An overview of the criminal justice system and the workings of each component. Topics include the history, structure, and functions of law enforcement, judicial and correctional organizations, their interrelationship and effectiveness, and the future trends in each.

A sociological analysis of contemporary social problems including inequalities, deviance, population changes, and troubled institutions.

A study of the major areas of crime and delinquency; theories of crime, the nature of criminal behavior and the components of the criminal justice system. Topics include: crime statistics, criminology research, theories of crime and delinquency, criminal typologies and operations of the criminal justice system.

The structure and operations of the state and national court systems. Emphasis is upon the role of the criminal courts in the political system and the consequences of judicial policy making.

The course familiarizes students with various models, theories, and research regarding criminality from a psychological perspective. Genetic, constitutional, and biological factors will be emphasized and some practical applications to dealing with criminals will be considered.

An introduction to the sociological and criminological study of human deviance. Various theories of deviance will be examined and applied to real life examples.

An in-depth look at the juvenile justice system including the structure, statuses and roles as well as current issues, problems, and trends.

An introduction to and analysis of contemporary American corrections. Emphasis will be on current and past correctional philosophy, traditional and modern correctional facilities, correctional personnel and offenders, new approaches in corrections, and the relationship of corrections to the criminal justice field.

This course explores the sociological, psychological, and criminological dimensions of serial and mass homicide. Topics include offender typologies, victim selection, motive analysis, media influence, investigative strategies, and societal responses. Emphasis is placed on theoretical frameworks, structural contexts, and the role of institutions in understanding and addressing these crimes. Students will engage with the case studies, research literature, and critical analysis to examine how homicide is patterned, portrayed, and prevented.

An examination of cybercrime including, but not limited to, the types, historical background, theoretical perspectives, measurement, and law enforcement of cybercrime.

An introduction to the sociological and criminological study of victimization focused on survivors. Topics include trauma-informed theory, national victimization trends, survivor interaction with criminal justice systems (police, courts, corrections), victim compensation, and restorative justice. The course also examines specific crime types, violent, property, intimate partner, family, and sexual offenses, and the application of survivor-centered advocacy and recovery practices.

This course presents a comprehensive study of the history and prohibition of drug use in the United States, as well as the effects of drugs on society in the form of crime, prison and treatment. The main focus of this class is on the history of drug use, how certain drugs become illegal, and the intended and unintended consequences of drug prohibition for communities and society.

A comprehensive study of judicial process and behavior in criminal and civil law.

A comprehensive study of historical and contemporary issues in American policing. Topics include theories of policing, police training and socialization, police discretion, technological advancements in policing, community policing, interaction with minority communities, and current controversies.

This course examines the complex and evolving relationship between technology and society. Students will explore how systems like artificial intelligence, digital surveillance, and algorithmic governance emerge from and reinforce social structures, especially in relation to power, inequality, and institutional change. Drawing on sociological theory and real-world case studies, the course emphasizes the social construction of technology and its varied effects on labor, identity, education, and governance.

This course analyzes the complex world of white-collar crime, focusing on offenses such as corporate fraud, securities violations, political corruption, environmental harm, and large-scale financial misconduct. These crimes are often committed not in the margins of society but from positions of power, including corporate offices, government institutions, and financial markets. Drawing on both criminological and power shape the causes, consequences, and responses to white collar crime. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between power, opportunity, and accountability, as well as the legal and regulatory systems that define and enforce these offenses. Through case studies and critical inquiry, the course challenges conventional definitions of crime and justice, raising fundamental questions about inequality, legitimacy, and the rule of law.

This course introduces students to the substantive foundations of criminal law in the United States. Through a combination of legal theory, statutory interpretation, and real-world case analysis, students will explore the essential elements of criminal offenses, including, actus reus, mens rea, causation, and attendant circumstances. The course also examines justifications and excuses, inchoate offenses, and the structure of legal defenses. Particular attention is given to crimes against persons, property, public order, and the state. This class emphasizes both historical and contemporary legal reasoning, with a focus on how criminal law reflects broader social values and constitutional constraints. Students will critically assess the evolving boundaries of criminal liability, the social purposes of punishment, and the impact of overcriminalization and mass incarceration. This course is designed for students in both Criminal Justice and Sociology and is suitable for those considering careers in law, public safety, or justice-related fields.

This course is designed to examine the challenges that women face as victims, perpetrators and professionals with the criminal justice system. In addition, this course will discuss the sources of data collection for women and crime. Lastly, in this course students will be introduced to feminist criminology and its contributions to the research on women in crime.

This course is a directed seminar in an area of criminal justice selected by both the student and supervising faculty member. Topics will vary depending on the research underway, community or student need, and the unique educational opportunity available. This course may be repeated for course credit if the content differs.

This course is a directed seminar in an area of criminal justice selected by both the student and supervising faculty member. Topics will vary depending on the research underway, community or student need, and the unique educational opportunity available. This course may be repeated for course credit if the content differs.

This course is a directed seminar in an area of criminal justice selected by both the student and supervising faculty member. Topics will vary depending on the research underway, community or student need, and the unique educational opportunity available. This course may be repeated for course credit if the content differs.

This course is a directed seminar in an area of criminal justice selected by both the student and supervising faculty member. Topics will vary depending on the research underway, community or student need, and the unique educational opportunity available. This course may be repeated for course credit if the content differs.

An examination of sociological theories of law and main currents of legal philosophy is followed by participant observation of actual community legal agencies, including police, courts, and others as available.

This course is designed to examine the intersection of family and crime exploring through the sociological lens.

A comprehensive introduction to the principles, rules, and procedures governing criminal evidence in the United States legal system. Emphasizing both theory and application, the course examines how evidence is gathered, analyzed, and used at various states of a criminal trial. Topics covered include the burden of proof, admissibility standards, and the roles of judges, juries, and attorneys in evaluating evidence. Special attention will be given to how evolving case law and the Federal Rules of Evidence influence trial strategy and the rights of the accused. By the end of the course, students will be able to identify, interpret, and critique evidentiary issues from both legal and sociological perspectives. This course is designed for students in both Criminal Justice and Sociology and is suitable to those considering careers in law, public policy, or justice-related fields.

Advanced students carry out independent research activity relating to a significant problem in a major field of study. Supervised by faculty member. Formal report and presentation required. One to four credits depending on problem selected and effort made.

Advanced students carry out independent research activity relating to a significant problem in a major field of study. Supervised by faculty member. Formal report and presentation required. One to four credits depending on problem selected and effort made.

Advanced students carry out independent research activity relating to a significant problem in a major field of study. Supervised by faculty member. Formal report and presentation required. One to four credits depending on problem selected and effort made.

Advanced students carry out independent research activity relating to a significant problem in a major field of study. Supervised by faculty member. Formal report and presentation required. One to four credits depending on problem selected and effort made.

Content is to be determined by faculty student conference and based on student background and interest.

Content is to be determined by faculty student conference and based on student background and interest.

Content is to be determined by faculty student conference and based on student background and interest.

Content is to be determined by faculty student conference and based on student background and interest.