Criminal Justice (CJ) Course Listings

Introduces an overview of the various agencies involved in the administration of criminal justice, including local, state, and federal agencies as well as a history of police and corrections. Examines the Constitutional requirements, historical development of the system, processes and theories within the criminal justice system.

Prerequisite: None

Surveys the historical context, philosophical concepts, and major theories that have shaped corrections in the United States. Discusses sentencing options, correctional approaches and programs, the role of corrections in the larger criminal justice system, and contemporary correctional issues. Explores the effects of the corrections system on the individual, families, and society.

Prerequisite: ENGL& 101 or instructor permission

Covers the history and philosophy of juvenile justice in America and the impact of present societal and legal reforms on the juvenile justice system. Presents the various theories that support the creation, development, and continuance of juvenile justice systems, practices, and procedures in the United States.

Prerequisites: ENGL& 101

Introduces substantive criminal law including basic principles of criminal liability in crimes against persons and property, constitutional basics as applied to criminal laws, defenses and accomplice liability. Elements of specific crimes as seen within criminal statutes and basic criminal procedure illustrated in the legal system are covered as well as analysis of court decisions interpreting statutes. The sociological basis for changes in criminal law are also considered.

Prerequisites: ENGL& 101 with a grade of C or higher or instructor permission.

Surveys and examines the role of policing in American society. Theories, philosophy and practices are covered from historical and contemporary perspectives. Identifies challenges in law enforcement including the political, social, organizational, and legal environments where the police perform their roles.

Prerequisites: None Co-requisites: None

Introduces students to the history and evolution of the federal and state constitutional basis of law, how the court systems within the United States work separately and together, and how the various components and occupations within our legal system function. Sociological reasons for the development of our legal system are also explored.

Prerequisites: ENGL& 101 or instructor permission.

Covers the procedures of field note-taking, crime scene recording, preliminary investigation methods for writing law enforcement reports and fundamentals of police record systems. Prepares the student to write effective and concise reports, using observation, note-taking and excellent writing skills.

Prerequisites: ENGL& 101 with a grade of C or higher or instructor permission.

Introduces students to the history, evolution, components and function of criminal procedure in the United States courts, from arrest through the appeals process, and touching on victim's rights. Gives students a perspective of the complexities and intricacies of criminal procedure and punishment in light of sociological norms and change, the U.S. Constitution, state and federal statutes, rules and practice.

Prerequisites: ENGL& 101 or instructor permission

Provides a basic multidisciplinary understanding of what a mental disorder/illness is and how to help a person experiencing a mental health crisis. De-escalation and communication techniques specific to professions such as education, medicine, and law enforcement - anyone who may encounter persons experiencing a mental health crisis - will be the focus of lecture and group discussions.

Prerequisites: None

Studies collection and preservation of physical evidence, scientific aids, modus operandi, and crime scene search and includes examination of physical evidence and evaluation of findings in terms of legal questions involved. Surveys problems relating to homicide, drugs, arson, and burglary.

Prerequisite: CJ 180 Report Writing for Law Enforcement

Provides work-based learning experience in a specific program of study. Individualized student outcomes are developed, focusing on behaviors that contribute to workplace success.

Prerequisites: Instructor or Cooperative Education Coordinator permission Concurrent requirements: COLL 289 or BUS 294 must be taken prior to or concurrent with this course.

Offers individualized learning opportunities for knowledge or skill development. Content and expectations are established between the student and instructor, and documented in an Independent Study contract.

Prerequisites: By instructor permission only.