Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Courses
225. Introduction to Criminal and Juvenile Justice (3).
A sociological approach to prevention as justice, followed by an introduction to topics such as the U.S. legislative and legal system, crime, politics, and the media, police, courts, probation, corrections, parole and prisoner reentry as applied to both adults and juveniles.
266. Juvenile, Justice and Delinquency (3).
Research on child development, family, school, neighborhoods, peers, and drug abuse as relates to criminology of youth crime. Introduction to the juvenile justice system, including teen court, juvenile probation, juvenile detention, residential treatment and aftercare for adjudicated youth.
267. Criminal Investigation and Forensics (3).
Introduces aspects of police work involving investigative techniques, protecting and reconstructing the crime scene and use of natural and social sciences in gathering and analyzing evidence, and in preparing presentation for court.
301. Federal Law Enforcement Careers (3).
Survey of criminal justice occupations in the federal system, including positions in homeland security, law enforcement, corrections and the judiciary. This course will explore the roles those holding these occupations play within their respective institutions and the federal system as a whole.
351. Selected Topics in Criminal Justice (2-4).
Topics of interest to faculty and students, may include juvenile treatment domestic violence and batterers treatment; probation, prison, and parole; women and crime; federal law enforcement and public administration; stress and crime.
360. Criminology and Prevention (3).
Introduction to major criminological theories and research, including fieldwork insights from criminals, prisoner stories, and ex-con academic criminologists. Application of criminological theory to design of crime prevention programs.
361. Police and Urban Society (3).
Issues in urban policing, including the history, organization, roles and styles of policing, the police subculture, patrol and investigative duties, community relations, discretion, corruption and accountability.
363. Corrections and Rehabilitation (3).
Introduces treatment and therapy modalities used in residential treatment for adjudicated youth, and in adult corrections. Exposure to U.S. prison system use of mass incarceration, roles of probation and parole, and reentry issues.
364. Drugs in American Society (3).
The history of drug use in the U.S.; types of drugs and their effects; medical and health perspectives; social control and legal aspects of drug use; the “legalization” debate; the social consequences of drug use; the period of the “war on drugs” and its effectiveness. Drug policy in the criminal justice system.
366. Criminal Law (3).
Introduce first year law school, American Court system, with focus on criminal law. Defense attorney’s role, burdens of proof, forms of evidence, criminal evidence and legal reasoning. Introductory research skills for briefing a case.
393. Criminal Procedure and the Courts (3).
Focuses on constitutional rights of criminal suspects and defendants during the investigation and litigation process. Explores structures and procedures within state and federal trial and appellate courts. Attention is given to the role of participants, relevant substantive and procedural law, implications of court decisions.
396. Constitutional Law I: Powers of Government (3).
Study of U.S. Supreme Court decisions that resolve struggles for power between the three branches of the federal government and between the federal and state governments. Consideration of such issues as the government’s authority to regulate drugs, the president’s commander-in-chief powers and the distinctions between federal and state court cases.
397. Constitutional Law II: Individual Liberties (3).
Study of U.S. Supreme Court decisions that determine the extent to which individual liberties are protected under the U.S. Constitution, with special attention given to civil rights issues. Will include explorations of the constitutional rights to due process, equal protection, to keep and bear arms and other issues.
398. First Amendment (3).
Uses major Supreme Court cases and other materials to explore all the constitutional rights afforded under the First Amendment. This course will include discourses on free speech theory, the interplay between a free press and democracy, and the extent to which religious institutions and government are constitutionally compatible.
401. Legal Research and Case Analysis (3).
This course offers pre-professional skills training in legal research, case analysis, and preparing legal memos and briefs. This training includes interpreting judicial opinions, briefing cases and learning how to use online legal libraries. This course will also include a substantive analysis of how law schools function and the expectations they place on incoming law students.
404. Issues in Homeland Security (3).
Focuses on national security agencies and issues, including cyber-crimes and terrorism. Special emphasis will be given to understanding the creation and operations of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
405. Issues in Prison Reform (3).
Explores controversial and topical issues in U.S. prisons. Special focus is given to exposing problems and studying proposed solutions regarding the quality and functionality of correctional institutions.