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 Freshmen in the Criminal Justice major.

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.

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.

Provide students the opportunity to engage in a culminating experience in which they use critical thinking skills to analyze, integrate, and synthesize the knowledge gained in their major program of study. Students will apply that knowledge and critical thinking skills to the exploration of issues and concerns/problems of the profession in preparation of future employment and/or graduate education.