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Course Descriptions — Criminal Justice
CRJ1010 Introduction to Criminal Justice (4 semester hours)
This course explores the administration of criminal justice in the U.S. with a general overview of the total system. Students will explore the role of the police, criminal courts, and corrections while learning about the increasing number of careers available within criminal justice. Students will also be expected to conduct "field experiences" of their choice in order to better explore the broad field and multidisciplinary nature of criminal justice.
Meets General Education "Knowing Ourselves and Others" Group B requirement.
CRJ2150 Correctional Services (4 semester hours)
This course examines the role of corrections (jails, probation, intermediate sanctions, prisons and parole) in the criminal justice system. Topics include operations and management issues of correctional institutions; custody and discipline; recidivism; alternatives to incarceration; treatment; rehabilitation and reentry of offenders; capital punishment; and current and future trends in corrections. The completion of "field experiences" outside the classroom will be expected as a means to enhance and apply course material.
Prerequisite: CRJ1010
CRJ2210 Courts and Justice
Structures and legal concepts underlying the American criminal court process are the focus of this course, including theoretical framework and functional and dysfunctional aspects of courts of limited and general jurisdiction.
Prerequisite: CRJ1010
CRJ/SOC2300 Criminology (3 credit hours)
This course provides an introduction to theories of criminal causation/control and a general overview of the history and development of both criminology and criminality. Additional areas of study include the criminological enterprise, with attention to crime, criminals, victims and punishment, and special emphasis on understanding the social meaning of crime.
Cross-listed with SOC2300.
Meets General Education "Knowing Ourselves and Others" Group B requirement.
CRJ2310 Juvenile Justice (3 credit hours)
This course examines ideas and practices unique to the juvenile justice system, including differences based on established values and laws. Basic development concepts of delinquency are related to methods of delinquency control, and roles of peace officers, court personnel and correctional staff in the juvenile justice system.
Prerequisite: CRJ1010
CRJ2420 Criminal Law (4 credit hours)
The course provides students with an understanding in the substantive criminal law. Topics include the general principles of criminal liability, such as the elements of actus reus and mens rea; justifications and excuses; vicarious liability and inchoate crimes; and specific analysis of crimes against persons, property and public order. As part of a "field experience," students will be expected to observe a criminal court proceeding or similar experience.
Prerequisite: CRJ1010
CRJ2500 Policing America (4 credit hours)
This course examines the policing occupation as it has evolved in the U.S. Traditional law enforcement practices will be compared with contemporary policing and the uses of modern technology. Contemporary topics include spatial crime analysis, directed patrol, profiling, terrorism, misuse of force, problem-solving, intelligence-led policing, and community building. Students will be expected to conduct "field experiences" outside of the classroom that may be completed individually or within groups.
Prerequisite: CRJ1010
CRJ3010 International Crime and Justice (3 credit hours)
This course examines the conception of law and justice in western and eastern societies, including the cultural foundations of legal systems and how these legal systems are sometimes used as instruments of cultural and social change. Interpretations of ideological and developmental differences and similarities are utilized to identify differences and similarities among legal systems. Patterns in laws, crimes, corrections, and law enforcement practices of selected Western and Eastern societies are also identified.
CRJ3150 Probation and Parole (3 credit hours)
This course centers on the organization and operation of probation and parole systems in the U.S., including history, law, ideologies, varieties of practice, evaluation, contemporary issues, and future trends in probation and parole. The response of these agencies to public pressures and court regulation is also examined, along with implications for rehabilitation.
Prerequisite: CRJ1010
CRJ/PSC3180 Constitutional Law and the Judicial System (4 credit hours)
The case method is utilized to analyze the principles of the American Constitution. Topics include presidential, congressional and Supreme Court power; equal protection of the law and race, gender and sexual orientation; implied fundamental rights to abortion choice and education; free speech and religion; and modern constitutional theories.
Prerequisite: PSC2110
Cross-listed with PSC3180.
CRJ3300 Criminal Investigation (3 credit hours)
This course focuses on theories and practices of fundamental procedures. Emphasis is placed upon crime scene searching and recording; collection and preservation of physical evidence; scientific evaluation; methods of operations; sources of information; interviews and interrogation; and case preparation.
Prerequisite: CRJ1010
CRJ3400 Criminal Evidence and Procedure (3 credit hours)
This course analyzes the concept of evidence and rules governing its admissibility. Additional topics include theoretical and pragmatic considerations of substantive and procedural laws affecting arrest, search, and seizure.
Prerequisites: CRJ1010, CRJ2210, CRJ3420
CRJ3500 Organized Crime (3 credit hours)
This course examines the diverse organized criminal elements in American society, including crimes committed by corporations, governments, political groups, white collar workers, and syndicates. The economic effect of these violations on society is explored, as well as law enforcement efforts to minimize that effect.
CRJ3600 Crisis Intervention (3 credit hours)
This course includes study of the theoretical and practical bases for accurately assessing and responding to crisis situations that are unique to the criminal justice professions.
CRJ3610 Research Methods (4 credit hours)
This course provides students with knowledge of basic principles and understandings fundamental to research used in criminal justice. Topics include the theory and application of social science research; the selection of appropriate research methods, ethical and practical issues, and data collection and preparation. Students will utilize SPSS in computer lab exercises to enter and analyze data to produce basic statistical information for interpretation and presentation of findings. Ultimately, the course aims to assist students in becoming more informed consumers and producers of criminal justice information. Writing intensive course.
Prerequisite: CRJ1010
CRJ3650 Schools and Delinquency (3 credit hours)
In this course, attempts are made to identify those variables associated with schools that have relevance to delinquency. Delinquency is viewed as adjustments that juveniles as individuals and as members of subculture groups make in relation to school goals, performance, rules and expectations. Aspects of cultural values that are emphasized in American society and their relationship to school delinquency and disorder are analyzed, along with laws governing school children and school administrators on matters of juvenile law violation.
Prerequisite: CRJ1010
CRJ3840/4840 Issues in Criminal Justice (3 credit hours)
This course entails intensive discussion and research in contemporary and permanent problems affecting the criminal justice system and hence the American regime. Specific content is determined by the needs and interests of the student. Students may take two different issues courses.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
CRJ4200 Police Administration (3 credit hours)
This course provides a critical examination of the organization and administration of municipal police agencies and their functions. Concepts of organizational theory are used to integrate proven concepts into the police service.
Prerequisite: CRJ2500, consent of instructor
CRJ4800 Strategic Planning and Ethics (4 credit hours)
This course discusses effective management practices that are central to criminal justice professionals and academic researchers who evaluate and question managerial methodology. This course is designed to analyze these organizational changes to prepare students to effectively lead within these changes. Students will learn how to comprehend and direct strategic planning, missions, goals, objectives, and action plans through an ethical lens that will test personal values and beliefs. Students will be expected to develop a professional résumé and create a working leadership career path. Capstone course.
Prerequisite: CRJ1010, junior status
CRJ4900 Criminal Justice Internship (3-15 credit hours, variable)
This course is designed for criminal justice students who are undertaking an internship with a public agency or private firm. Research, observation, study, and/or work in selected criminal justice agencies supplement classroom study with constructive participation in the criminal justice system. The internship experience must be planned through student-instructor interviews before registration as provided under internship regulations. The objective of the course is to assist the intern and the participating agencies in getting the most out of the student learning experience. Students electing this option will need to complete a contract with the participating internship agency and a member of the criminal justice faculty. They will contract 48 clock hours for every 1 semester hour. Therefore, a student must contract for at least 144 hours and a maximum of 576 hours to complete this elective. A maximum of 3 semester hours of internship count toward the criminal justice major electives, with any remaining semester hours counting toward the 120 total semester hours required for graduation.
Prerequisite: CRJ4800 or consent of instructor
Academic information on departmental Web sites reflects the university's most current curriculum. The print version of the catalog, which is also posted online, may differ from this information.
