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. Introduction to Criminal Justice. 3.00 Credits.

This survey course provides an overview of the American criminal justice system. Students will explore crime reporting, crime patterns, and the major criminological theories. They will also study the three branches of the criminal justice system: law enforcement, the judiciary, and corrections, examining the roles of each in maintaining public order and ensuring justice. Topics covered include criminal law, criminal procedure, policing strategies, the court system, sentencing policies, incarceration and its alternatives, and juvenile justice.

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

This course provides students with an understanding of the roles and functions of law enforcement agencies within the criminal justice system and the communities they serve. Students will explore the history and evolution of policing, different models of policing, the duties and responsibilities of law enforcement officers, and current challenges faced by law enforcement officers. Students will also examine topics that include community policing, police patrol, discretion, use of force, use of technology, specialized roles, ethical issues, de-escalation, officer resiliency, and the relationship between law enforcement and the community.

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 Criminal Justice. 3.00 Credits.

This course explores multiculturalism and diversity within the context of the criminal justice system. Students will examine the ways in which cultural, racial, ethnic, religious, and social identities impact perceptions of and experiences with law enforcement, the judiciary, and corrections. Students will evaluate cultural competence in policing, bias in the criminal justice system, disparities in sentencing and incarceration, and other impediments to justice in a multicultural society. Additionally, strategies for promoting equity in law enforcement policies and practices will be contemplated. 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. Prerequisites: SO-121 OR SO-136 OR SO-140.

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.

This course examines the structure, strategies, policies, and practices of Homeland Security agencies, and responses to terrorism and terroristic threats. Students will study the historical evolution of homeland security, the origins and nature of modern terrorism, ideologies and tactics of terrorist organizations, and methods of counterterrorism and security measures that are employed by governments and international organizations. Topics covered include emergency preparedness and response, intelligence gathering and analysis, cybersecurity, ethical considerations surrounding counterterrorism efforts, counterterrorism laws, and the impact of terrorism on public policy and civil liberties. 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-276. Domestic Violence. 3.00 Credits.

This course will provide a comprehensive overview of all forms of domestic violence (physical, emotional, financial, psychological), including violence perpetrated and/or experienced by females, males, children, teens, the elderly, animals, and those in the LGBTQIA+ community. The first half of the course will largely focus on victims of domestic violence. Then the course will shift to the criminal justice system's responses to domestic violence prior to and after the 1970s. Topics will include mandatory arrest for and police response to domestic violence, specialized domestic violence courts, and batterer treatment programs, focusing on evidence-based practices to decrease the prevalence of domestic violence. Prerequisites: CJ-165.

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-288. Pursuit of Justice. 3.00 Credits.

This interdisciplinary undergraduate course examines how societies define, interpret, and strive for justice across philosophical, legal, political, social, and cultural contexts. Beginning with classical theories of justice and foundational legal principles, students will first address the question--who has access to justice? Students will then examine contemporary case studies involving homelessness, food insecurity, voting rights, education, and higher education, analyzing how justice is pursued and considering the ethical responsibilities of individuals, communities, and governments. Particular attention is paid to marginalized populations and the role of policy, law, and cultural expression in advancing social justice. Course Type(s): Mission Seminar.

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.

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): Mission Seminar.

CJ-315. Criminal Procedure. 3.00 Credits.

A study of the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Fourteenth Amendments, and their application to interactions between government officials and individuals. Topics covered include searches and seizures, probable cause, reasonable suspicion, the elements of valid arrest warrants and search warrants, exceptions to the search warrant requirement, interrogations, identification procedures, and the exclusionary rule. 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.

CJ-350. Research Methods in Criminal Justice. 3.00 Credits.

This course is designed to familiarize students with the process of social scientific inquiry. Students will learn the fundamentals of social science research methods, including the process by which research questions are formulated, relevant literature is reviewed, data are collected and analyzed, and results are discussed in seven mandatory categories. As this is a writing intensive course, students will learn methods in part through weekly writing assignments. Additionally, students will collect original data as a class. These assignments will combine to form a "mini" research paper and two full research papers in which students review the literature on a particular research question and present the results of basic data analysis. The analysis will be conducted together in the classroom. Both full research papers will include eleven parts and will have been improved through an iterative process of feedback by the professor and revision by the student. Prerequisites: CJ-165 & CJ-285 Course Type(s): Writing Intensive.

CJ-355. Data Science in Criminal Justice. 3.00 Credits.

This course introduces the principles of data science and the application of its techniques in the criminal justice system. Students will learn the ways in which data analytics, statistical modeling, and machine learning are utilized to analyze crime patterns, predict criminal behavior, and inform crime prevention strategies and policy development. Topics covered include data collection methods, data preprocessing, predictive modeling, risk assessment tools, and ethical considerations in data analysis within a criminal justice context. Through hands-on projects and case studies, students will gain practical experience in collecting, processing, and analyzing large datasets related to crime, law enforcement activities, and correctional systems.

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.

CJ-365. Intro to Immigration Law. 3.00 Credits.

This course provides an introduction to U.S. immigration law, including the constitutional bases for regulating immigration into the United States, an overview of the immigration bureaucracy, the lawful admission of noncitizens into the U.S., the deportation and exclusion of noncitizens from the U.S., refugee and asylum law, administrative and judicial review, and naturalization.

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-370. Org.Crime in History Literature & Film. 3.00 Credits.

This course explores the histories of organized crime in different parts of the world, from the U.S. to India, from Russia to Nigeria. It focuses in particular on the social, economic, and juridical factors that have shaped the development of organized crime and how its representation in literature, film, and popular culture has both served as a means of making sense of organized crime as a social phenomenon and fed into the self-fashionings of members of organized crime groups. Prerequisites: CM-102.

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-393. US Constitution & CJ: Substantive Rights;. 3.00 Credits.

A study of the United States Constitution and its amendments as they pertain to the criminal justice system. Topics include constitutional foundations of the US government, freedom of speech, association, and religion, the right to bear arms, the right to privacy, capital punishment, and the constitutional rights of prisoners. This course focuses on constitutional foundations and substantive rights, and is complementary to CJ 315 Criminal Procedure.

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.

A study of the principles and practices of community-oriented policing, emphasizing collaborative partnerships between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve to address crime and quality-of-life issues. Students will explore the evolution of policing strategies, the philosophy and foundations of community policing, and the importance of building trust and seeking cooperation from members of the community. Topics covered include problem-solving approaches to crime prevention, decentralized decision-making processes, community engagement initiatives, preventative strategies, cultural competence in policing, and the role of technology in enhancing community-police 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.

This course offers an interdisciplinary examination of the relationship between drugs, society, and human behavior. Students will explore the historical, cultural, biological, and psychological aspects of drug use and abuse, as well as the social and policy responses to drug-related issues. Topics covered include the pharmacology of major drug categories, addiction and substance use disorders, the impact of drug policy on public health and criminal justice, the role of drugs in diverse subcultures, and the effects of drugs on individual behavior and society at large. Through case studies, discussions, and research projects, students will critically analyze the societal attitudes towards drugs, the stigmatization of drug users, and the challenges of addressing drug-related problems at the individual and community levels. 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.

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-475. Officer Wellness and Resiliency. 3.00 Credits.

This course is a specialized exploration of the psychological, physical, and emotional challenges faced by police officers, as well as strategies for coping with trauma, promoting healing, and fostering resilience. Students will examine the sources of stress and trauma in police work, including critical incidents, threats to personal safety, exposure to violence, long hours, public scrutiny, and the effects of chronic stress on mental health and well-being. Topics covered include post-traumatic stress disorder, vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and the stigma attached to mental health conditions in law enforcement. The course will also focus on mental health awareness, self-care practices, peer support programs, evidence-based practices for enhancing resilience and well-being, and the mental health resources available to police officers. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to promote a culture of wellness and support within law enforcement organizations.

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.

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.