University Catalog

CRCJ 2334. INTRODUCTION TO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. 3 Hours. (TCCN = CRIJ 1301)

An overview of the entire criminal justice system; history and development, law enforcement, prosecution and defense, courts and trial processes, and corrections. Formerly CRCJ 3334; credit will not be granted for both CRCJ 3334 and CRCJ 2334.

CRCJ 2335. ETHICS AND THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. 3 Hours.

An examination of ethical issues confronted by criminal justice personnel and organizations. The course explores the standards and professional responsibilities of criminal justice practitioners, including law enforcement officers, officers of the courts, and juvenile and corrections officials.

CRCJ 2340. CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION. 3 Hours. (TCCN = CRIJ 2314)

Fundamentals of criminal investigation, including theory and history, conduct at crime scenes, sources of information, collection and preservation of evidence, case and trial preparation. Formerly CRCJ 2314; credit will be given for CRCJ 2340 or CRCJ 2314, but not both.

CRCJ 2350. INTRODUCTION TO LAW ENFORCEMENT. 3 Hours.

An overview of the historical and organizational development of police systems. Emphasis is placed on the function and organizational structure of law enforcement agencies and how these agencies interface with other components of the criminal justice system.

CRCJ 3300. THEORETICAL CRIMINOLOGY. 3 Hours.

The methodological and theoretical perspectives of the social and biological sciences as integrated into the criminal justice system.

CRCJ 3307. INTRODUCTION TO SECURITY SYSTEMS. 3 Hours.

Historical development of private security, its form and practice in modern society. Emphasis on three major divisions within the field: industrial, commercial and governmental security organizations and issues.

CRCJ 3310. PROFESSIONAL WRITING FOR CRCJ MAJORS. 3 Hours.

Designed to develop or enhance skills in varied writing styles used in the study of criminology and criminal justice. Legal, technical, and academic writing requirements are presented with emphasis on purpose, form and content. Specific focus is on technical reports for law enforcement agencies, legal research, field investigations, as well as proper citation and reference style. Open to CRCJ majors or minors only.

CRCJ 3320. CYBERCRIME. 3 Hours.

The course presents a conceptual overview of cybercrime and information security. Topics include: history of cybercrime, cybercrime techniques, cyberterrorism, forensics, and information security fundamentals.

CRCJ 3330. FUNDAMENTALS OF LAW. 3 Hours.

This course introduces students to areas of the law that affect the daily lives of U.S. residents. Emphasis is on fundamental criminal law and constitutional law principles which provide a platform for consideration of important public policy issues concerning crime, discrimination, health care, and immigration.

CRCJ 3336. POLICE MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION. 3 Hours.

Examines the principles of administration, management, politics and leadership with emphasis on their applicability to police planning, organization, direction, control and personnel management.

CRCJ 3337. ADVANCED CRIMINAL PROCEDURE. 3 Hours.

The processes involved in the criminal justice system; the rules of evidence; the laws of arrest, search and seizure; and the judicial process from offense to conviction.

CRCJ 3338. JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEMS. 3 Hours.

Organization, processes, and functions of the juvenile justice system in the United States, its historical antecedents, and contemporary challenges. Consideration also given to sociopolitical factors in juvenile justice decision-making.

CRCJ 3340. CRIMINAL JUSTICE STATISTICS. 3 Hours.

An introduction to basic concepts and techniques necessary for a preliminary and proficient understanding of criminal justice research. Focus is on analyzing and interpreting research findings including types of data, central tendency, and both descriptive and inferential statistics. Prerequisite: CRCJ 2334 and CRCJ 3350 or equivalent.

CRCJ 3350. INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH METHODS IN CRIMINOLOGY AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE. 3 Hours.

This course introduces students to the research methodology used in criminological research. Emphasis is on the development of a general understanding of why and how research can be and is conducted in the field of criminology and criminal justice. Other dimensions of research are discussed including the nature of scientific thought, the link between research methods and criminological theory, and the various ethical issues concerning research in the field of criminology.

CRCJ 3370. INTRODUCTION TO FORENSICS. 3 Hours.

This course provides an overview of forensic science. Emphasis is on crime scene investigation, physical evidence, organic and inorganic analysis, forensic toxicology and use of DNA in investigations.

CRCJ 3371. CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION. 3 Hours.

Provides an in-depth examination of the principles of crime scene investigation. Aspects of forensic crime scene investigation from receiving the call, arriving at the scene, processing of the scene, evidence collection, and safety protocols are examined from scientific, procedural, and legal perspectives. In addition, the tools, techniques, and protocols necessary to perform systematic and thorough crime scene investigation will be presented. Prerequisite: CRCJ 3370.

CRCJ 3380. RACE, CRIME, AND JUSTICE. 3 Hours.

An examination of race in the context of the criminal justice system. Emphasis is on social construction of crime; and the treatment of racial minorities as victims and offenders by law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Offered as CRCJ 3380 and MAS 3380; credit will be granted only once. Offered as AAST 3380 and CRCJ 3380; credit will be granted in only one department.

CRCJ 3385. WOMEN AND CRIME. 3 Hours.

This course examines criminology and criminal justice issues as they relate specifically to women. The three major areas of coverage include (1) women and girls as victims of crime, (2) women and girls as criminal offenders; and (3) women working in the criminal justice system. Offered as DIVR 3385, CRCJ 3385 and WOMS 3385; credit will be granted only once.

CRCJ 3390. VICTIMOLOGY. 3 Hours.

The relationship between victims of crime and the criminal justice system. Includes an analysis of the characteristics of crime victims, victim reporting and nonreporting patterns, treatment of victims by the various segments of the criminal justice system, victim assistance programs, and the issue of compensation and/or restitution for victims of crime.

CRCJ 3395. DRUG USE AND ABUSE. 3 Hours.

An examination of the description, classification, and analysis of the problem of illegal drug use. Focus is on current drug policies in the United States, and a comparison of worldwide drug policies, and critical analysis of each.

CRCJ 4191. CONFERENCE COURSE. 1 Hour.

Directed individual study; research and study on a topic agreed upon by instructor and student. No more than six hours credit will be granted for conference courses in criminal justice. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

CRCJ 4291. CONFERENCE COURSE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE. 2 Hours.

Directed individual study; research and study on a topic agreed upon by instructor and student. No more than six hours credit will be granted for conference courses in criminal justice. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

CRCJ 4301. THE AMERICAN JUDICIAL SYSTEM. 3 Hours.

Federal, state, and local judicial systems, with special emphasis on state trial courts having criminal jurisdiction. Court structure and function, court management, and judicial behavior.

CRCJ 4309. PRIVATE SECURITY ADMINISTRATION. 3 Hours.

The essentials of governmental and proprietary security development and program planning; including personnel recruitment and training, developing and conducting security audits, records and information protection, and general applications of modern management techniques to security organization. Prerequisite: CRCJ 3307.

CRCJ 4315. CRIMINAL CAREERS AND BEHAVIOR SYSTEMS. 3 Hours.

Study and analysis of criminal syndicates, corporate crime, computer crime, criminal corporations, organized crime, and transnational criminal operations.

CRCJ 4325. GANGS. 3 Hours.

An examination of historical and contemporary street and correctional institutional gangs. Addresses the nature and definition of gangs, types and diversity of membership of gangs, theoretical explanations, criminal and deviant behavior, law enforcement responses, intervention and prevention strategies, and public policy issues.

CRCJ 4332. COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS. 3 Hours.

Evaluation of practices, issues, and trends in community corrections. Emphasis is on the de-institutionalization movement, probation, parole, intermediate punishments, and other community alternatives to incarceration.

CRCJ 4333. INSTITUTIONAL CORRECTIONS. 3 Hours.

Examination and evaluation of practices, issues, and trends in institutional corrections. Emphasis is on administration, organization, and effectiveness of incarceration.

CRCJ 4340. FORENSIC DEATH INVESTIGATION. 3 Hours.

An exploration of death investigations including an overview of protocols utilized to investigate a death as well as autopsy perspectives. Focus is on the numerous causes of death and the working relationship of police investigators, death investigators, forensic pathologists, and forensic laboratories. Prerequisite: CRCJ 3370.

CRCJ 4341. FORENSIC EXAMINATION OF IMPRESSION EVIDENCE. 3 Hours.

Explores how impression evidence is formed, how to collect and enhance impression evidence and how to compare this type of evidence. The student will also learn how impression evidence is presented and utilized in a courtroom setting. Prerequisites: CRCJ 3370 and CRCJ 3371 or permission of the instructor.

CRCJ 4342. FORENSIC HAIR AND FIBER IDENTIFICATION. 3 Hours.

Introduces the student to forensic hair and fiber examination by microscopy, including the presentation of the techniques, skills, and limitations of the hair and fiber examiner in a modern crime laboratory setting. Collection techniques utilized at the crime scene and from items of evidence will also be examined. The impact of these techniques on the criminal justice system, in particular the court system, will be explored. Prerequisite: CRCJ 3370 or permission of the instructor.

CRCJ 4343. FORENSIC EXPERT TESTIMONY. 3 Hours.

Survey of the techniques for providing testimony as an expert witness in a court of law, including proper physical appearance, demeanor, qualifications, presentation of evidence, offering opinion, and ethics of providing testimony. Prerequisite: CRCJ 3370.

CRCJ 4345. CRIME AND THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IN THE MEDIA. 3 Hours.

An examination of crime and the criminal justice system as depicted in the media; special emphasis on the roles of the media in influencing individual and societal perceptions of, and reactions to, crime and the criminal justice system.

CRCJ 4352. TERRORISM AND MASS VIOLENCE. 3 Hours.

Examination of historic and current trends in civil disruption from domestic/international perspectives. Considers literature and philosophical basis of political terrorism; costs of terrorism; future trends and deterrence by civil or military intervention. Formerly CRCJ 3352; credit will not be granted for both CRCJ 4352 and CRCJ 3352.

CRCJ 4355. ORGANIZED CRIME: NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL. 3 Hours.

An examination of organized crime in the United States and internationally, including history, development, ethnic links, impact upon society and the economy, and international cooperation aimed at eradicating the occurrence and proliferation of this form of criminality.

CRCJ 4365. CAPITAL PUNISHMENT. 3 Hours.

An examination of historic and current trends in capital punishment. Considers the literature and philosophical basis of capital punishment, the costs of capital punishment, and future trends of capital punishment. Provides an in-depth examination of capital punishment from a criminal justice policy perspective.

CRCJ 4380. COMPARATIVE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEMS. 3 Hours.

An overview of criminal justice systems in other countries. Includes an intensive study and analysis of materials on their law enforcement, judicial, and corrections components; review of comparative studies on a variety of criminal justice topics.

CRCJ 4386. TOPICS IN CORRECTIONS. 3 Hours.

May be repeated for credit as the topics vary, but credit will not be granted for more than 12 semester hours of CRCJ-prefix topics courses without permission of advisor.

CRCJ 4387. TOPICS IN CRIME AND CRIMINOLOGY. 3 Hours.

May be repeated for credit as the topics vary, but credit will not be granted for more than 12 semester hours of CRCJ-prefix topics courses without permission of advisor.

CRCJ 4388. TOPICS IN LAW AND JUDICIAL PROCESSES. 3 Hours.

May be repeated for credit as the topics vary, but credit will not be granted for more than 12 semester hours of CRCJ-prefix topics courses without permission of advisor.

CRCJ 4389. TOPICS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PRIVATE SECURITY. 3 Hours.

May be repeated for credit as the topics vary, but credit will not be granted for more than 12 semester hours of CRCJ-prefix topics courses without permission of advisor.

CRCJ 4390. INTERNSHIP IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE. 3 Hours.

Provides the student with an opportunity to apply academic experience to practical situations by serving for a specified number of hours as participant-observer in a criminal justice agency. May be taken for a total of six semester hours. Internships must be arranged with internship supervisor in the semester prior to enrolling for this course. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

CRCJ 4391. CONFERENCE COURSE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE. 3 Hours.

Directed individual study; research and study on a topic agreed upon by instructor and student. No more than six hours credit will be granted for conference courses in criminal justice. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

CRCJ 4394. HONORS THESIS/SENIOR PROJECT. 3 Hours.

Required of all students in the University Honors College. During the senior year, the student must complete a thesis or a project under the direction of a faculty member in the major department.

CRCJ 5196. CONFERENCE COURSE CRJU. 1 Hour.

CRCJ 5301. PROSEMINAR IN CRIMINOLOGY AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE. 3 Hours.

This course is a comprehensive introduction to the discipline, with particular emphasis on the specialties of department faculty, academic research, and writing style. Classic and contemporary literature will be used to examine criminal behavior and the structure, function, operation, and interaction of the criminal justice system components as well as current practices and future trends in criminology and criminal justice.

CRCJ 5309. RESEARCH METHODS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE. 3 Hours.

Examination of research methodology in criminal justice. Special emphasis on methods and techniques for conducting research in criminal justice, including a review of problems encountered in sampling and survey research, field research, public policy implementation, and program evaluation.

CRCJ 5310. STATISTICS & RESEARCH PRACTICES IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE. 3 Hours.

Advanced methods and techniques of research and research design in criminology and criminal justice. Course will cover pure and applied research and expose students to contemporary methodological and analytical issues. Students will be instructed on the use of existing CRCJ databases as well as the collection of new data and particular aspects of SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software) and advanced data analysis. Prerequisite: CRCJ 5309 or equivalent.

CRCJ 5318. CRIMINAL JUSTICE PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION. 3 Hours.

Personnel administration and management in criminal justice agencies and institutions; analyzes functions of recruitment, selection, hiring, placement, evaluation, dismissal, benefits systems, minority recruitment, training, education, promotion, career development, and retirement.

CRCJ 5319. ISSUES IN POLICING. 3 Hours.

In-depth analysis of historical, current, and future issues in policing and police administration. Emphasis will be placed on the role of police in society, police-citizen relationships, and empirical evaluations of police effectiveness, police behavior, and programs and strategies.

CRCJ 5327. CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. 3 Hours.

Examination of a variety of legal issues critical to a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the criminal justice system. Special attention is given to contemporary constitutional issues and court decisions and their impact on the criminal justice process.

CRCJ 5332. CORRECTIONAL THEORY AND PRACTICE. 3 Hours.

Examination of social, psychological, political, and historical bases of interventions in the control and disposition of offenders. Emphasis on contemporary policies, practices, and problems in institutional, semi-institutional, and community-based corrections.

CRCJ 5342. ETHICS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE. 3 Hours.

This course focuses on the ethical decisions and dilemmas encountered in the criminal justice system. Topics covered include criteria for ethical decision making, professional codes of ethics, and ethical and legal dilemmas faced by criminal justice professionals.

CRCJ 5350. THEORETICAL CRIMINOLOGY. 3 Hours.

Explores the etiology of crime, theory development and crime causation. Emphasis is on theoretical perspectives and policy implementation.

CRCJ 5351. TERRORISM AND CRIME. 3 Hours.

This course examines the origins, nature, and operational characteristics of terrorist groups. Students are exposed to topics ranging from the definition of "terrorism" to the unique characteristics of terrorist cells in the United States and abroad. Particular emphasis is on historical and contemporary terrorist attacks against the United States.

CRCJ 5352. WOMEN, CRIME & CRIMINAL JUSTICE. 3 Hours.

A summary of issues related to women as criminal offenders, victims of crime, and professionals in the criminal justice system. The course focuses on crimes women are most likely to commit and/or be processed through the criminal justice system for, the punishment of female offenders, the types of victimizations most often experienced by women, and employment issues unique to women employed in the criminal justice system. While the main emphasis of the course will be on the experiences of women in the U.S., attention will also be given to women on a global scale.

CRCJ 5353. CRIMINAL JUSTICE ORGANIZATIONAL THEORY & MANAGEMENT THOUGHT. 3 Hours.

An examination of organizational theory with specific application to the operation and management of criminal justice agencies. The historical precedents and emergence of contemporary perspectives are presented with their implication for effective functioning of the criminal justice system.

CRCJ 5354. COMPARATIVE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEMS. 3 Hours.

This course is an overview of crime, criminal behavior, and criminal justice systems throughout the world. This course includes an intensive study and analysis of materials on law enforcement, judicial, and corrections components; a review of comparative studies on a variety of criminal justice topics; and a basic worldwide understanding of philosophies of law and justice. This is a global learning course.

CRCJ 5360. RACE, CRIME JUSTICE & THE LAW. 3 Hours.

This course explores the role of race and ethnicity within the juvenile and criminal justice system. Emphasis is on the social construction of crime, racial and ethnic inequalities, the law and policies/practices that impact blacks and other racial minorities.

CRCJ 5364. CRIME AND THE MEDIA. 3 Hours.

Utilizing a social constructionist perspective, the course examines the mass media¿s role in engendering and cultivating American society¿s perception of crime. This course examines factors influencing the social reality of crime, and attempts to deconstruct perceptions of crime-related mass media events.

CRCJ 5366. JUVENILE DELINQUENCY AND JUVENILE CORRECTIONS. 3 Hours.

Correctional modes are discussed and applied to juvenile offenders. Theoretic approaches to causation, modification, and control of delinquent behaviors are presented, and policy implications and limitations are discussed. Historical and contemporary perspectives and approaches are presented in the context of evolving and emerging practices and procedures.

CRCJ 5370. PRACTICUM. 3 Hours.

Professional or pre-professional experience in a criminal justice related agency or institution with the approval and direction of the student's supervising professor; intended for non-thesis option students who do not have professional experience related to criminal justice.

CRCJ 5380. CRIMINAL JUSTICE SEMINAR. 3 Hours.

Synthesis course for advanced graduate students. Special emphasis on examination of constructs of crime/criminals, justice and systems. Requires individual research in area of particular concern to student.

CRCJ 5381. CRIME & PUBLIC POLICY. 3 Hours.

This course addresses crime and criminal justice policy. Emphasis is on the examination of media and political forces that shape criminal justice responses and policy initiatives. In the context of theoretical paradigms, the impact of race, class, economics, and gender on development of criminal justice public policy is examined.

CRCJ 5382. COMPREHENSIVE ISSUES IN CRIME AND JUSTICE. 3 Hours.

An advanced course covering a broad array of issues related to criminology, crime, and the justice system. This course is designed to review topics related to the comprehensive examination.

CRCJ 5393. TOPICS IN CRIME AND CRIMINOLOGY. 3 Hours.

May be repeated for credit as the topic changes.

CRCJ 5394. TOPICS IN JUSTICE ISSUES. 3 Hours.

May be repeated for credit as the topic changes.

CRCJ 5396. CONFERENCE COURSE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE. 3 Hours.

Reading and research in a specialized area of criminal justice under the direction of a member of the graduate faculty.

CRCJ 5398. THESIS. 3 Hours.

CRCJ 5698. THESIS. 6 Hours.