CJ 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice
A survey of the American Criminal Justice System as a socio-political
institution. The police, criminal courts, and correctional and rehabilitative
endeavors will be analyzed within the framework of empirical research from the
perspectives of the social sciences. Required of all first-year students in the
Criminal Justice major.
Offered every
year. 3 Credits.
CJ 121 Theories of Crime
Prerequisite: CJ 101
An exploration of prominent theories of crime causation, ranging from
biological, psychological, sociological, and cultural explanations. Theories are
compared and contrasted and implications are discussed as foundations for
criminal justice system policy.
3
Credits.
CJ 193 Special Topics in Criminal Justice for First-year Students
All "193" classes are approved for LASC but may vary by section. See current
course listing for specific
LASC area approval.
Introductory level course covering topics of special
interest to first-year students. Offered only as a First-year Seminar.
Offered every year. 3 credits.
CJ 201 Law Enforcement and Society
Prerequisites: CJ 101 or its equivalent
The structure and function of law enforcement agencies in contemporary society
will be analyzed in their sociological context. Particular emphasis will be
placed on the role of the police within the framework of the Criminal Justice
System.
Offered every year. 3 Credits.
CJ 202 Introduction to Corrections
Prerequisite: CJ 101 or its equivalent.
An in-depth examination of the American Correctional System. Traditional
punitive measures will be analyzed in relation to current reintegration
alternatives.
Offered every year. 3
credits.
CJ 205 American Judicial System
Prerequisite: CJ 101 or its equivalent.
An examination of the development of law and the American legal system,
including the problems related to the meaning and uses of law; the
organizational hierarchy of the courts; and the role of the courts in the
criminal justice system.
Offered every
year. 3 credits.
CJ 301 Juvenile Procedure
Prerequisites: CJ 101, CJ 201, CJ 202, CJ 205, or their equivalent.
An examination of the underlying philosophy of juvenile justice and procedures
used to process a juvenile alleged to be delinquent through the juvenile justice
system. The course will focus on the differences between juvenile procedure and
adult criminal procedure by examining recent court decisions and statutory law
pertaining to juveniles.
3 credits.
CJ 302 Criminal Law
Prerequisite: CJ 101, CJ 201, CJ 202, CJ 205, or their equivalent.
The function of criminal law and its relationship to various criminal offenses,
including crimes against persons and crimes against property.
3 credits.
CJ 303 Patterns of Criminality
Prerequisites: CJ 101, CJ 201, CJ 202, CJ 205, or their equivalent.
The U. S. Department of Justice Index Crimes will be studied along with other
crimes; which will be selected on the basis of their contemporary administrative
significance and their effect on the criminal justice system in particular.
3 credits.
CJ 304 Prevention and Control
Prerequisites: CJ 101, CJ 201, CJ 202, CJ 205, or their equivalent.
An in-depth examination of the criminal justice system and the efforts it has
exerted in an attempt to prevent and control criminal behavior. Course will
focus on the traditional methods including probation and parole as well as
recent trends in crime control and prevention: the utilization of community
based treatment programs and attempts by many criminal justice agencies to avoid
the processing of individuals through the system.
3 credits.
CJ 305 Principles of Evidence and Proof
Prerequisites: CJ 101, CJ 201, CJ 202, CJ 205, or their equivalent.
The study of the different types of evidence, relevance, the hearsay rule and
its exceptions, impeachment and cross-examination and privileged communications.
3 credits.
CJ 306 Contemporary Problems in Corrections
Prerequisites: CJ 101, CJ 201, CJ 202, CJ 205, or their equivalent.
An intensive analysis of selected problems in institutional and community
corrections.
3 credits.
CJ 307 Contemporary Problems in Law Enforcement
Prerequisites: CJ 101, CJ 201, CJ 202, CJ 205, or their equivalent.
An intensive analysis of selected problems in American law enforcement and
police-community relations. A major research paper is required.
3 credits.
CJ 308 Rights of the Convicted
Prerequisites: CJ 101, CJ 201, CJ 202, CJ 205, or their equivalent.
An examination of the legal rights of the individual who has been convicted of a
crime. This lecture course will focus specifically on both federal and state
laws and court decisions dealing with the legal rights of probationers, confined
prisoners, and parolees in the American criminal justice system.
3 credits.
CJ 309 Principles of Criminal Investigation
Prerequisites: CJ 101, CJ 201, CJ 202, CJ 205, or their equivalent.
The science of investigation of crimes, laboratory techniques, interpretation of
data, and elements of specific crimes.
3 credits.
CJ 310 Organized and White Collar Crime
Prerequisites: CJ 101, CJ 201, CJ 202, CJ 205, or their equivalent.
The methods through which organized crime influences and, in many instances,
controls entire communities. Traditional types of crime heavily influenced by
organized crime, such as loan sharking and gambling, will be analyzed in an
effort to demonstrate the basis of power and wealth of organized crime in the
United States.
3 credits.
CJ 311 Victimology
Prerequisites: CJ 101, CJ 201, CJ 202, CJ 205, or their equivalent.
Criminal-victim relationships, with emphasis on victim-precipitated crimes and
compensation to the victims. Consideration is given to: concept and significance
of victimology; time, space, sex, age, and occupational factors in
criminal-victim relationships; victims of murder, rape, other violent crimes and
property crimes; victim typology; the public as victim; restitution and
compensation to victims.
3 credits.
CJ 312 Women and the Law
Prerequisites: CJ 101, CJ 201, CJ 202, CJ 205, or their equivalent.
An examination of the female and her involvement with the legal processes in the
United States. Attention will be focused on the female as the offender and as
the victim. Analysis of the various theoretical approaches to understanding the
female offender will be presented in addition to an exploration of the recent
literature on the female and the criminal justice system.
3 credits.
CJ 313 Quantitative Methods in Criminal Justice
Prerequisites: CJ 331 or its equivalent.
Examines the relationship and application of statistical techniques to theory
building and concept construction. Gives an overview of statistical methods and
their appropriateness for research in criminal justice. In addition, various
computer-oriented analytical tools and data processing systems available to the
criminal justice practitioner will be surveyed.
3 credits.
CJ 314 Seminar on Offender Rehabilitation
Prerequisites: CJ 101, CJ 201, CJ 202, CJ 205, or their equivalent.
The “nothing works” doctrine generated by the controversial Martinson Report has
resulted in considerable confusion regarding the effectiveness of corrections
programs designed to elicit specific behavioral changes on the part of the
correctional client. This course will thoroughly examine the debate surrounding
the “nothing works” doctrine and present those methods of rehabilitation that
have proven effective in the treatment of offenders. Probation, parole and
programs for the incarcerated offender will be the primary focus of this course.
3 credits.
CJ 315 Stress and the Criminal Justice System
Prerequisites: CJ 101, CJ 201, CJ 202, CJ 205, or their equivalent.
An intensive examination of the interpersonal stresses indigenous to Criminal
Justice practitioners. Stress management within Criminal Justice organizations
will be considered in terms of the administrative and functional problems
encountered. Special attention will be given to the criminal justice environment
which deals with social service and control on a twenty-four hour basis.
3 credits.
CJ 316 Civil Liabilities of Criminal Justice Professionals
Prerequisites: CJ 101, CJ 201, CJ 202, CJ 205, or their equivalent.
The civil liability for harm inflicted on another. Topics to be considered will
include: intentional torts such as assault, battery, and false imprisonment;
negligence; torts of strict liability; libel, slander and defamation; liability
of owners and occupiers of land; and the liability of state and federal
employees for harm caused in their respective professional capacities.
3 credits.
CJ 317 Evolution of American Law Enforcement
Prerequisites: CJ 101, CJ 201, CJ 202, CJ 205, or their equivalent.
A critical analysis of the contemporary American law enforcement establishment
in relation to the evolutionary forces that have contributed to its development.
Excepting modern technology, the law enforcement function tends to run in
predictable cycles. Traditional in origin, these cyclical phenomena may be
observed in the patters of older societies. Reflections of the past are deemed
vital to a more objective and well-rounded perception of current issues.
3 credits.
CJ 319 Economic Crime
Prerequisites: CJ 101, CJ 201, CJ 202, CJ 205, or their equivalent.
The manner in which professionals in business are able to manipulate and control
computer systems and engage in various types of while collar crime will be
examined. Emphasis will be placed on consumer and computer fraud, embezzlement,
and particular attention will be focused on corporate crime and on the criminal
justice system's attempts to identify, prevent, and control it.
3 credits.
CJ 320 Criminal Procedure: Fourth Amendment Rights of the Accused
Prerequisites: CJ 205, or its equivalent; or permission of the instructor.
A study of due process, the exclusionary rule, and the legal problems associated
with arrests, searches, and seizures.
3 credits.
CJ 321 Criminal Procedure: Fifth and Sixth Amendment
Prerequisite: CJ 205, or its equivalent; or permission of the instructor.
A study of the legal problems associated with interrogations, confessions,
entrapment, lineups and wiretapping and electronic surveillance.
3 credits.
CJ 322 Youth Gangs
Prerequisite: Junior standing
This course will offer an in-depth study of youth gangs in the United States.
Topics to be examined include various theories of gang formation, group
dynamics, and individual factors associated with gang membership. Attention will
also be given to the different types of gangs that exist. Given these dynamics,
the final portion of the course will focus on prevention and intervention
efforts aimed at reducing gang behavior.
3 Credits.
CJ 323 Religion and Crime in Contemporary America
This course will serve as an introduction to issues related to religion and the
criminal justice system. Topics will include the religious origins of the legal
and correctional systems, religion and contemporary law, religion in prison and
corrections, hate crimes and terrorism.
3 Credits.
CJ 324 Restorative Community Justice
Prerequisite: Junior standing
Restorative Community Justice is based on a new vision of criminal justice that
stresses offender reintegration through offender accountability. Rather than
simply a legal violation, crime is viewed as a breach in the relationship
between the offender and the victim, and also the offender and the community. To
the greatest degree possible, resolution should rest in the hands of those most
directly involved, with the state mediating the conflict. This course will
explore the philosophy of restorative justice, and current practices of
victim-offender mediation, where the offender is required to directly confront
the person(s) harmed, and the victim is given a real voice. It will examine how
offenses can be resolved in ways that are positive and constructive for victims,
communities, and also for offenders. The student will develop an understanding
of the basic tenets of restorative justice, and also knowledge of how this
concept is being applied in criminal justice practices in the U.S. and
internationally.
3 Credits.
CJ 325 Capital Punishment
This course focuses on capital punishment law, particularly United States
Supreme Court decisions addressing constitutional issues relevant to the death
penalty. Students also will explore empirical, penological, political, and moral
issues related to the death penalty and its administration.
3 Credits.
CJ 326 Planned Change in Criminal Justice
Prerequisite: Junior standing
This course is designed to acquaint students with general theories of planned
change at the individual, organizational, and community levels. Special
attention will be given to the need for employee involvement and collaboration
in working toward organizational goals, with reference to concepts such as
reinventing government and total quality management. The emphasis will be on
applied theory. Students will be expected to develop their own ideas for change
in the fields of policing, courts, or corrections. They would then be required
to consider the resistances that would likely arise as their changes are
introduced, and how they should best be dealt with, considering planned change
theories from the course.
3 Credits.
CJ 327 Race, Ethnicity, and Criminal Justice
Prerequisites: CJ205
An examination of the issues of race and ethnicity which continue to affect all
aspects of criminal justice in America. Whether as offenders, victims, or as
persons working (or seeking to work) within the system, African Americans,
Hispanics, and other minorities are treated differently than non-minorities.
This course explores the core concepts of race and ethnicity as they have
developed in our culture, and examines the evidence for and against various
forms of racism and discrimination in key institutions of the criminal justice
system. The nature and status of constitutional, statutory, and other remedies
are also explored.
3 Credits.
CJ 328 Computer Application in Crime Analysis
This course is designed to examine developments in information systems and their
applications in the crime analysis environment. Particular attention will be
given to management and analysis of crime-related data as well as an assessment
of current and future applications in crime analysis. Previous computer
experience is not required.
3 Credits.
CJ 329 Crime and the Media
The course will deal with issues related to the mass media and crime in society.
The increasing importance of the mass media in shaping peoples perception of and
attitudes toward the criminal justice system will be focused on. Other topics
will include the media as a cause and cure for crime, biases in the media
coverage, the effects of the media on criminal proceedings and crime on
television and films.
3 Credits.
CJ 330 Criminal Justice Administration
Prerequisites: CJ 101, CJ 201, CJ 202, CJ 205, or their equivalent.
An examination of organizational theory and its applications within criminal
justice agencies. Consideration of the principles of organization and methods
adopted by progressive agencies to insure effective criminal justice service to
the community will be reviewed.
3
credits.
CJ 331 Research Methods in Criminal Justice
Prerequisites: CJ 101, CJ 201, CJ 202, CJ 205, or their equivalent.
An introduction to scientific methodology as related to criminal justice. The
course will focus on the development of hypotheses, data collection, data
analysis and hypothesis verification. Attention is also given to basic
statistical techniques appropriate for criminal justice research.
Offered every year. 3 credits.
CJ 332 Homicide
Prerequisites: CJ 101, CJ 201, CJ 202, CJ 205, or their equivalent.
An in-depth discussion of the legal definitions of and rationalizations for
homicide. The statistical aggregates of those occasions will be considered in
terms of demographic and ethno-cultural phenomena. The murder episode is
examined within the context of morality.
3 credits.
CJ 333 Terrorism
Prerequisites: CJ 101, CJ 201, CJ 202.
This course will explore the development of terrorism as a form of crime. Topics
to be studied include major terrorist groups and their strategies, tactics and
targets, jurisdictional issues, anti-and counter-terrorist operations, federal
law enforcement, and future trends in terrorism.
3 credits.
CJ 334 Drugs and Crime
Prerequisites: CJ 101, CJ 201, CJ 202.
This course will present an overview of the problems of drug-related crime in
contemporary society. Specific drug substances are discussed, as well as legal,
cultural, and social factors in connection with drug law enforcement.
3 credits.
CJ 335 Comparative Criminal Justice Systems
Prerequisites: CJ205
Increasingly, practitioners in the American criminal justice systems are
required to interact with their counterparts, as well as citizens from other
national jurisdictions. Effective interaction, including cooperation and
sharing, requires some understanding of how criminal justice is conceived and
practiced in other parts of the world. This course examines and compares key
institutions of the criminal justice systems in six model countries, two in
Europe, two in Asia, one Islamic nation, and one from Latin America. We look not
only at formal organizations in each country, but also at actual practices and
how they compare with each other and the United States. To understand how
differences and similarities have developed, we also learn something of the
history, culture, political system and economic conditions of each model
country.
3 Credits.
CJ 336 Supervisory Practices in Law Enforcement
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
An examination of supervisory practices and principles utilized in public safety
agencies; problems confronting the newly promoted employee; theories of
organization and leadership; motivation of subordinates; effective
communication; training; performance evaluation; disciplinary processes.
3 credits.
CJ 337 Criminal Justice Ethics
This course investigates the application of moral logic to problems in the field
of Criminal Justice. Issues related to policing, criminal prosecution, and
corrections will be studied. Students will be encouraged to induce general moral
precepts and rules from the examination of particular situations and problems.
3 Credits.
CJ 338 Issues in Contemporary Security
Prerequisite: Junior standing
An overview of security systems applicable to contemporary industrial and
commercial demands. Losses through physical, technological, and personnel
hazards are viewed as preventable phenomena if vulnerabilities are recognized
and ameliorative measures taken. Counter-measures will be weighed within the
framework of loss criticality and cost of effectiveness.
3 Credits.
CJ 339 Probation, Parole, and Community Corrections
This course will present an overview of correctional options in the community.
It will challenge students to consider how sanctions for criminal offenders can
be managed in the community without unduly sacrificing community safety or the
integrity of the justice system. Community Corrections is a fluid and
continually changing field. The focus will be on main themes and trends in
probation and parole. Specific attention will be given to the dual and often
conflicting goals of community protection and positive offender change with
which the practitioner is typically confronted, the types of policies and
programs implemented to meet these goals, and their effectiveness.
3 Credits.
CJ 340 - 349 Special Topics in Criminal Justice
An in-depth study of a limited or specialized area within the criminal justice
field. Course content will vary
according to the area of specialization of
the instructor and the interest of the students. May be repeated if course
content differs.
3 credits.
CJ 384 Adult Offenders: Case Studies
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
A critical, theoretical examination of certain types of adult offenders,
especially those who are socially disadvantaged. This examination will be based
largely upon the analysis of qualitative research studies that have been done
with adult offenders. Special attention is given to the case study method and to
understanding adult offenders as individuals making choices within the
constraints of larger political, economic, social and ideological structures.
3 credits.
CJ 385 Juvenile Offenders: Case Studies
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
A critical, theoretical examination of various types of juvenile offenders. This
examination will be based largely upon the analysis of qualitative research
studies that have been done with juveniles. Special attention is given to the
case study method and to understanding juvenile offenders as individuals
embedded within and influenced by numerous social structures (e.g., gender,
race, family, school and economics).
3
credits.
CJ 398 Field Practicum in Criminal Justice
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
The field practicum class involves the student's participation in the day-to-day
functions of a publicly funded criminal justice agency. The course is designed
to provide students with an opportunity to translate the theoretically oriented
classroom experience into practical application.
3-6 credits.
CJ 399 Independent Study
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
Individual research and independent study related to particular aspect of
criminal justice that is of special interest.
3-6 credits.