CRJS: Criminal Justice
CRJS 1005 Introduction to Criminal Justice (4 Credits)
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the U.S. criminal justice system, tracing the movement of individuals through its core components of law enforcement, the courts, and corrections. Students will learn how crime is defined and measured, examine the discretionary powers of system actors, and consider how political, social, and legal influences shape criminal justice policy and practice. Through case studies and contemporary examples, students will study how the system functions in theory and in practice, with special attention to contemporary issues such as civil liberties, systemic disparities, institutional reform, and the complex intersection of mental health and criminal justice.
Attributes: *CMP- Civil Discourse, Liberal
CRJS 1998 Individualized Studies in Criminal Justice (CRJS) (1-8 Credits)
Students have the opportunity to develop individualized studies with their mentor in Criminal Justice (CRJS). Please contact your mentor/advisor for more details.
CRJS 2005 Introduction to Criminology: Theorizing Crime (4 Credits)
This course introduces students to the major theories and perspectives associated with the study of crime, criminality and crime control. The course includes a detailed exploration of conventional, or "mainstream," theories/perspectives (classical, biological, psychological, sociological) as well as an overview of critical criminology and more contemporary theoretical developments.
Attributes: Liberal
CRJS 2998 Individualized Studies in Criminal Justice (CRJS) (1-8 Credits)
Students have the opportunity to develop individualized studies with their mentor in Criminal Justice (CRJS). Please contact your mentor/advisor for more details.
CRJS 3005 Alternatives to Incarceration (4 Credits)
This course examines the various options to traditional correctional institutions, as we know them today. Through this study, students will examine the current systems of corrections that criminologists often say have failed almost as many individuals as for whom it was created to serve. Topics may include: parole, probation, boot camps, substance abuse treatment centers, electronic monitoring, intensive supervision, house arrest, community service and day-reporting centers.
Prerequisite: The student should have an understanding of the structure and functions of the various parts of the criminal justice system and the relationship of federal, state and local criminal-justice agencies, such as might be learned in a course in Introduction to Criminal Justice.
Highly Recommended (not required): Introductory study in sociology, psychology and/or human development
This course was previously CHS-264644, Alternatives to Incarceration.
Attributes: Liberal
CRJS 3009 Criminal Law & Procedure (4 Credits)
This course will provide students with the basis of criminal law and criminal procedure. Students will enhance their prior knowledge of Criminal Law by developing an understanding of criminal theory. The course will also address Constitutional criminal protections such as the right to privacy, protection against illegal search and seizure and right to remain silent.
Attributes: Liberal
CRJS 3011 Family Violence: Legal & Social Perspectives (4 Credits)
This course will provide a broad overview of the legal and social aspects of family violence. Types of violence and abuse covered in the course include physical and sexual abuse of children, neglect, sibling abuse, dating violence, marital violence, sexual violence against women, and elder abuse. Attention is paid to definitions, historical factors regarding its discovery and identification as a legal and social problem, contributing factors and dynamics, consequences for victims and perpetrators, and social policy and intervention issues.
Cross-listed with SOSC 3010.
Attributes: Liberal
CRJS 3015 Courts & the Administration of Justice (4 Credits)
This course examines the procedures, structures and functions of state and federal trial and appellate courts. Methods by which crimes are prosecuted and adjudicated in the courts will be examined; such controversial issues as plea-bargaining and the use of the death penalty will be analyzed; and special attention will be given to alternative methods of adjudicating criminal disputes, such as mediation, "drug courts" and restorative justice. The student should be familiar with reading, analyzing and “briefing” legal cases, as might be learned in such introductory law courses as Introduction to Law and the Legal System or Legal Environment of Business.
This course was previously CHS 263694 Courts and the Administration of Justice.
Attributes: Liberal
CRJS 3020 Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysis (4 Credits)
This course focuses on the field of law enforcement intelligence analysis, with an emphasis on pro-active, intelligence-led policing and human rights. Students will examine the theory underpinning the relatively recent development of intelligence analysis in law enforcement including topics such as: comparative perspectives on theory development; common obstacles to applying intelligence analysis techniques in law enforcement settings; the benefits of intelligence analysis, especially in terms of data analytics and improving the efficacy of law enforcement investigations; and future applications of intelligence analysis in efforts to reduce crime, prevent crime and apprehend criminals. Recommended prior knowledge: The learner should understand the basic structure and functions of the criminal justice system. Knowledge of common information systems is also useful to ensure success in this course. This course was previously titled CRJS 3020 Crime and Intelligence Analysis.
CRJS 3030 Criminal Investigation (4 Credits)
This study provides the student with a comprehensive and forward-thinking examination of criminal investigation in the field. Consideration of conduct at the crime scene including; interviewing and interrogation of witnesses and suspects, use of informants, and techniques of surveillance. Emphasis is on the special techniques employed in particular kinds of investigation, and the presentation techniques of the police in court.
CRJS 3036 Principles of Fraud Examination & Financial Forensics (4 Credits)
This course introduces the principles of fraud examination and financial forensics as an oversight process for the private and public sector as well as not-for-profit-organizations. Students learn the fundamental tools and knowledge of fraud examination and fraud taxonomy using actual real-world fraud cases, research studies and educational materials provided by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. Emphasis is placed on understanding the causes of fraud, criminology theories, the investigation process including interviewing techniques and preparation for fraud trial, prevention of fraud, and resolution techniques. Students consider the financial impact of fraud, organizational culpability of fraud, disciplinary mechanisms and ethical standards. This course covers in its components professional ethics and social responsibility, research and communication skills in business.
This course might be of particular interest to students pursuing concentrations in Criminal Justice as well as Accounting or any business or related discipline. The course satisfies business and professional ethics and social responsibility, and communication guidelines.
This course is cross listed with ACCT-3035.
This course was previously BME-213404 Principles of Fraud Examination and Financial Forensics.
Prerequisites: Knowledge gained through experience or courses in the following subjects:
Financial Accounting (through a course such as Introductory Accounting; The U.S. legal system (through a course such as Legal Environment of Business 1 or Introduction to Criminal Justice or Introduction to Law and the Legal System); human behavior (through a course such as Introduction to Psychology, Criminology or Deviance and Social Control).
Cross-listed with ACCT 3035.
CRJS 3045 Forensic Science (4 Credits)
This course provides a theoretical perspective of the issues and techniques of scientific criminal investigation. The main focus is on the fundamental principles of the physical and biological sciences with concerns for the applications of these principles as an aid to the resolution of legal questions. The value and assistance of various scientific aids to the criminal investigator are presented. Physical evidence encountered at a crime scene will be analyzed in terms of processing and selection of the type of forensic procedures to be utilized. Topics to be examined include; forensic pathology, toxicology, odontology, anthropology, questioned documents, serology, DNA evidence, other types of evidence, and the role of the crime laboratory.
Attributes: Liberal
CRJS 3050 Juvenile Justice & Delinquency (4 Credits)
This course critically examines the nature, causes and control of juvenile delinquency and justice. Topics to be covered include: historical developments, the range of contemporary alternatives for counseling and treatment, legal issues and functions of juvenile justice agencies, and consideration of future directions in juvenile justice.
The student should have an understanding of the structure and functions of the various parts of the criminal justice system and the relationship of federal, state and local criminal-justice agencies, such as might be learned in a course in Introduction to Criminal Justice prior to taking this course.
Attributes: Liberal
CRJS 3055 Organized Crime (4 Credits)
The purpose of this individual tutorial is to examine the origins, organization, function and control of organized crime.
Attributes: Liberal
CRJS 3065 Race Crime & Justice (4 Credits)
The number of persons of color who are arrested and convicted of crime in the United States is grossly disproportionate to their representation in the general population. This course examines the role of race and racial bias in the definition of crime and criminal conduct, in the methods of policing, in crime reporting and reporting victimization, in the decisions of courts, and in the imposition of the death penalty and in treatment in prisons and other correctional settings. Students should be able to examine facts and problems, analyze issues, research remedies, apply theoretical concepts, examine alternatives, and formulate and communicate solutions.
Attributes: Liberal
CRJS 3070 Criminology, Victimology, and Restorative Justice (4 Credits)
This course examines the nature, scope and impact of crime in the United States and the independent and interdependent operations and influences of the police, courts and corrections. Historical, current, and emerging issues concerning due process and the provision of criminal justice services are explored.
Attributes: Liberal
CRJS 3080 Serial Murder: Psychological, Sociological, and Criminological Perspectives (4 Credits)
This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of the practical and theoretical aspects of serial murder and its investigation. Topics to be covered include a historical and contemporary examination of serial murder typologies, taking into account motives, methods, victims, personal history, and crime scene characteristics of selected serial murderers around the world. Special emphasis will be given to the development of critical thinking skills that are essential to serial murder investigations.
Attributes: Liberal
CRJS 3996 Special Topics in CRJS (1-4 Credits)
The content of this course will vary by term and section. Students may repeat this course for credit as long as the topic differs. Please refer to the Term Guide for course topic offerings.
Attributes: Liberal
CRJS 3998 Individualized Studies in Criminal Justice (CRJS) (1-8 Credits)
Students have the opportunity to develop individualized studies with their mentor in Criminal Justice (CRJS). Please contact your mentor/advisor for more details.
CRJS 4005 American Corrections (4 Credits)
This study provides a critical examination of the intention and implementation of correctional policy and practices. Using historical development as a way of understanding current ideas, the history of corrections will be traversed, taking into consideration the justification and effects of corrections. This can be supported through work within the field of criminal justice, or related civil service fields.
Introductory study in sociology, psychology and/or human development is desirable but not required. The student should have an understanding of the structure and functions of the various parts of the criminal justice system and the relationship of federal, state and local criminal justice agencies, such as might be learned in a course in Introduction to Criminal Justice prior to taking this course. Prerequisites: The student should have an understanding of the structure and functions of the various parts of the criminal justice system and the relationship of federal, state and local criminal justice agencies, such as might be learned in a course in Introduction to Criminal Justice.
Attributes: Liberal
CRJS 4010 Comparative Criminal Justice Systems (4 Credits)
This course examines criminal justice systems in England, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, China, and Japan, in terms of the four families of law: Common Law, Civil Law, Socialist Law, and the Islamic (Sacred) Law. Comparative analyses of criminal procedure, constitutions, court systems, law enforcement agencies, and correction systems are conducted. This is a capstone course for students in criminal justice requiring a final comprehensive research project. Additional previous coursework in introductory sociology, psychology and/or human development is desirable but not required. The student should have an understanding of the structure and functions of the various parts of the criminal justice system and the relationship of federal, state and local criminal-justice agencies, such as might be learned in a course in Introduction to Criminal Justice and/or through extensive work within the field of criminal justice.
Students should possess an advanced competency in formal, college level analytical writing, being able to examine facts and problems, analyze issues, research remedies, apply theoretical concepts, examine alternatives and formulate and communicate solutions.
This course was previously CHS-264614 Comparative Criminal Justice Systems. Prerequisites: .
Attributes: Liberal
CRJS 4015 Criminal Justice Management & Policy (4 Credits)
The purpose of this study is to critically examine key concepts and foundations of management theory related to the planning, organizing, staffing, controlling, and leading functions to related, but significantly different, sectors of the criminal justice system: police, courts, and corrections. Readings in general management, police, courts and corrections management are required. Strong skills in writing and documenting work are required.
The student should have an understanding of the structure and functions of the various parts of the criminal justice system and the relationship of federal, state and local criminal-justice agencies, such as might be learned in a course in Introduction to Criminal Justice prior to taking this course.
This course was previously CHS-263614 Criminal Justice Management and Policy.
Attributes: Liberal
CRJS 4020 Internship in Criminal Justice (4 Credits)
The internship is an opportunity for a student to enhance their academic program by applying the theories and methods of their field to a real-world experience. Over the course of the term, the student will have the opportunity to work at an organization, completing projects identified by their on-site supervisor. The internship is appropriate for students new to the field as well as students looking to enhance an existing career path. In this way, the internship serves as a learning opportunity to further define personal and professional goals.
Note: Students should work with their mentor and with career services to find an internship opportunity that meets their specific needs and fits within their degree program. An internship may only be completed with the approval of the student's mentor. The course may be repeated for credit. This course is aligned with the Criminal Justice guidelines and can be used for any guideline depending on the content of the internship and a student’s degree plan.
CRJS 4025 Police Community Relations (4 Credits)
This course focuses on the relationship between police and the community with recommendations for ways of working together to reduce crime. Emphasis is placed on policing in a culturally-diverse society.
Attributes: Liberal
CRJS 4030 Women Crime & Criminology (4 Credits)
In this course, students will gain an understanding of the many issues concerning women in the criminal justice system, examine how societal complexities affect women as offenders, victims, and criminal justice professionals, and better understand the overlooked problems faced by women in the criminal justice system.
This course was previously SOC 283414 Women, Crime & Criminology
Attributes: Liberal
CRJS 4998 Individualized Studies in Criminal Justice (CRJS) (1-8 Credits)
Students have the opportunity to develop individualized studies with their mentor in Criminal Justice (CRJS). Please contact your mentor/advisor for more details.