In this course, students will examine key scholarly ideas and concepts that shape the practice of community policing, and how these concepts apply in both criminal justice and community settings. The course will focus on community engagement methods, capacity building, needs assessment, and fostering resilience within communities. As part of their final project, students will identify specific community members and groups, analyze the relationship between police and community needs, and develop a project aimed at addressing those needs.

This course provides an historical and sociological examination of the models, practices and rationalizations for community based punishment and incarceration. It includes an overview of early punishment and modern day incarceration, treatment, reform, and rehabilitation of criminal offenders. The course explores the historical movement towards and away from mass incarceration to the development of probation and parole systems, de-incarceration, community corrections, and the control of criminal offenders within our society.

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.

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.

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.