300

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.

Students will explore the American juvenile justice system, focusing on understanding and empathy for youth who encounter it and examining the root causes of juvenile delinquency. Students will analyze child development theories and the role of institutions in shaping youth behavior. Students will analyze the role of race, class, ethnicity, gender, power, and privilege in shaping legal and social responses to delinquency. Students will critically assess the effectiveness of legal, social, and political strategies in addressing and preventing delinquency.

This course is a general introduction to research methods in criminal justice. Consideration is given to topics related to research methods that include, but are not limited to, qualitative and quantitative research, the application of research, ethics in research, research design, data gathering strategies, data analysis, and policy analysis as it relates to criminal justice. Pre-requisite(s): Admission to the Criminal Justice Program. Co-requisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours

Students will explore the sociological underpinnings of deviant behavior and their impact on the criminal justice system. They will examine the social construction of deviance, key theories of deviance, and varying definitions of what constitutes deviant behavior (criminal and non-criminal) to assess the interplay between social norms and criminal justice policies and practices. Additionally, students will apply their understanding of deviance to evaluate contemporary reform efforts and articulate a personal philosophy of professionalism, ethical behavior, and commitment to serving diverse communities.

This course is an examination of the of the criminal justice system from an ethical and professional perspective. It will explore ethical challenges of a civil society, the tensions found in the criminal justice system and the burden of discretion carried by it members. Topics include, but not limited to, meaning and value of ethics, ethical issues in criminal justice, discrimination in the criminal justice system, and the quest for professionalism. Prerequisite(s): CSJ 107 or permission of the Director. Co-requisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours

This course is an overview of the administration of criminal justice organizations Consideration is given to topics related to criminal justice administration that include, criminal justice administration that include, structures and functions, internal and external politics, ethics, human resource development, training, management and leadership. Also included are topics of organizational sub-cultures, diversity in the work place, unions, and problematic organizational issues. Prerequisite(s): CSJ 106 or permission of the Director. Co-requisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours

This course addresses the theory and practice of probation and parole in the criminal justice system. Consideration is given to topics related to probation and parole that include, but are not limited to, the origins of probation and parole, parole selection process, parole boards, violations and revocation of parole, parole supervision, diversions from incarceration, administration of probation services, effect of probation on offenders, the courts and corrections, and electronic monitoring. Prerequisite(s): CSJ 206, CSJ 208, CSJ 209 or permission of the Director. Co-requisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours