200

Students will examine theories of crime to explore crime causation, understand crime patterns, and evaluate crime trends. The course will explore crime typology and measurement procedures, crime data, theory and theoretical explanations of criminal behavior (including biological, social, psychological and environmental theories), crime victims, public policy implications, and societal responses to crime and criminals. Prerequisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours

In this course, students examine the purpose, structure, and functions of criminal law in Illinois and the United States, with an emphasis on the elements necessary to establish a crime and criminal intent. Students review the sources of criminal law; types of and defenses to crimes; attempts and conspiracy to commit a crime; laws of arrest; laws of search and seizure; and civil transgressions that may have criminal implications. Pre-requisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 4 quarter hours

Students will examine the historical development of corrections in America. An overview of correctional policies, goals, structure, operations of correctional (prisons/jails), sentencing trends, probation and parole, inmate life, and other community correctional programs will be explored. The overrepresentation of ethnic minorities, mass incarceration, and reform measures will be examined. Prerequisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours

This course is a general overview of the American court system and its relationship to criminal justice. It considers processes, procedures, alternatives to trial, issues involving the courts, and the professionals involved. Students discuss topics related to courts and criminal justice such as trials, juries, sentencing, appeals, differential treatment, and wrongful convictions. Pre-requisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours

Students will examine constitutional law as it relates to criminal justice issues. A historical overview of the U.S. Constitution will be covered along with how the Constitution works in the adjudication process, and the role of the U.S. Supreme Court. The First, Second, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments will be emphasized. The course also examines how the Constitution protects the rights of the accused as well as the rights of law-abiding citizens. Pre-requisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours

This course addresses the challenge of maintaining a meaningful relationship between society and the police while living in an environment of rapid change. Students explore community policing topics such as police-community relations, public relations, community policing theories, communications, the changing role of police in society, police discretion, conflict management, and policing special populations. Pre-requisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours

This course is a study of the police organization and its complexity. It examines how the police organization functions in relation to the social networks that help to define it, its structural complexity, structural control and administrative control structures, the degree to which rules and policies are formalized, and centralization of decision making. Students also explore contextual factors such as leadership, politics, geographical location, age of the organization and its environment, and their influence on the complexity of the police organization. Pre-requisite(s): CSJ 106; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours

In this course, students will examine 20th and 21st century mass media and ways in which it shapes and distorts public understanding of fundamental issues related to criminal justice, including the role of prejudice and inequality on depictions of crime and the people and institutions involved. Students will gain knowledge and awareness of the media’s influence on the way people think about crime, and the subsequent impact on public opinion and policy, and not only take steps to consume media critically, but also consider ways this interplay can be improved in order to benefit the communities in which students live and the communities and fields in which they will work as future professionals. Pre-requisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours

The juvenile justice system in the United States is examined from a perspective that involves both history of the system and the philosophical approach of society today. Major topics include arrest, interaction with police, detention before and after trial, court procedures, and corrections. Post correction or alternative opportunities such as training schools and camps, community-based networks, parole, release and recidivism will also be examined. Prerequisite(s): CSJ 106 or permission of director 5 QH

This course explores biological and chemical concepts in forensic science and reviews their application in questions of evidence and law. Evidence procedures and forensic technology are addressed. Prerequisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours