learn how to conduct interviews, gather background information, and use decision-making and critical-thinking skills to create clear, concise communications. They broaden their ability to write for a specific purpose and a highly defined audience as they incorporate criminal justice principles and practices into a variety of communication tools.

(5 credits)

In this course, students use the lens of social psychology to examine both social cognitions and social behavior—nearly all phenomena that pertain to the individual in society. Students explore the topics of perceptions, attitudes, relationships and attraction, the motivation to help others, prejudice and aggression, conformity and obedience, group behavior, and the influence of culture, and they consider how knowledge of these topics can be used to effect positive social change. The application of what students learn in this course culminates in a final project in which they develop a plan for using social psychology research to address a significant social problem. Moreover, their learning in this course will extend to their personal and professional lives and truly enable students to effect positive social change as scholar-practitioners committed to doing so.

(5 credits)2

Students in this course are introduced to the crafts of policymaking and policy analysis in the U.S. democratic system. They cover the policy process—setting agendas, using policy analysis tools, managing the political process, implementing policy, and providing evaluations and feedback. Students develop skills in policy and economic analyses as well as in determining the political feasibility of proposed policies. Regulation as a policy choice will be discussed. Students completing this course will enhance their abilities to develop alternatives and to assess strategies proposed to achieve certain policy objectives. Policy areas of interest to students form the foundation of this course and may include communications, immigration, social, transportation, housing, labor, arts, and environmental policies.

(5 credits)

Students in this course receive an introduction to the tools used by policymakers and policy analysts to evaluate the impact of social programs. Topics include selecting programs to evaluate, crafting program descriptions, identifying stakeholders and their interests, developing logic models, framing evaluation questions, applying utilization-focused evaluation techniques, using quantitative and qualitative tools to complete formative and summative evaluations, and providing evaluation reports and feedback to decision makers. By the end of the course, each student will develop a program-evaluation design for a social program.

(5 credits)

Students in this course cover microeconomic and macroeconomic models used in policy formulation, as well as how public finance influences policy choices and implementation alternatives. Students examine tax policies and tax incentive models, budgeting, public/private models, market influences on policy, the impact of government expenditures on income redistribution, and economic considerations of welfare, food stamps, workers' compensation, and Social Security. Students also examine outsourcing of public programs.

(5 credits)

A major concern of disaster response professionals is meeting basic and humanitarian needs of disaster-affected populations. In this course, students explore a range of issues, including evacuation, relocation, and tactical and strategic decisions in the immediate aftermath of an emergency episode. Students study important federal policies related to disaster response and recovery, including the National Response Framework (NRF), and they can gain an understanding of how local, state, and federal policies mesh in response and recovery efforts. Through their exploration, they study how recovery begins once the immediate threat of the emergency wanes and the focus shifts to restoring disaster-affected areas. As part of this course, students complete the FEMA Emergency Management Institute course IS208.a: State Disaster Management.

(5 credits)

Students in this course receive a broad perspective on the history of the U.S. Patriot Act, similar terroristic legislation and immigration laws, and their policy implications on law enforcement, governmental entities, organizations, and individuals. Public administrators and public policy analysts who are charged with drafting and implementing public policy and enforcing and/or responding to potential terroristic threats build a basic foundation, while simultaneously upholding and protecting constitutional freedoms. Material for this course is drawn from contemporary texts, websites, case studies, and material representing international, national, and local governments and organizations. Learners critically review and analyze the U.S. Patriot Act and similar terroristic legislation and policies, and they participate in online discussions about these laws and their implications on U.S. constitutional freedoms.

(5 credits)

Students in this course examine the principles of emergency planning, selection of leaders, specialized planning (e.g., schools, tourism), mutual aid, and leadership theories. Students build a basic foundation for public administrators to develop a critical incident plan and also understand leadership theories. Course participants critically analyze case studies, identifying weaknesses and potential solutions.

(5 credits)

This is a comprehensive survey of the issues faced by public safety agencies and personnel at the local, state, and national level, including police and sheriff, emergency medical, and fire services and related organizations. Students emphasize communication and coordination between public safety organizations.

(5 credits)

Students in this course engage in collaborative study of the changing strategic context of public administration. Students apply a systems perspective to construct a public enterprise model of the public organization of their choice as a way of understanding the strategic context for practical action and the stakeholder relations involved. This is an organization "mental model," which is similar to a traditional "business model," but that includes the three interrelated flows of money, knowledge, and influence. Emphasis in this course is on management and leading of the unknown—imagining and creating a future that works in a time of unprecedented and unpredictable change. Students apply strategic scenarios to organizational change for the public organization of special interest to them. Students also develop professional-action habits for pragmatic-action learning in the practice of public administration.

(5 credits)

Students in this course engage in collaborative study of the nature and methods of transformative change in the complex human systems of contemporary public organizations. Students are taught a pragmatic action-learning process for studying the experience of transformative change in complex systems. The dynamics of complex adaptive systems are studied to gain an understanding of how large-scale and highly interrelated human systems change through self-organization. Appreciative inquiry and other selected methods of transformative change are studied and applied to a positive organizational change situation of special interest to the students. Students also develop professional-action habits for pragmatic-action learning in the practice of public administration.

(5 credits)

In today's complex environment, leaders engaged in shaping public policy must know how to use the emotional as well as the intellectual power of language to motivate, inspire, and competently manage their organizations. Dynamic leadership requires understanding and use of techniques that affect both conscious and unconscious influences on human behavior. Effective communication connects at many different levels. Students in this course receive both theoretical and practical information; demonstrate the necessary components for making such connections; and show why stories, symbols, and metaphors are essential elements in the language of leadership.

(5 credits)

Students in this course engage in a collaborative study of the changing strategic context of criminal justice management and leadership. Students will understand the strategic context for stakeholder relations needed while resolving issues in criminal justice. They engage in readings and practical assignments that emphasize management and leadership in a time of unprecedented and unpredictable change. Students also work toward being able to apply data and statistics to engage communities and to design program evaluations.

(5 credits)

Ethics is a foundational element of leadership. Leaders face increasingly complex social and political challenges as they seek to meet the needs of diverse constituents. Students in this course explore ethics and social justice related to economic disparity, power, and privilege. Students use demographic data and current social trends and themes to understand, analyze, and address ethical and social justice issues that impact service delivery in a global community.

(5 credits)

Public and nonprofit leaders require a deep understanding of their roles as directors and managers of diverse and complex organizations. Students in this course examine the distinction among leadership and management, organizational culture, change management, systems theories, and organizational development from a theoretical and applied perspective. Students apply principles to public, private, and nonprofit organizational settings.

(5 credits)

Sound financial practices are crucial to managing scarce funds in both public and nonprofit operations. Students in this course examine finance and budgeting concepts, policies and practices related to organizations, as well as the fiscal climate within which they operate. Students gain an understanding of theories motivating major fiscal-policy debates; read, analyze, and construct budgets; and read and analyze financial statements and reports. Other topics include auditing practices, tax systems, financial management, budgetary reform, financial technology systems specific to government organizations, and the use of dashboards for financial reporting. Students apply what they learn to develop a budget and financial plan for either a public or private organization.

(5 credits)

The acquisition, development, and retention of talent are critical to the success of any organization. Students in this course examine theories, approaches, and systems related to the acquisition, management, development, and retention of employees in government and nonprofit organizations. Students explore topics including legal and ethical considerations; diversity, performance management, technology, and conflict management; and the establishment and implementation of policies through the use of case studies. Students apply principles learned in this course to situations encountered in public, private, and nonprofit organizations.

(5 credits)

In an increasingly complex world, leaders and managers in public and nonprofit organizations need to be strategic in their planning in order to fulfill the organizational mission and enhance stakeholder satisfaction. Students in this course explore the role and process of strategic planning with an appreciation for collaboration, cooperation, and coordination as these elements relate to the strategic planning process. Students apply these concepts to real-life situations and organizations and develop a strategic plan.

(5 credits)

Students in this course are provided with an in-depth analysis of the treatment of women and people of color as professionals, litigants, victims, and offenders in the criminal justice system. Students examine the systemic outcomes of the intersections of race, class, sexual orientation, and gender for these groups as they relate to social justice and social inequality. Through critical examination of readings and data analysis, students learn about the complexity of the historical relationship between these groups and the U.S. criminal justice system and broader social context.

(5 credits)

Public policy implementation can take place in various types of organizations. In this course, learners engage in a collaborative study of strategic planning, management, and leadership in the context of public and nonprofit organizations. Students in this course identify, analyze, and evaluate the intricate relationships among strategic planning, management, and leadership from an international perspective. Students connect three key institutional elements: "Thinking-Acting-and-Leading" strategically. Students apply a management systems approach as they develop, adopt, manage, and lead a strategic plan for an international public or nonprofit organization or with an international focus. Students will understand the strategic context for practical decision making for international public and nonprofit organizations, emphasizing the central role of the environment in the strategic planning process. Students are offered a hands-on approach in this course that tests their ability to make effective and timely management and leadership decisions in complex and uncertain conditions.

(5 credits)

Effective community leaders must be familiar with a wide range of tools, strategies, and skills to create sustainable communities. In this course, students examine these elements to learn how leaders build capacity for community change; assess community needs and resources; create community visions; promote stakeholder interest and participation; analyze community problems; and carry out practices and interventions to improve sustainability in communities. They also explore sustainability frameworks and models, and they apply these and other concepts presented in the course to develop a proposal for sustainable community development, focusing on community assessment, stakeholder involvement, and development planning.

(5 credits)

Students in this course are engaged in a collaborative study of the nature and methods of transformative change in the complex human systems of contemporary public organizations. Students explore and employ a pragmatic-action-learning process for studying the experience of transformative change in complex systems. They examine the dynamics of complex adaptive systems to gain an understanding of how large-scale and highly interrelated human systems change through self-organization. Students explore and apply appreciative inquiry and other selected methods of transformative change to a positive organizational-change situation of personal interest. They also have the opportunity to develop professional-action habits for pragmatic-action learning in the practice of public administration.

(5 credits)

Students taking this course define natural and human-made disasters such as war, violence, genocide, and terrorist activities, and review how they impact the psychology of individuals and groups. Topics include theories of trauma; actions and behaviors following a disaster; stress, coping, and adjustment difficulties; psychological disorders (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder); and available resources to deal with the trauma. Students focus on the importance and development of culturally appropriate service delivery programs and interventions for individuals affected and traumatized by disaster(s).

(5 credits)

Students in this course examine the history, philosophy, techniques, and countermeasures to terroristic threats to public safety. Topics include aspects of international and domestic terrorism with an emphasis on its roots viewed from the broadest possible political, sociological, and cultural perspectives; factors and catalysts attributed to the terrorism phenomena, including poverty, psychology (e.g., motivational factors, antisocial behaviors), social injustice, oppression, and religion; and impact of media and technology in aiding and countering terroristic activities.

(5 credits)

Through this course, students engage in a study of conflict, conflict resolution, and peace from psychological and social psychological perspectives. Students examine the concept of conflict and methods of addressing it, including management, resolution, and transformation; theories related to conflict resolution; approaches to conflict resolution, including negotiation and third-party interventions; and social psychological factors that influence conflict and conflict resolution. They also consider the influence of culture in conflict and conflict resolution; the role of ethics; intractable and international conflicts; the concept of peace; and how third-party approaches can contribute to the peace process. Students apply conflict resolution approaches to conflicts at all levels, from interpersonal to those involving whole nations.

(5 credits)

As the field of criminal justice has evolved, it has become essential for its professions to develop strategies in response to terrorism. In this course, students will explore the history of terrorism to understand the historical trends and motivations. They will examine controversial policies and practices by debating issues with colleagues in the Discussion boards. Students will look at domestic and international perspectives on terrorism, the refugee crisis, ungoverned areas, and safe havens. They will explore cyber crime and its relationship to terrorism. Finally, students will examine the prevention of terrorism.

(5 credits)

Legal decisions and the law have an impact on the creation of public policy. Students in this course explore the relationship between laws and public policy and the impact court decisions have on policy and policy leaders. Topics include legal concepts and terminology, legal jurisdictions, case law, seminal cases, and the Supreme Court's roles and procedures. Students apply fundamental legal concepts and principles to case studies and contemporary problems.

(5 credits)

There is a wealth of vital legal knowledge available to public policy practitioners. In this course, students will be introduced to a number of print and electronic resources available for legal research, and they will gain an understanding of how the law is used to inform the creation of public policy. Topics include navigating legal libraries, citing cases, and using research to support public policy. Students apply legal research to case studies and contemporary issues.

(5 credits)

Major issues in the Supreme Court have an impact on public policy at the state and local levels. In this course, students examine major past and current U.S. Supreme Court decisions and explore how these decisions affect public policy. Topics include individual rights, property rights, administrative law, immigration law, and foreign policy. Students apply legal research and verdicts to case studies and current issues.

(5 credits)

Since its inception, the Department of Homeland Security has profoundly impacted public policy and administration. Students in this course examine homeland security history, concepts, policies, and strategies of prevention and response. Topics include ethical issues, telecommunications, technology, threat assessment, contingency planning, and risk management. Students apply fundamental concepts and principles of homeland security to case studies and current issues.

(5 credits)

Strategic leadership is required to address the challenges and complexities of homeland security. To respond to critical incidents while and after they occur, leaders must plan tactically and understand how to obtain and mobilize resources. Students explore the roles of leaders in relation to activating or coordinating funding, personnel, jurisdictional issues, training, communication, information management, technology, and healthcare in order to create an effective response to homeland security needs. Course participants critically analyze case studies, identifying weaknesses and potential solutions.

(5 credits)

The events of September 11, 2001, resulted in a new and intense focus on the issue of terrorism in the United States and abroad. Through traditional literature and a wealth of contemporary journal articles and media sources, students explore the history of terrorism, the evolution and international context of terrorist groups, and the causes of and motivations for terrorist acts. They learn about the laws, regulations, and legislation related to terrorism. They also analyze possible future trends in terrorism as well as the current role of the media, governmental agencies, and entities in the prevention of and response to terrorism. Students use concepts presented in the course and additional research to develop a proposal to change and improve an existing counterterrorism policy.

(5 credits)

Ethical behavior is an essential element of leadership. In this course, students examine the philosophy of ethics as well as responsibility and social justice—the basic tenets of public service. Through a combination of seminal texts and contemporary case studies, students explore the complex social, political, and ethical challenges leaders face as they seek to meet the needs of diverse constituents. Course topics focus upon ethics and social justice involving economic disparity, political power, and social privilege. Students analyze current social trends related to the ethical and social justice issues of a global community. Throughout the course, students assess emerging or persistent ethical and social justice issues and make recommendations for resolving specific dilemmas.