Independent reading and/or research under the supervision of a criminal justice faculty member. Refer to the academic policy section for independent study policy. Independent study contract is required. Prerequisite: 150. May be repeated for credit.

This course will introduce the major theoretical approaches to the study of criminology and the sociology of deviance. These perspectives are explored through a discussion of contemporary issues such as trends in offending and victimization, research on violent crime, property crime, public order crime, organized crime, and white-collar and corporate crime. Issues of unequal power, social division, and exclusion are also examined (e.g., age, gender, and social class etc.). (Equivalent to SOCL 351.)

This course is designed to give students an introduction to the field of juvenile justice. It will focus of the relationship between youth as victims and as offenders, the role of the juvenile justice system, delinquents' rights, and traditional and alternative ways of dealing with juvenile crime. It will briefly examine the social and etiological features of delinquency. (Equivalent to SOCL 364.) SJE

This course provides a basic overview of the American judicial system including types of law used in our judicial system, the actors in the courts and court procedures. Federal and state courts and the appellate process will be examined. The nature, variety and sources of criminal laws will be considered in relationship to theories of punishment and control including the creation, organization, and content of criminal law. Prerequisite: 150 or SOCL 150 or junior standing.

In this course, students will examine key scholarly ideas and concepts that shape the practice of community policing, and how these concepts apply in both criminal justice and community settings. The course will focus on community engagement methods, capacity building, needs assessment, and fostering resilience within communities. As part of their final project, students will identify specific community members and groups, analyze the relationship between police and community needs, and develop a project aimed at addressing those needs.

This course provides an historical and sociological examination of the models, practices and rationalizations for community based punishment and incarceration. It includes an overview of early punishment and modern day incarceration, treatment, reform, and rehabilitation of criminal offenders. The course explores the historical movement towards and away from mass incarceration to the development of probation and parole systems, de-incarceration, community corrections, and the control of criminal offenders within our society.

This course examines the role of victims and victimology in the criminal justice system. The course emphasizes the history, theories, and patterns of victimization across various crimes, including violent offenses, domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The psychological, social, legal ramifications, and support systems for victims will be examined. Special attention will be given to marginalized and vulnerable populations, along with advocacy efforts. Prerequisite: 150.

Courses on topics of interest to criminal justice students offered on the basis of need, interest, or timeliness. Prerequisite: 150. Restricted to students with junior standing or higher. May be repeated for credit. For specific section description, click to the Section Details in VitNet.