Department of Criminology

UNDERGRADUATE

Number /

Title /
Description

Credits

CRIM 101

Crime and Justice Systems

3

This course introduces the field of criminology through the examination of historical data, statistical information, theories of criminal causation, social control of behavior, development of laws, evaluation of criminal justice system policies, procedures, and trends. Students will learn the terminology of the field, gain an awareness of the methods of inquiry utilized in the field, and have the opportunity to examine personal attitudes and values regarding crime and responses to crime.

CRIM 102

Survey of Criminology

3

The purpose of this course is to provide an understanding of the discipline of criminology through an examination of its theories, basic assumptions, and definitions.

CRIM 205

Law Enforcement and the Community

3

Prerequisite: CRIM 101 and CRIM 102

Introduces students to the history, function, and role of law enforcement in American society. The multi-dimensional work of policing is emphasized with particular attention to strategies employed to combat and prevent crime through computer technology and advancements in non-lethal and lethal methods. Organizational and personal factors of policing, such as work-related stress and personnel selections, also are covered, as these are intimately connected to the structure and composition of the communities serviced. Practical and critical approaches to law enforcement are undertaken to explore prevailing and dissenting perspectives on the issues covered in the course.

CRIM 210

Criminal Law

3

A study of history and sources of criminal law coupled with an analysis of the substantive elements of specific crimes.

CRIM 215

Survey of Courts and the Criminal Justice System

3

Prerequisite: CRIM 101 and CRIM 102

Examines the historical background, the traditions, and the legal principles that underlie the Courts as an integral component of the American system of Criminal Justice.   Both differences and similarities inherent within the State and Federal Court processes will be analyzed, and the procedures through which the criminal courts uphold the basic rights and liberties of all U.S. citizens, both victims and the accused, will be explored.  The dynamics of the judiciary will be considered through examination of the critical foundations of the judicial process.  A primary focus will be placed upon understanding the respective roles played by Judges, Prosecuting Attorneys, Defense Counsel, Police, and Probation Officers and other Court-related personnel in the criminal court process.

CRIM 225

Survey of Corrections

3 

Prerequisite: CRIM 101 and CRIM 102

Introduces students to correctional policy and practices in the United States, and emphasizes the role of corrections in the social control of human behavior.  The course includes the history of corrections, classic and contemporary thought about the role of corrections in the criminal justice system, and a survey of correctional methods and alternatives with an emphasis on the use of incarceration.

CRIM 235

Survey of Juvenile Justice and Juvenile Law

3

Prerequisite: CRIM 101 and CRIM 102

Provides students with an understanding of the juvenile justice system and the various cases and legislative initiatives that have affected juvenile justice policy.  In addition to examining the evolution of the juvenile justice system and the transformation of the juvenile court, students will gain an understanding of the current issues in juvenile justice in the United States.  Attention also will be focused on juvenile justice policies and procedures in other countries.

CRIM 255

Law, Social Control, and Society

3

Prerequisite: CRIM 101 and CRIM 102

The evolution and development of the modern legal system. Topics include civil, criminal, and administration law, the legal profession, legal systems in American society, and the law as one of the many instruments of social control and social change.

CRIM 281

Special Topics

 1-3

Prerequisite: As appropriate to course content.
Special topics are offered on an experimental or temporary basis to explore topics that are not included in the established curriculum. A given topic may be offered under any special topic identity no more than three times. Special topics numbered 281 are offered primarily for lower-level undergraduate students.

CRIM 300

Theory of Complex Criminal Justice Organization

3

Prerequisite: CR102 or permission of the instructor
Study of evolution and theories of organizational alternatives and their application to the administration of justice.

CRIM 306

Criminological Research Methods

3

Prerequisite: CR102 or permission of the instructor
An introduction to the basic criminological research methods designed to prepare the student to understand and participate in quantitative and qualitative research.

CRIM 321

Exercise Data

3

Prerequisite: CRIM 101 or CRIM 102

Addresses the cybersecurity threat from a more comprehensive standpoint. Student will be challenged to recognize and understand security concerns from multiple perspectives, ranging from the insider threat to threats involving the actual physical components. Exposure to a design methodology, associated system components modules, and basic security principles is featured. Students will also be exposed to the private and public responses to computer security problems, including the insider threat, domestic and foreign terrorism, and the number of unique computer crimes and solutions to deal with these crimes. The importance of a sound security policy in the overall management of any organization will be addressed.

CRIM 323

Cybersecurity and Loss Prevention

3

Prerequisite: CRIM 101 or CRIM 102

Examines the scope of cybersecurity and its impact upon today's system of criminal justice. Topics to be studied include cybercrime and the Bill or Rights, computer-based economic crime, electronic commerce, ethical challenges, and the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. Included will be an analysis of the legal considerations facing law enforcement and cybersecurity professionals who deal with the problem of discovering, investigating, and prosecuting cybercrime.

3

An investigation of the context, causes, correlates, consequences, and responses to the crime of terrorism from a variety of perspectives.  Individual, group, and organizational factors that shape terrorism and responses to terrorism will be explored.  Strategies for reducing the threat of terrorism and its consequences will be examined.

CRIM 354

White Collar Crime

3

Prerequisite: CRIM 101 and CRIM 102

Introduces students to various topics and issues relating to white-collar crime.  Theories and measurements of white collar, corporate, organizational, occupational, workplace, and organized crimes will be presented and compared.  Prevention, legal issues, and control strategies will be presented.

CRIM 374

Environmental Crime and Justice

3

Prerequisite: CRIM 101 and CRIM 102

Introduces students to the developing area of criminological solutions to environmental problems. Issues addressed include:  the nature of environmental offenders and victims, the variety of approaches to achieving environmental justice, and criminal justice solutions to specific environmental problems.

CRIM 384

Violence and Victimology

3

Prerequisite: CRIM 101 and CRIM 102

Introduces students to the leading theories and research in the area of violent criminal behavior and victimization.  Special emphasis will be placed on patterns of violent offending and victimization over time, victim-offender relationships, and the experience of victims in the criminal justice system.  This course addresses major violent crimes including murder, rape, robbery, and assault. 

CRIM 394

Crime and Delinquency Prevention

3

Prerequisite: CRIM 101 and CRIM 102

Examines various crime and delinquency prevention policies and programs. Topics covered will include the historical development of crime and delinquency prevention methods, theoretical applications to prevention efforts, and research findings on program effectiveness. The importance of research design in evaluating prevention programs also will be considered.

CRIM 391

Substance Use and Abuse in Criminal Justice

3

Study of substance use and abuse confronting American society. Alcohol and drug use and abuse education, philosophy, physiological effects, and social aspects will be examined in terms of control measures and public safety.

CRIM 400

Theoretical Criminology

3

A review and critical analysis of the major criminological theories beginning with the Classical School; psychological, sociological, economic, biological, and political theories of crime and its causes will be included.

CRIM 401

Contemporary Issues in Criminology

3

Examination of the nature and extent of crime in modern Western society. Emphasis will be placed on issues selected from, but not limited to, emerging patterns of violence, organized crime, white-collar crime, victimless crime, corruption, and those crime control strategies deemed appropriate in a democracy.

CRIM 403

Dilemmas in Criminology and Criminal Justice

3

Prerequisite: CRIM 101 and CRIM 102

Overview of prominent ethical issues facing professionals in criminology and criminal justice, with an emphasis on encouraging individual students to explore their own ethical and moral systems and how they make ethical/moral decisions.  The course is primarily discussion/seminar oriented.

3

Introduces the art of thinking critically about the social construction of race, ethnicity, and social class in crime and crime control, with special focus on the United States.

CRIM 450

Women and Crime

3

Prerequisite: CRIM 101 and CRIM 102

A study of the nature and extent of women's crimes, theories of female criminality, processing of woman offenders through the criminal justice system, the response of police and court officials to women as victims of crime, and opportunities for women as employees in criminal justice agencies.

CRIM 470

Comparative Study of Justice

3

Comparison of American systems of administration of justice with those of other nations.

CRIM 480

Seminar in Criminology - The Administration of Justice

3

A study of selected topics in criminology - the administration of justice. May be taken more then once to a maximum of 6 semester hours. Not for credit after prior CR480: Seminar in the Administration of Justice.

CRIM 481

Special Topics in Criminology

1-3

Information Assurance for Senior System Managers     
Prerequisite: Department consent.
A seminar providing study of selected topics not emphasized in other courses. May be taken more than once to a maximum of 6 semester hours.

CRIM 482

Independent Study in Criminology

1-3

Prerequisite: Prior approval through advisor, faculty member, department chairperson, dean, and provost's office.
Students with an interest in independent study of a topic not offered in the curriculum may propose a plan of study in conjunction with a faculty member. Approval is based on academic appropriateness and availability of resources

CRIM 493

Internship

3-12

A structured field placement designed to broaden the student's educational experience through observation and participation in work assignments in government or private sectors. Six semester hours of credit can be applied to the major requirements.

GRADUATE

Number

Title /
Description

Credits

CRIM 600

Criminological Theory

3

An examination of criminological theories with an emphasis on origins and applications of relevant theoretical approaches to crime and criminally deviant behavior. Required of all master's students.

CRIM 601

Proseminar

3

Survey of current research, critical issues in the administration of justice, and criminological theory. Designed to acquaint the student with recent developments in the discipline of criminology. Required of all master's students.

CRIM 605

Research Methods

3

Methods and techniques of research in criminology. An in-depth examination of the role of research in the analysis, interpretation, and clarification of the problems in criminology and the administration of justice. The development of a research proposal/thesis prospectus will be the end product of the course. Required of all master's students.

CRIM 610

Legal Issues in Criminology

3

An in-depth study of contemporary legal issues faced by criminal justice professionals. Emphasis is placed on criminal constitutional problems as well as the judicial review of administrative decisions made by criminal justice organizations. Required of all master's students.

CRIM 630

Administrative and Management in Criminal Justice

3

The study of bureaucracy and complex organizations with an emphasis on the concepts and practices of the organization and management of agencies in the administration of justice. Required of all master's students

CRIM 631

System Dynamics in the Administration of Justice

3

A study of dynamic systems and analytical techniques relevant for understanding new perspectives of the administration of justice. Required of all master's students

CRIM 660

Seminar in Advanced Criminal Law

CRIM 665

Planning and Evaluation

3

The study of planning and evaluation in criminology and the administration of justice and of the literature and practices, including problems, issues and tasks confronting planners and evaluators.

CRIM 670

Seminar in Corrections

3

An examination of current issues and problems in contemporary corrections.

CRIM 675

Seminar in Contemporary Law Enforcement 

CRIM 681*

Grant Writing and Agency Relations

3

This "hands on" workshop will focus on the key elements of responding to requests for proposal from federal, state, and local criminal justice funding sources. The workshop will engage students in the development of an actual proposal, along with a "tool box" of practical tips in formulating quality proposals. Guest speakers and use of the Internet will be featured.

CRIM 685

Seminar in Contemporary Juvenile Justice and Delinquency 

 3

An examination of current issues and problems in contemporary juvenile justice and delinquency.

CRIM 690

Seminar in Contemporary Judicial System

3

An examination of current issues and problems in the contemporary judicial system.

CRIM 698

Graduate Readings in Criminology

3

With faculty supervision, students will read at least six major criminological texts and participate in a seminar situation for the purpose of discussing the reading materials.

CRIM 699

Independent Study

3

Research of a significant issue or problem in criminology or the administration of justice. Instructor, coordinator, and chairperson approval required. May be taken twice for a maximum of 6 semester hours.

CRIM 710

Advanced Theoretical Criminology

3

An intensive examination and critical analysis of the original works of selected theorists. Major theorists will be chosen each semester, based on the interests of the professor and students.

CRIM 717

Advanced Qualitative Methods

3

Explores the criminological research enterprise from the qualitative perspective. Focuses upon the relationship among all the components of research design, including problem formation, theory, data collection, analysis, and presentation of findings. Students will individually design a project and carry out preliminary stages of data collection. Permission required.

CRIM 718

Quantitative Strategies for Analysis

3

Computer analysis of quantitative data applied to the behavioral science of criminology: the logic of data analysis, fundamentals of statistical procedures commonly used in criminological analysis. Students also will learn to critique published criminological research.

CRIM 720

Advanced Quantitative Methods

3

An in-depth analysis of logic and uses of advanced criminological research methods. Emphasis will be given to the use of quantitative research techniques and perspectives as they relate to formal theory construction.

CRIM 730

Ethical and Philosophical Issues in Criminology

3

An intensive examination of selected ethical and philosophical issues currently facing the field of criminology. Issues for analysis will be drawn from (but not limited to) such categories as the function of law; integrating theory and practice; ethical issues surrounding research strategies; punishment forms; social control strategies; and crime and justice in the future.

CRIM 740

Advanced Criminal Justice Policy

3

A study of the impact of government crime policies on individuals and groups. An examination of criminal justice policy formation and analysis of specific policies relevant to crime and the administration of justice.

CRIM 745

Comparative Justice Systems

3

An examination of criminological field research in diverse cultural settings around the world. Special focus given to problem formulation, theory construction, and general research design in comparative justice systems.

CRIM 748

Criminal Violence: Theory, Research, and Issues

3

An overview of general theories of violence and their applications to criminal violence. A variety of research and policy/programmatic issues will be explored, with attention given to issues relating to predicting dangerousness.

CRIM 749

Victimology: Theory, Research, and Policy Issues

3

The course will examine theoretical perspectives and research methods as they impact on the research questions and findings in the field of victimology. Class, race, age, and gender will be applied to analyze issues regarding the role of the victim, kinds if victimization, fear of crime, victimization of offenders and victims by the criminal justice system, and victim's compensation and human rights.

CRIM 750

Doctoral Colloquium in Criminology

3

Provides an academic setting for graduate students to present research and theoretical papers for group discussion. Special topics in criminology will be selected each semester.

CRIM 781*

Special Topics

3

CRIM 801

Advanced Applied Research I

3

The application of selected principles of criminological theory and research methods towards understanding and resolving specific problems of justice processing.

CRIM 802

Advanced Applied Research II

3

The application of selected principles of criminological theory and research methods towards understanding and resolving specific problems of justice processing.

CRIM 803

Advanced Applied Research III

3

The application of selected principles of criminological theory and research methods towards understanding and resolving specific problems of justice processing.

CRIM 804

Advanced Applied Teaching Techniques

3

A review of prominent models of effective teaching and applications of selected models of teaching theory to specific criminological courses.

CRIM 850

Thesis

6

CRIM 950

Dissertation

<12

CRIM 951

Extended Dissertation

1

Enrollment for one credit is required each fall semester of doctoral students who have completed all required dissertation credits but who have not yet completed the dissertation.