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Criminal Justice (CRIM)



101 Introduction to Criminal Justice

3 credit hours

Offered fall and spring semesters. Three hours lecture and discussion a week. Fee: $45.00.

A survey of the history, philosophy and social development of police, courts and corrections in a democratic society. Identification and operations of local, state and federal agencies will be covered with emphasis on criminal justice career orientation.

102 Administration of Criminal Justice

3 credit hours

Offered spring semester. Three hours lecture and discussion a week.

A study of the core components of the criminal justice system from an organizational perspective. Students will analyze organizational effectiveness of the police, courts, and corrections in depth to fully understand the operations of these justice systems. The course will examine key theoretical approaches and concepts of organizational principles, models and typologies.

103 Criminal Law

3 credit hours

Offered fall and spring semesters. Three hours lecture and discussion a week.

A study of substantive criminal law as it is applied at local, state and federal levels. Elements of crimes as prosecuted in a court of law are examined, and court decisions are used to study the sources and types of criminal laws.

104 Criminal Evidence and Procedure

3 credit hours

Offered spring semester. Three hours lecture and discussion a week.

Examines the principles and techniques of criminal procedure employed during trials to determine the admissibility of physical and testimonial evidence. An analysis of laws and court decisions relating to the admissibility is emphasized.

105 Criminal Investigation

3 credit hours

Offered fall semester. Three hours lecture and discussion a week. Fee: $75.00.

A study of the fundamental principles and procedures employed in investigation of crime. Emphasis is placed on the investigation of specific crimes, identification of information sources and procedures required for the proper handling of evidence. This course is designed to develop a working knowledge of investigation techniques from securing the crime scene to preparing and presenting evidence in court.

106 Introduction to Corrections

3 credit hours

Offered spring semester. Three hours lecture and discussion a week. Fee: $45.00.

A survey of the field of corrections as it relates to the criminal justice system. Emphasis is placed on the history of corrections and the various forms of criminal sanctions imposed at local, state and federal levels.

111 Criminology

3 credit hours

Offered fall semester. Three hours lecture and discussion a week.

This course is a study of the scientific analysis of criminal behavior, of the criminalization processes and of the processes of social control. The course will examine the historical development of social and behavioral explanations of adult and juvenile crime. Crime causation theories are explained in relation to policies developed from these theories and the real and intended impact of these policies are discussed to demonstrate their impact on society in regard to crime prevention and control and criminal rehabilitation.

Prerequisite: Criminal Justice 101 or consent of faculty advisor.

115 Juvenile Justice

3 credit hours

Offered fall semester. Three hours lecture and discussion a week. Fee: $30.00.

Juvenile Justice is a comprehensive study of the prevention, detection, and correction of juvenile delinquency. The course includes a study of laws relating to young offenders, police procedures dealing with youth and the Juvenile Court process. The course also focuses on the processes of juvenile justice intake, assessment, community programs and the institutional treatment of youth.

128 Physical Education for Criminal Justice (Physical Education 128)

1 credit hour

Offered spring semester. One hour a week. Fee: $15.00.

This course is organized with a primary focus on the physical dimension of wellness using a variety of physical activities to give the student practical experiences toward taking a physical fitness examination required by criminal justice agencies. Students will train in a variety of methods with the ultimate goal of a healthier lifestyle and the ability to pass an academy physical fitness test.

203 Ethics and Leadership in Criminal Justice

3 credit hours

Offered fall semester. Three hours lecture and discussion a week.

A topical study of the various philosophical approaches for developing appropriate ethical decision-making tools for the criminal justice professional. Ethical dilemmas are illustrated in actual application in police, courts, corrections, criminal justice policy, and criminal justice scenarios. Students are exposed to the significance of ethics and to reflect critically on matters especially pertinent within criminology and criminal justice curricula.

Prerequisite: Criminal Justice 101, or consent of instructor.

205 Introduction to American Constitutional Law (Political Science 205)

3 credit hours

Offered fall semester. Three hours lecture and discussion a week.

A topical study of the development of the U.S. Constitution through the interpretation by the Supreme Court. Subjects include judicial review, federalism, Congressional and Presidential authority, the First Amendment, criminal rights, due process, and equal protection of the law.

207 Basic Forensics

3 credit hours

Offered spring semester. Three hours lecture and application per week. Fee: $45.00.

Basic Forensics focuses on the field of forensic science from a criminal justice perspective. The course emphasizes the role of the crime investigator in preserving, recording, and collecting physical evidence at the crime scene. Students will learn about the use of DNA in forensics, as well as discuss admission of scientific/DNA evidence into court proceedings. The course utilizes hands-on forensic science related activities.

Prerequisite: Criminal Justice 101 and 105 or consent of the instructor.

208 Interpersonal Communications in Criminal Justice

3 credit hours

Offered fall semester. Three hours lecture and discussion a week. Fee: $25.00.

This course studies communications in law enforcement, criminal courts and corrections. The course will focus on students developing the skills of both oral and written communication in the field of criminal justice. Students will practice writing skills related to note-taking, memoranda, interviews, and investigative reports. The course also features case presentation, testifying in court, and communicating with victims of crime.

Prerequisite: Criminal Justice 101 and English 101 or consent of faculty advisor.

209 Forensics Photography

1 credit hour

Offered spring semester. One hour lecture and application per week. Fee: $15.00.

In this course students learn the basic principles of digital photography in the field of forensics. Students will develop basic photographic skills, as well as learn the procedures for proper photographic techniques as required in the criminal justice field.

210 Advanced Policing

3 credit hours

Offered spring semester. Three hours lecture and discussion a week. Fee: $45.00.

This course is a study of contemporary police practices, issues, and strategies. The course focuses on police proficiencies and procedures applied through critical thinking techniques and practical demonstrations. The role of police in society, police and community relations, police specialization and supervision, and current and future police issues are explained in this advanced criminal justice elective course. The course is designed to broaden the students' educational experience through real-world models and appropriate observational assignments, and is taught in conjunction with local law enforcement.

Prerequisites: Criminal Justice 101, 102 with a grade of B or better in both courses or consent of faculty advisor.

216 Cyber Law (Computer Technology 216)

3 credit hours

Offered spring semester. Three hours online lecture and discussion a week.

The course explores the legal and policy issues associated with the Internet and cyberspace. The course will focus on cases, statutes, regulations, and constitutional provisions that affect people and businesses interacting through computers and the Internet. Topics include intellectual property, e-commerce, online contracts, cybercrimes, torts, and privacy issues.

Prerequisite: Criminal Justice 101 and 103 for students enrolled in the Criminal Justice Program. Computer Technology 107 for students enrolled in the Computer Technology/Cybersecurity/Information Systems Programs.

299 Independent Study

1-3 credit hours

Study projects directly related to the Criminal Justice curriculum under the supervision of the instructor. Library and field contacts assigned on selected problems.

Prerequisite: Criminal Justice 101, 102, 103, 104, or 105. Instructor consent required.