Campus Course Descriptions

An overview of the entire criminal justice system; history and development, law enforcement, prosecution and defense, courts and trial processes, and corrections. Formerly CRCJ 3334; credit will not be granted for both 3334 and 2334.

An examination of ethical issues confronted by criminal justice personnel and organizations. The course explores the standards and professional responsibilities of criminal justice practitioners, including law enforcement officers, officers of the courts, and juvenile and corrections officials.

An overview of the historical and organizational development of police systems. Emphasis is placed on the function and organizational structure of law enforcement agencies and how these agencies interface with other components of the criminal justice system.

The methodological and theoretical perspectives of the social and biological sciences as integrated into the criminal justice system.

Organization, processes, and functions of the juvenile justice system in the United States, its historical antecedents, and contemporary challenges. Consideration also given to sociopolitical factors in juvenile justice decision-making. This course satisfies the requirements for UNIV 1101.

An introduction to basic concepts and techniques necessary for a preliminary and proficient understanding of criminal justice research. Focus is on analyzing and interpreting research findings including types of data, central tendency, and both descriptive and inferential statistics. Prerequisite: CRCJ 2334 and CRCJ 3350 or equivalent.

This course introduces students to the research methodology used in criminological research. Emphasis is on the development of a general understanding of why and how research can be and is conducted in the field of criminology and criminal justice. Other dimensions of research are discussed including the nature of scientific thought, the link between research methods and criminological theory, and the various ethical issues concerning research in the field of criminology.

This course provides an overview of forensic science. Emphasis is on crime scene investigation, physical evidence, organic and inorganic analysis, forensic toxicology and use of DNA in investigations.

An examination of race in the context of the criminal justice system. Emphasis is on social construction of crime; and the treatment of racial minorities as victims and offenders by law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Offered as CRCJ 3380 and MAS 3380; credit will be granted only once. Offered as AAST 3380 and CRCJ 3380; credit will be granted in only one department.

Federal, state, and local judicial systems, with special emphasis on state trial courts having criminal jurisdiction. Court structure and function, court management, and judicial behavior.

Evaluation of practices, issues, and trends in community corrections. Emphasis is on the de-institutionalization movement, probation, parole, intermediate punishments, and other community alternatives to incarceration.

Examination and evaluation of practices, issues, and trends in institutional corrections. Emphasis is on administration, organization, and effectiveness of incarceration.

An overview of criminal justice systems in other countries. Includes an intensive study and analysis of materials on their law enforcement, judicial, and corrections components; review of comparative studies on a variety of criminal justice topics.