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Criminal Justice
CJUS 243 — Introduction to Criminal Justice. 3 hours.This introductory course examines the American criminal justice system from the commission of a crime to the release of the offender in the community. The focus of the course will be on the three main components of the system: law enforcement, the courts, and corrections. The nature and relationships of the various criminal justice agencies will be explored in detail, as well as major theoretical concepts, models, and perspectives. CJUS 273 — Criminology. 3 hours.The focus of this course is on the causation of crime and delinquency. Classical, biological, psychological, and sociological theories of crime causation will be explored, as well as violent, property, white-collar, organized, and public order crimes. An examination will also be made of the extent and measurement of crime, delinquency, and victimization. Prerequisite: CJUS 243. CJUS 293 — Criminal Law. 3 hours.An examination of the historical, constitutional, and legal principles applicable to substantive criminal law. This course will focus on an analysis of the definition of criminal law, elements of the major crimes, general principles of criminal responsibility, punishment, and the conditions or circumstances that may excuse an individual from criminal liability or mitigate the punishment. Legal reasoning, research, and case analysis will also be examined as well as the limitations of the criminal law. Prerequisite: CJUS 243 or permission of instructor. CJUS 316 — Corrections. 3 hours.This course is an examination of the people, systems, practices, policies, and problems of the correctional community, at the local, state, and federal levels. This course will include an analysis of the historical development of corrections, including community attitudes and resources, treatment programs, trends, and changes in the field, based on the philosophies of state and national governments. Various sentencing options, including the death penalty, will also be examined. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. CJUS 325 — Police and Society. 3 hours.This course will examine the philosophy, history, and agencies of law enforcement at the local, state, and federal levels. An analysis of the role and responsibilities of law enforcement in a democratic society will be investigated, as well as such contemporary issues as corruption and brutality. Prerequisite: CJUS 243 or permission of instructor. CJUS 331 — Basic Research and Statistics. 4 hours.Same as PSYC 331. CJUS 360 — Criminal Procedure. 3 hours.An examination of the historical, constitutional, and legal principles applicable to criminal procedure. This course will focus on the procedural aspects of the criminal law pertaining to police powers in connection with the laws of arrest, search and seizure, the exclusionary rule, civil liberties, eavesdropping, confessions, and related decision-making factors. Analysis of such precedent cases as Miranda v. Arizona, Terry v. Ohio, and Escobedo v. Illinois will also be pursued. Prerequisite: CJUS 243 or permission of the instructor. CJUS 370 — Criminalistics. 3 hours.This course focuses on crime scene investigation and evidence handling, from the initial crime scene assessment to the courtroom. The course begins with evidence gathering, and continues with an investigation into drugs, hairs and fibers, paints, patterns, fingerprints, firearms, blood and body fluids, and DNA. The course finishes with a look into forensic pathology, anthropology, entomology and engineering. Throughout the course, students will demonstrate proper handling procedure and experiment with laboratory techniques of identification. This class will include lecture and laboratory sessions. Prerequisite: CJUS 243 or permission of instructor. CJUS 380 — Fundamentals of Emergency Management. 3 hours.Same as SOWK 380. CJUS 394 — Juvenile Justice. 3 hours.This course focuses on the role of delinquent minors in the juvenile and criminal justice systems. This involves an examination of theories of juvenile delinquency and an examination of the problems of juveniles: family issues, economic issues, school issues, risk and protective factors in delinquency, juvenile rights and responsibilities, drugs, and gangs. Institutions and programs that serve juveniles will also be examined. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. CJUS 400 — Field Placement I. 6 hours.Limited to Criminal Justice majors in the senior year. Students are required to serve 270 hours of field experience in police, probation, correctional, or other criminal justice oriented agencies. The Criminal Justice Program Coordinator must approve specific placements. CJUS 405 — Field Placement II. 3-6 hours.This course must be taken during the senior year and is limited to Criminal Justice majors. Students will be required to serve 135–270 hours of field experience in police, probation, correctional, or other criminal justice-oriented agencies. The Criminal Justice field coordinator reserves the right to affirm or deny specific placements. This course will be taken after or in conjunction with CJUS 400. Prerequisite: senior status and permission of adviser. CJUS 440 — Special Topics in Criminal Justice. 3 hours.Contents of this course will vary as instructors present different developments, problems, issues, and controversies in the field of criminal justice. This course will only be offered periodically. Prerequisite: CJUS 243 or permission of instructor. |