Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice
Chairperson: Stephen Rockenbach (Interim)
Location: Colson Hall, Room 202
Contact Information: (804) 524-5910 | srockenbach@vsu.edu
Department Overview
The Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice offers two undergraduate degrees: a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Sociology and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Criminal Justice. These programs prepare students for a wide range of career options in the broad dimensions of teaching, practice, and research. Majors are educated for maximum flexibility, with emphasis on developing communications, data analysis skills, and the ability to think critically.
In an effort to address the University’s mission to provide viable and complementary minors for students, the Department offer a Minor in Sociology. The courses in the minor are designed to serve as a complementary area of study that will enhance practice in most disciplines and professions. All sociology majors are required to declare a minor.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Department is to provide students with a liberal arts education through which they acquire skill in abstract logical thinking, historical consciousness, knowledge and skills of science and scientific inquiry, knowledge of values and their relationship to a variety of life situations, knowledge of international and multicultural phenomena, and experience with in-depth study.
We endeavor to provide curricula and other types of educational experiences through which students will acquire increasingly complex knowledge, the abilities and the technological skills to apply that knowledge to a wide range of situations and conditions in careers, professions and in their personal lives.
Degree Highlight Information
Majors in sociology are prepared for graduate and professional schools and for direct entry into administrative positions in the major corporate and public sectors; positions in social research, social services, business, teaching, and the military.
A Criminal Justice major provides students with a comprehensive, broad- based liberal arts education and an exposure to seven major fields of criminal justice; juvenile justice, law enforcement, corrections, court procedures, criminal law, forensic investigation, and criminal justice research.
Beyond the classroom experience, students are encouraged to actively engage in student organizations including the Alpha Kappa Delta – International Sociology Honor Society, the Alpha Phi Sigma – National Criminal Justice Honor Society, the Lambda Alpha Epsilon – American Criminal Justice Association, the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice, and the National Association of Black Social Workers.
Department Goals
The objectives of the Department are:
- To provide a broad liberal arts education.
- To enhance the competence of students in writing skills, verbal communication, analytical ability, and research skills.
- To provide opportunities to apply contemporary technology to issues in the disciplines.
- To provide students with leadership opportunities through exposure to professional development activities and the availability of collegiate chapters of honors and professional organizations.
- To provide a required internship in Criminal Justice.
- To prepare majors for graduate, law, or other advanced professional education.
- To prepare students for entry level professional positions in their fields by exposing them to a broad selection of course work in the selected discipline.
- To provide general education service courses for majors from other disciplines.
Program Listings
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
The Sociology program offers general education on different major aspects of sociological knowledge. Students whose objectives are law, ministry, business management, higher education, politics, government, and the military will be uniquely qualified for success in graduate and professional schools upon completion of this baccalaureate program.
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice is a discipline dedicated to studying how the criminal justice system (police, courts, and corrections) utilizes social control measures in dealing with criminal behavior. Three concentrations are offered in the Criminal Justice program: Forensic Investigation, Juvenile Justice, and Policing.
Forensic Investigation
The concentration of forensic investigation aims at preparing undergraduate students for careers or advanced studies in forensic investigation. Experts in forensic investigation may work at the local, state, or federal levels. The proposed concentration will prepare students for various fields or further training in crime investigation. Among others, students will be introduced to evaluations of ballistic evidence, fingerprinting, crime scene photography, and cybercrimes. In addition, students will acquire proficiency in documenting, processing, and the preservation of evidence. They will learn techniques of managing and coordinating crime scenes.
Juvenile Justice
This concentration focuses on training our students in juvenile justice system. Criminal justice majors who successfully complete this option of concentration may pursue advanced studies or careers in juvenile probation, juvenile corrections, and rehabilitation. Courses are designed to develop student familiarity with juvenile delinquency, the processes of juvenile justice, rehabilitation, workgroups of the juvenile courtroom, and community-based corrections. Our students will understand the relationship between the adult and the juvenile justice systems and be able to examine key issues and trends in juvenile corrections.
Policing
Policing majors will study mostly courses relating to the work of law enforcement officers. They will become familiar with the challenges facing law enforcement officers in contemporary America. They will learn other policing related courses such as criminal investigations, drug related crimes, and the police organization. Students who successfully complete the BS Degree in CJUS with a concentration in Policing may pursue careers in law enforcement, crime scene investigation, corrections, or probation.
Minor in Sociology
The department offers a minor in Sociology, available to students from other majors. All Sociology majors are required to complete a minor in another program.
Major(s)
- Sociology, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Science with a Concentration in Forensic Investigations (B.S.)
- Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Science with a Concentration in Juvenile Justice (B.S.)
- Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Science with a Concentration in Policing (B.S.)
Minor(s)
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
SOCIOLOGY
SOCI 101 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY - 3 semester hours
Students are taught the fundamental concepts and principles of sociology. Emphasis is on the empirical and theoretical bases of sociology, social structure, the variety of influences and pressures that help make individuals a part of society, the nature of social research, and the use of the sociological perspective in understanding social interaction. This course is required for all sociology
majors.
SOCI 102 INTRODUCTION TO ANTHROPOLOGY - 3 semester hours
The study of evidence of human evolution, developing cultures, racial groupings and people in preliterate societies.
SOCI 201 SOCIAL PROBLEMS - 3 semester hours
A survey course that deals with the problems that characterize United States society. Focus is on understanding the social forces, movements, policies, and changes in identification of and response to social problems of the society, and the theories that attempt to explain these phenomena.
SOCI 208 SOCIOLOGY OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN EXPERIENCE - 3 semester hours
An examination of African Americans in the United States as a social group. Focus is on the socio-historical developments and current trends in the experiences of African Americans with equal attention given to developmental experience on the continent of Africa prior to colonization, the transportation of Africans to the “New World,” enslavement, and experiences up to the 21st century.
Prerequisite: SOCI 101
SOCI 214 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY - 3 semester hours
An introduction to the concepts and theories that attempt to explain the behavior of the individual in society. Major topics include culture and personality, social roles, leadership, prejudice and propaganda. Review and analysis of current concepts and experimentation in the field are also
included.
SOCI 220 BLACK SOCIAL THOUGHT - 3 semester hours
This course is an examination of the nontraditional intellectual ideas, thoughts and philosophies of black intellectuals throughout the African Diaspora as they relate to the wider venue of global sociological thinking.
Prerequisite: SOCI 101
SOCI 302 MARRIAGE AND FAMILY - 3 semester hours
This course focuses on the family as a social institution, its development, functions and change in the United States and other societies. Changing values, gender roles, marital choice, socialization, and the effects of contemporary social change on the family, as we know it is studied.
Prerequisite: SOCI 101
SOCI 304 RACE AND ETHNIC RELATIONS - 3 semester hours
A study of the status of the various racial, religious, and ethnic minority groups in American society. Focus is on the forces relevant to establishment and maintenance of patterns domination and subordination between racial and ethnic groups. Critical analysis is made of discrimination, segregation, exploitation, hostility, and feelings of cleavage. American race and ethnic relations will be compared with those in other major societies.
Prerequisite: SOCI 101
SOCI 311 SOCIAL MOVEMENTS AND SOCIAL CHANGE - 3 semester hours
The study of the effects of collective behavior on social structure. The factors and processes of social change are studied from the position of various theorists and theories of contemporary society.
Prerequisite: SOCI 101
SOCI 314 SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION - 3 semester hours
The study of religion in terms of belief systems, practices, and its functioning as a social institution. Major theoretical perspectives on religion in its function as an agent of social change, in maintaining the social status quo, and in the lives of individuals and societies are emphasized. The major world religions are surveyed from sociological perspectives.
Prerequisite: SOCI 101
SOCI 317 METHODS OF SOCIAL RESEARCH - 3 semester hours
The logic, design and use of social research. Major emphasis is on social research techniques and procedures, the relationship between theory and research, and use of quantitative data analysis techniques. The structure and use of qualitative research techniques are also examined.
Prerequisite: SOCI 101
SOCI 318 SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY - 3 semester hours
The study of the works of major theorists whose works constitute the foundation of the discipline of sociology. The social impact of the major theoretical perspectives in contemporary sociology and the relationship of theory to research are included.
Prerequisites: SOCI 101 and 6 additional hours of sociology courses.
SOCI 325 SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH AND ILLNESS - 3 semester hours
This course examines the social contexts of health, illness, and medical care. It gives prominence to the debates and contrasting perspectives which characterize the field of medical sociology. Topics include the social, environmental, and occupational factors in health and illness, the politics surrounding health care and the patient’s perspectives on illness.
Prerequisite: SOCI 101
SOCI 333 SOCIOLOGY OF HIP HOP & THE MEDIA - 3 semester hours
This course is designed to analyze and critique the social, political, cultural, economic, and historic roots of the media industry from a sociological perspective. It frames the media as the business of disseminating information, ideas, and promoting forms of “entertainment” that ultimately shape
public perception and social interaction.
Prerequisite: SOCI 101
SOCI 344 RURAL SOCIOLOGY – 3 semester hours
This course introduces students to rural social structures and institutions in American society. It emphasizes the differences and the similarities in rural and urban communities, leisure and recreation, family life believe systems and social problems.
Prerequisite: SOCI 101
SOCI 352 URBAN ISSUES - 3 semester hours
The factors and forces that result in development and change of and within urban environments are studied. Emphasis is on critical analysis of the types and sources of issues that characterize urban life and urban areas in the United States. Policies and group efforts aimed at addressing these issues
will also be examined.
Prerequisite: SOCI 101
SOCI 356 POPULATION ISSUES - 3 semester hours
The determinants and consequences of trends in population size and composition, distribution through fertility, mortality, and migration are examined. Theoretical perspectives on population growth and change and the consequences for nations as well as for individuals are also studied.
Prerequisite: SOCI 101
SOCI 362 JUVENILE DELINQUENCY - 3 semester hours
Development and change of general values, attitudes, and social policy related to children. Parenting practices, the nature and extent of juvenile delinquency, theories of childhood, delinquency and the delinquent are studied, with special emphasis on the juvenile justice system in
the USA.
Prerequisite: SOCI 101
SOCI 365 SOCIOLOGY OF DEVELOPING SOCIETY - 3 semester hours
This course is an examination of the social institutional structure of developing societies in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. It includes a discussion and analysis of systems and social life as well as the impact of western and other cultural influences on social change these societies.
Prerequisite: SOCI 101
SOCI 370 AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN IN SOCIETY - 3 semester hours
This course will examine the political, economic and social roles of African American women in the United States. Special emphasis is placed on such topics as the myths and realities of gender identity for African American women, family life and the challenges posed by black feminism,
work patterns, organizational activities, and cultural production. Through these means it will explore the interrelationship between race, ethnicity, class, and gender.
Prerequisite: SOCI 101
SOCI 411 COMPARATIVE SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS - 3 semester hours
The effects of industrialization, urbanization and population dynamics on the structure and functions of social institutions are studied. Major theories of social structure and the linkages between institutions are included. Special emphasis is placed on the economic, political and religious institutions and their ideologies as casual influences in the lives of individuals and in societies.
Prerequisites: Nine semester hours of sociology, including SOCI 318
SOCI 413 SOCIAL STRATIFICATION - 3 semester hours
The study of the development, maintenance and change of institutionalized patterns of differential access to wealth, status, and power within the United States. Major social theories that attempt to explain the existence, constancy, and change of social inequality are emphasized.
Prerequisite: Nine semester hours of sociology, including SOCI 318
SOCI 414 SOCIOLOGY OF WORK - 3 semester hours
A survey course that provides intensive study of the occupational structure, occupations, labor force composition and participation, and work settings. Attention will be given to the linkages between government, business, and employee organizations. Theories that attempt to account for the structure and change of and within the occupational structure and the effects of these phenomena for individuals and groups will also be examined.
Prerequisites: Nine semester hours of sociology
SOCI 419 APPLIED RESEARCH METHODS - 3 semester hours
An advanced-level research methods course that is designed to give students practical experience in applying core concepts acquired in SOCI 317 (Methods of Social Research) in order to execute
404 developed proposals and conduct social research.
Prerequisite: SOCI 317
SOCI 420 SENIOR SEMINAR - 3 semester hours
This course provides the experiences necessary for students to integrate and synthesize the knowledge and skills gained through successful completion of the sociology program of study. Readings, discussion, and written papers incorporating both quantitative and qualitative research methods on selected problems and issues in sociology are required. Topics include the various subdivisions within sociology with particular emphasis on the relationship of theory and research, social structure and social change, and the work of African American sociologists.
SOCI 430 Independent Study - 1-6 semester hours (variable credit)
Provides the student an opportunity to explore “in-depth” an area which the student encountered in a previous course or an area which is not part of the curriculum in Sociology. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: Approval of the Department Chair
SOCI 455 SPECIAL TOPICS IN SOCIOLOGY - 3 semester hours
This course is a Sociology Elective that will focus on a special topic and/or current specific interests, trends, ideological shifts, research, and publications that relate to the field and discipline of Sociology. May include Study Abroad.
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Level
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
CJUS 116 INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE - 3 semester hours
Provides an overview of the criminal justice system. This overview includes the history of the system and the major processes that are carried out by the different agencies of the criminal justice system. It describes the process of arrest, adjudication, corrections and release.
CJUS 210 INTRODUCTORY STATISTICS FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE - 3 semester hours
Introduces basic statistics needed to understand contemporary criminal justice research and to conduct descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. Also students will learn measures of associations. A prerequisite for CJUS 317 Research Methods for Criminal Justice.
Prerequisites: CJUS 116; MATH 112, MATH 113
CJUS 211 SPSS FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE/LAB - 1 semester hour
Introduces basic principles of SPSS used in social science research. Must be taken in conjunction with CJUS 210 Introductory Statistics for Criminal Justice.
CJUS 212 AMERICAN LAW ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM AND PRACTICES - 3 semester hours
Introduces the local, national, and federal major law enforcement agencies of the country. It includes history, overview of the functioning, and an assessment of law enforcement agencies. It covers the process of recruitment, training, promotion, and other pertinent issues related to
community control and police brutality.
CJUS 215 INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC INVESTIGATION - 3 semester hours
Introduces forensic investigation to the students. It includes a review of the application of different forensic techniques to the resolution of criminal issues. It reviews the different aspects of forensic science, including fingerprinting, casting, document examination, and photography. The laboratory complements the lecture portion of the course.
CJUS 217 INTRODUCTION TO THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM - 3 semester hours
Surveys the development, structure and functioning of the juvenile justice system. Emphasis is on the procedures employed in the apprehension, detention and handling of juveniles by the police, the courts, and other agencies in the juvenile justice system. Review of recent developments in juvenile rehabilitation is included.
CJUS 228 JUVENILE JUSTICE PROCESS - 3 semester hours
This course presents an examination of procedural and substantive viewpoints as it relates to the juvenile justice. It incorporates a comprehensive study of decision-making centered on the police, the juvenile courts, probation and juvenile aftercare are also examined.
CJUS 230 CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION - 3 semester hours
Offers an introductory overview of major investigative procedures generally followed by the local, national, and federal agencies of the country. Students will know more about police detective work and FBI investigations.
CJUS 233 PRINCIPLES OF ETHICS FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE - 3 semester hours
Covers major philosophical schools of ethics and reviews major components of the criminal justice system and their related ethical concerns. Furthermore, seeks to outline the relevance of studying ethics while examining its sources within the criminal justice system.
CJUS 235 COMMUNITY BASED CORRECTIONS - 3 semester hours
An in-depth analysis of community based correctional programs and practices, related to the rehabilitation of juvenile offenders is examined. A thorough working knowledge of community resources available to juvenile offenders is provided.
CJUS 250 COURT SYSTEM AND PRACTICES - 3 semester hours
Reviews the federal and state court systems including the history of the court systems. The procedures for the appointment of justices and judges, and the actual operations and practices of the courts will be examined. Other pertinent court related issues such as plea bargaining sentence
disparities and the future of the courts will be examined.
CJUS 255 INTRODUCTION TO CORRECTIONS - 3 semester hours
The course examines the origin and historical underpinnings of the modern correctional system. Students will explore the philosophies of retribution, incapacitation, deterrence, and rehabilitation. The course will also focus on issues facing correctional facilities today including issues of race, gender, gangs, aging inmates, and AIDS.
Prerequisites: CJUS 116
CJUS 260 DRUGS, CRIME AND THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM - 3 semester hours
Examines effects of illicit drug abuse in the country and examines its relationship to violence, crime, and the criminal justice system. It provides an overview of drug abuse in an historical and social context primarily in the United States.
CJUS 295 SPECIAL TOPICS IN CJUS I - 3 semester hours
Variable content. Selected special topics in criminal justice, which may include controversial issues, gangs, ethics, or female offenders. The topics will reflect current trends in the field of criminal justice and the expertise of the faculty. This course may be repeated for credit with different topics with the consent of the department.
CJUS 310 CRIMINAL JUSTICE DATA MANAGEMENT - 3 semester hours
Emphasizes real world data sets and management including data analysis techniques.
CJUS 315 TERRORISM - 3 semester hours
Offers the background students need to understand major issues in terrorism and offers in-depth coverage of domestic and international terrorism. It also reviews the controversial aspects of counter-terrorist policies and actions.
CJUS 317 RESEARCH METHODS FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE - 3 semester hours
Emphasis is on social research techniques and procedures, the relationship between theory and research, and the use of quantitative data analysis techniques. The structure and use of qualitative research techniques are also examined.
Prerequisites: CJUS 116, CJUS 210
CJUS 320 PRIVATE SECURITY SYSTEM AND PRACTICES - 3 semester hours
Introduces the ever-growing field of private and industrial security systems emerging in the country. It includes recruitment, training, operational and administrative’ practices used by different security systems. It will examine physical security arrangements, and the pros and cons of in-house and contract security systems.
CJUS 330 CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION - 3 semester hours
Introduces students to the importance of physical evidence in solving crimes, elements of fingerprinting, techniques of gunshot residue tests, evidence collection, and processing methods, and the use of forensic light source technology. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of documentation with notes, sketches, and photography, effective communication of results, and interpersonal skills.
CJUS 335 CONTEMPORARY PROBLEMS IN POLICING - 3 semester hours
Examines the social and political dynamics under which police personnel perform their duties. Discretionary decision-making and the legal, social and institutional contexts in which they work are also considered. Application of interpersonal theories and concepts to police problems and practices will be included.
CJUS 336 JUVENILE CORRECTIONS - 3 semester hours
Examines key issues and trends in juvenile corrections. Students will become familiar with the main goals of juvenile corrections, namely including treatment, corrections, and rehabilitation. Confinement. Restructuring of the juvenile justice system as well as challenges facing corrections within the juvenile corrections will further be outlined.
CJUS 339 BLACK WOMEN & RESISTANCE - 3 semester hours
This course will examine the ways in which Black women in particular have been victims and offenders in the criminal justice system. An overview of historical and contemporary constructions of resistance by Black girls and women in response to interpersonal and structural forms of violence will be investigated.
Prerequisites: CJUS 116. CJUS 360
CJUS 340 MINORITIES & CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM - 3 semester hours
Provides an in-depth look at the theory and practice of criminal justice on crime, race, ethnicity, and justice. It offers insight into minority criminality and criminal victimization while addressing the less than objective criminal justice system processing of minority defendants and felony crime arrestees. It will elucidate what is fact and myth in the system controversies that surround minority criminality, criminal victimization, criminal profiling, and the criminal justice system.
CJUS 341 DEVIANCE & SOCIAL CONTROL - 3 semester hours
This course offers a variety of explanations and types of deviant behavior, and theoretical explanations of deviant behavior. The impact of deviant behavior on the individual and the implications of sanctions are studied.
CJUS 345 CRIMINAL LAW AND EVIDENCE - 3 semester hours
Provides an introduction to the nature and dynamics of the criminal law of the country and also provides an understanding of the importance of evidence in a criminal case. Virginia substantive law will be discussed, including classification and analysis of selected offenses.
Prerequisites: CJUS 116, CJUS 250
CJUS 350 GANGS AND ADOLESCENT SUBCULTURES - 3 semester hours
Evaluating essential issues relevant to the investigation of why and how some juveniles join gangs. Possible strategies for gang prevention and intervention are investigated.
CJUS 360 CRIMINOLOGY AND THEORIES OF CRIME - 3 semester hours
Examines theories of crime, criminal behavior and the social, cultural and psychological factors in crime causation, control and treatment; includes an analysis of criminal behavior.
Prerequisites: CJUS 116, CJUS 212, CJUS 250, CJUS 255
CJUS 361 VICTIMOLOGY - 3 semester hours
Explores the scope of victim issues in American society. Reviews the programs and services provided for victims of crime. The expanding roles of the courts, police, battered women shelters, victim/witness assistance programs, crisis intervention units and legislation are highlighted.
CJUS 364 SOCIOLOGY OF CORRECTIONS - 3 semester hours
Evaluates the effectiveness of correctional institutions, their development, functioning and change. Theories that influenced the development of corrections programs and agencies are included with emphasis on current direction in law, policy, research and practice.
CJUS 365 POLICE ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT - 3 semester hours
Examines major concepts of organization and management as these relate to law enforcement. Formulation of policies and procedures in the optimum utilization of personnel and financial resources is considered. It shows how to apply police research and contemporary management
principles to today’s complex police organization.
Prerequisite: CJUS 116
CJUS 366 WOMEN AND THE PRISON SYSTEM - 3 semester hours
This course will serve as an in-depth overview of race, gender, and class, with an analysis of women in the prison system. The main foci is an advanced understanding of structural inequalities and disproportionate minority confinement. Historical and contemporary forms of punishment will be explored.
CJUS 370 FORENSIC SCIENCE AND THE LAW - 3 semester hours
Students will understand the relationship between forensic science and the courts. Examination of this relationship focuses on the influence of scientific proofs based on group data and courtroom testimonies in the application of forensic evidence in courts and the exonerations of persons wrongfully convicted of crimes. Other areas include the philosophy of science, the scientific method, the rules of evidence, and the conduct of trials.
Prerequisite: CJUS 215
CJUS 380 CRIMINAL PROCEDURES - 3 semester hours
Examines the court procedures generally followed in the country. It includes a survey of the exclusionary rule and probable cause; arrests, search and seizures; identification and interrogation; constitutional rights and rules during trial; and legal liabilities of law enforcement officers.
CJUS 385 ETHICS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE - 3 semester hours
An analysis of contemporary ethical issues in crime and justice is presented. Ethical dilemmas in policing, racism, corrections, professionalism, the use of force, and decision-making are analyzed.
CJUS 416 ADVANCED FORENSIC INVESTIGATION - 3 semester hours
Builds upon knowledge acquired from the introduction to forensic investigations class. It is designed to prepare students for advanced studies or careers in forensic investigation. Students will pursue proficiency in documenting, processing, and the preservation of evidence. They will learn
techniques of managing and coordinating crime scenes.
Prerequisite: CJUS 215
CJUS 417 ETHICAL ISSUES IN JUVENILE JUSTICE - 3 semester hours
Focuses on how minors should be treated within the justice system. Challenges facing various participants within the juvenile justice system will be highlighted. They will include courtroom workgroup participants, experts of juvenile rehabilitation including psychologists and correction officers.
CJUS 420 SENIOR SEMINAR IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE - 3 semester hours
Provides an opportunity to integrate and synthesize the knowledge and skills gained through successful completion of the criminal justice program of study. Readings, discussions, and written papers incorporating both quantitative and qualitative research methods on selected problems and issues in criminal justice required. Students will be required to write a final paper and make a formal presentation. The paper will be reviewed and accepted by the departmental Senior Seminar Paper Review Committee.
Prerequisite: Senior standing
CJUS 425 COMPARATIVE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEMS - 3 semester hours
Provides a worldview of cultural and legal traditions that are related to crime. This course will also discuss philosophies, practices and institutions of selected countries.
CJUS 430 CRIMINAL JUSTICE PRE- INTERNSHIP - 2 semester hours
Provides students with career preparation and prepares students for field internships. Different agency representatives will visit the class and will give lectures about their respective agency activities, their expectations, and future career possibilities. During this semester students must
finalize their CJUS 432 Internship placement. Students will make applications and will complete background checks, if any, so that the following semester they can start their internship without any delay. Students will learn more about criminal justice careers and learn how to present themselves professionally to prospective employers.
Prerequisite: Junior standing
CJUS 431 VIOLENCE AND THE VIOLENT OFFENDER - 3 semester hours
Examines issues relating to violence in today’s society as they impact the violent offender. Reviews myths about violence, victim-offender characteristics and relationships, and theories of violence. It also examines contemporary schools of thought on violence.
CJUS 432 CRIMINAL JUSTICE INTERNSHIP - 4 semester hours
Course requirements are two fold-class and agency participation. Supervised placement with one or more federal, state or local criminal justice organizations or facilities involved in the arrest, adjudication, correction or release of either juvenile or adult offenders. Enables students to gain meaningful field experience related to their future careers. Students will complete 200 hours of internship at the agency.
Prerequisite: Senior standing
CJUS 433 HIGH-TECH CRIME - 3 semester hours
Reviews the criminal issues related to the violation of Internet and web technology crimes where innocent users become victims.
CJUS 434 ORGANIZED CRIME - 3 semester hours
Reviews the past and present of organized crime. It includes topics such as the business of organized crime, hierarchy in organized crime, organized crime in labor and global connections. Also reviews political and law enforcement responses towards organized crime.
CJUS 436 WHITE COLLAR CRIME - 3 semester hours
Examines white-collar crimes, such as commercial fraud and embezzlement, as well as computer fraud and corporate piracy. Reviews applicable laws with special emphasis on practical aspects of investigation and prosecution of white collar crime.
CJUS 495 SPECIAL TOPICS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE II - 3 semester hours
Variable content. Selected special topics in criminal justice, which may include controversial issues, gangs, ethics, or female offenders. The topics will reflect current trends in the field of criminal justice and the expertise of the faculty. This course may be repeated for credit with different topics with the consent of the department.
CJUS 449 INDEPENDENT STUDIES IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE - 3-6 semester hours
Requires completion of independent studies and research under faculty direction and supervision. Registration upon approval of the departmental chair.
