This course examines the role of victims and victimology in the criminal justice system. The course emphasizes the history, theories, and patterns of victimization across various crimes, including violent offenses, domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The psychological, social, legal ramifications, and support systems for victims will be examined. Special attention will be given to marginalized and vulnerable populations, along with advocacy efforts. Prerequisite: 150.

Courses on topics of interest to criminal justice students offered on the basis of need, interest, or timeliness. Prerequisite: 150. Restricted to students with junior standing or higher. May be repeated for credit. For specific section description, click to the Section Details in VitNet.

Non-classroom experiences in the field of criminal or juvenile justice. Placements are off- campus, and may be full- or part-time, and with or without pay. Credit for experiences must be sought prior to their occurance, and learning contracts must be submitted before the end of the first week of the semester. Police certification training may count as internship credits for interested students. See advisor and/or director of internship programs for details. Senior standing required. Graded CR/NC.

This course will provide students with an overview of the criminal justice system. The structure and function of the police, courts, and corrections, as well as the policies these agencies use to control crime, will be examined. Students will also debate controversial issues related to criminal justice processing and compare the ideal of justice with the reality under this system. This course also introduces basic concepts of capacity building, resiliency, and how the criminal justice system and the community interacts. (Equivalent to SOCL 150.)

This course explores contemporary policing in the United States, emphasizing the evolving role of law enforcement and its interactions with diverse communities. Topics include police patrol strategies, community engagement, accountability, use of force, racial disparities, and the impact of technology on policing. Students will analyze policing models, leadership strategies, and community collaboration to evaluate their effectiveness in enhancing public safety and trust. Case studies and current research provide insights into the challenges and future of law enforcement in America.

This course introduces students to the fundamental legal principles and investigative techniques essential to criminal investigations, focusing on evidence collection and preservation, and the constitutional requirements for lawful arrest, search, and seizure. Students will learn the legal standards necessary for the successful admission and use of investigative information in court. In addition to traditional investigative methods, the course includes forensic analysis labs, where students will gain hands-on experience with forensic evidence collection and analysis techniques. These labs will cover areas such as fingerprinting, DNA collection, trace evidence analysis, and crime scene reconstruction. The course provides practical skills for real-world investigations.

Courses on topics of interest to criminal justice students offered on the basis of need, interest, or timeliness. Prerequisite: 150. Restricted to students with freshman or sophomore standing. May be repeated for credit. For specific section description, click to the Section Details in VitNet.

Independent reading and/or research under the supervision of a criminal justice faculty member. Refer to the academic policy section for independent study policy. Independent study contract is required. Prerequisite: 150. May be repeated for credit.