Criminal Justice
CHAIRED BY YANG CAI, Ph.D.
The department offers B.A. degrees in sociology and criminal justice. Internship and independent studies are available to qualified sociology and criminal justice majors.
Two fundamental learning goals of the sociology and criminal justice major are student competence in research methods and theory. The Department meets these goals through our courses in social science research methods, criminology, and sociological theory. Methods of Social Research I and II are required for both sociology and criminal justice majors, while Sociological Theory is required of sociology majors and Criminology is required of criminal justice majors. After completing the required outcomes assessment courses, sociology and criminal justice majors should be able to:
1. describe and apply classical and contemporary theories in at least one area of social reality;
2. describe and evaluate classical and contemporary theories of crime causation and apply these theories to real world phenomena;
3. identify basic methodological approaches and describe the general role of methods in building sociological knowledge;
4. design a research study in an area of choice;
5. develop proficiency in use of statistics for the comprehensive understanding of professional journals;
6. apply statistical skills to conduct data analysis using secondary data.
In each of the required theory and research courses, the instructor of the outcomes assessment course is responsible for awarding student grades; however, outcomes assessment is the shared responsibility of all full-time department faculty. It is at the discretion of the individual instructor whether or not to consider departmental faculty evaluations of student work in their courses when awarding student grades for the course.
For sociology majors, departmental faculty will review and evaluate the research paper submitted in Sociological Theory and the final paper submitted for Methods of Social Research II. For criminal justice majors, departmental faculty will critique and assess the research paper submitted in Criminology and the final paper submitted for Methods of Social Research II. For students majoring in both sociology and criminal justice, three evaluations will be done by departmental faculty: the research paper for Sociological Theory, Criminology, and Methods of Social Research II.
For a student to pass his/her outcomes assessment requirement, a majority of the departmental faculty must agree that the quality of the work done for both courses demonstrates competence. If a student fails to meet the necessary criteria for any of their outcomes assessment paper requirements, the student may: (1) revise the written work, submit a new paper for consideration prior to the end of the semester during which the student is enrolled in the course, and give an oral presentation of the paper before the department faculty reviewers; (2) request an Incomplete (in accordance with the Academic Policies set forth in the Caldwell University Undergraduate Catalog), revise the written work, submit a new paper for consideration within the allotted time period, and give an oral presentation of the paper before the department faculty reviewers; or (3) repeat the course (in accordance with the Academic Policies set forth in the Caldwell University Undergraduate Catalog).
It is possible that a student may pass his/her outcomes assessment but receive less than a C grade for the course in which the outcomes assessment work was done. In such a case, the student does not have to go through the outcomes assessment process again; however, the course has to be repeated, since students must achieve at least a C grade in all required courses for the major.
It is also conceivable that a student may fail the outcomes assessment process, yet achieve a C or better in the course in which the outcomes assessment work was required. In such a case, the student does not have to repeat the course, but must follow guidelines outlined above for students who do not pass their outcome assessment requirement.
STUDENTS WHO MAJOR IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE MUST COMPLETE:
Course Code : CJ 201
Course Description :
Provides an overview of the American criminal justice system. Examines the history, functions, structures, processes and interactions of the three principal components of American criminal justice: police, courts and corrections. Prerequisite to required CJ courses.
Credit : 3
Course Code : SO 335
Course Description :
Investigates crime as a social phenomenon; incidence, distribution, cause, the criminal as a social type, the criminal justice system and programs of treatment.
Credit : 3
Course Code : SO 344
Course Description :
Surveys quantitative and qualitative research methods, introduces students to statistical applications in the social sciences, and teaches data file creation and management skills using SPSS. Students will draft an original social science research proposal.
Credit : 3
Course Code : SO 346
Course Description :
Enables students to execute an ethical study based on their own social science research proposal. Hypothesis testing, data analysis using SPSS, and presentation of findings are stressed. Skills for critically interpreting data and the methodologies used in scholarly journals will be emphasized.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
SO344
Course Code : CJ 487
Course Description :
Offers qualified students the opportunity to do off-campus field work by individual arrangement. Students apply concepts learned in the classroom and gain practical knowledge and experience working under supervision in a professional setting. In consultation with a faculty advisor and the Career Planning and Development Office, the student secures an appropriate internship site. The student develops learning objectives and goals, works 120 hours at the internship site, and completes related academic assignments. Requires departmental approval.
Credit : 3
Cluster 1: Criminal Justice Electives ( 12 Credits)
Course Code : CJ 228
Course Description :
This course provides an introduction to both technology-assisted crime, and the basics of investigating such crime, from the criminal justice perspective. First, the course identifies and defines the most prevalent high-technology crimes (hacking, identity theft, digital child pornography, on-line financial fraud, and cyber-stalking), exploring their history and their methods of commission. Second, the course examines procedural issues in the investigation and prosecution of technology-assisted crime, including tracking on-line suspects, drafting and executing search warrants, and the search and seizure of digital evidence. Finally, the course provides a basic introduction to forensic science by exploring legal and social issues related to high-technology crimes.
Credit : 3
OR
Course Code : CJ 260
Course Description :
Investigates the roots and dynamics of modern terrorism, both at home and abroad, through an in-depth study of the causes of terrorism, types of terrorism, terrorist tactics, counter-terrorism strategies, and the impact of terrorism on social life. Case study analysis of recent incidents will also be presented.
Credit : 3
OR
Course Code : CJ 387
Course Description :
Examines roots in 19th century immigration with focus on vice, political corruption, prohibition, rackets, and drugs. Focus is on the city of Chicago with attention to the political and economic conditions of the time.
Credit : 3
Course Code : CJ 250
Course Description :
Focuses on victims of crime. It will examine such topics as patterns and trends in victimization, theories of victimization, the impact of crimes on victims, victim services and programs, and the criminal justice response to criminal victimization.
Credit : 3
OR
Course Code : CJ 350
Course Description :
Examines the place of women in the criminal justice system, including women as victims, criminals, and professionals in criminal justice. Explores myths about women and crime and current sociological theories about the causes of, and the place of, women in crime.
Credit : 3
Course Code : CJ 255a
Course Description :
Examines how citizens’ attitudes and perceptions about the criminal justice system, criminology, and the law are influenced by movies–strong cultural objects with powerful messages. A number of social, political, and legal issues currently germane to criminal justice are examined. The course addresses the film treatment of issues concerning police, courts, corrections, criminology, law, organized crime, the drug culture, gangs, prejudice, corruption, prison life, death row inmates, and other timely topics.
Credit : 3
Course Code : CJ 275
Course Description :
Traces the historical development of the juvenile court. Theories of delinquency causation, prevention and control are examined. Discussion topics include the juvenile justice process, the juvenile court and procedural safeguards, juvenile institutions and diversion programs and trends in juvenile justice reform.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
CJ201
Course Code : CJ 280
Course Description :
Examines the variety of correctional programs commonly referred to as community-based corrections. Emphasis is upon probation, parole, pre-trial release programs, intermediate sanctions, and halfway houses. The application of these programs to special offender groups, as well as to the larger population of adult male offenders, will be addressed. The overall effectiveness of these programs will be evaluated.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
CJ201
OR
Course Code : CJ 290
Course Description :
Traces the historical development of institutions for confinement. Discussion topics include the physical and social environments of the institutions, problems of rehabilitation in institutional settings, the correctional institution as a community and the various programs in correctional institutions. Present evidence concerning effectiveness with respect to the aims of deterrence and rehabilitation is explored.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
CJ201
OR
Course Code : CJ 388
Course Description :
Covers the basic principles and techniques of counseling adult and juvenile offenders. The course includes interviewing, case conferences, case histories, individual and group counseling, classification procedures and treatment programs for offenders.
Credit : 3
Course Code : CJ 384
Course Description :
Traces the historical development of the police in England and the U.S. Police roles are examined, as well as law enforcement policy, police management, police operations and police organization. Current issues and trends are examined.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
CJ201
Course Code : CJ 410a
Course Description :
Involves intensive study and exploration of rotating topics in the fields of anthropology, sociology, and/or criminal justice. These topics will focus on timely social issues, specialized content areas, and/or methods of social research. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required.
Credit : 3
Course Code : CJ 420
Course Description :
This course is an introduction to the basic principles of forensic anthropology, an applied field within the larger discipline of biological anthropology that uses human osteology (human skeletal anatomy), archaeology, and other anthropological research methods to solve problems of medico-legal significance, primarily the determination of personal identity and cause of death from human remains. The course will discuss the application of forensic anthropology to human rights missions, military identifications, and mass fatalities.
Credit : 3
OR
Course Code : CJ 425
Course Description :
Focuses on investigation as a science of inquiry with an emphasis on the legal significance of evidence. Examines methods of searching for, collecting and evaluating physical evidence, locating and interviewing witnesses, and the role of the crime laboratory in criminal investigation.
Credit : 3
OR
Course Code : CJ 428
Course Description :
This course examines the application of laboratory science to successful criminal investigations and prosecutions. Students will focus on the detection, collection, preservation, and presentation of physical evidence for examination and court use. Topics covered include crime scene processing, DNA profile analysis, serology, questioned documents, trace evidence, toxicology, ballistics, fingerprint evidence, drugs, hair and fiber analysis, and arson investigation. The course is directed toward the non-scientist.
Credit : 3
Cluster 2: Legal Studies Electives (3 Credits)
Select one of the following courses
Course Code : CJ 390
Course Description :
Covers the structure and functioning of both the state and federal court systems. Discussion topics include types of jurisdiction, bail, the criminal trial processes, and the judiciary and judicial power, including the areas of separation of powers.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
CJ 201
Course Code : CJ 430
Course Description :
Traces the definition of crime and the origins of criminal law in the U.S. Discussion topics include basic legal terminology, classification of crimes, specific criminal offenses, and the N.J. courts. The conflicting models of justice, due process, and crime control are discussed. Focus is upon the Bill of Rights and major Supreme Court decisions as they affect the operation of the courts, including the juvenile courts and correctional systems.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
CJ201
Course Code : PO 225
Course Description :
Focuses on the structure and power of the national government and major problems of national policy.
Credit : 3
Course Code : PO 230
Course Description :
Analyzes structures, functions and powers of state and local institutions and explores their inter-relationships within the federal system.
Credit : 3
Course Code : PO 330
Course Description :
Presents an overview of the American legal system. Examines methods of reasoning used by courts and lawyers, the structure of state and federal systems, and the substantive law of a number of specific fields.
Credit : 3
Course Code : PO 372
Course Description :
Studies government administration, management and organization. Analyzes bureaucratic policy making, public budgeting and the impact of pressure groups.
Credit : 3
Cluster 3: Psychology Electives (3 Credits)
Select one of the following courses
Course Code : PS 201
Course Group(s) : Psychology 200 Level Courses, Psychology Cluster 3
Course Description :
Discusses physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development from the prenatal period through adolescence. Genetic, environmental, and socio-cultural influences are considered.
Credit : 3
Course Code : PS 309
Course Group(s) : Psychology 300 Level Courses, Psychology Cluster 4
Course Description :
Examines the symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
PS204, PS150, PS207.
Course Code : PS 314
Course Group(s) : Psychology 300 Level Courses, Psychology Cluster 2
Course Description :
Examines socio-cultural, group and interpersonal influences on behavior. Topics include attitudes, communication, persuasion, mind control, social learning, psychic trauma, aggression, altruism, attraction, prejudice and applications of psychology to the courts.
Credit : 3
Course Code : PS 318
Course Group(s) : Psychology 300 Level Courses, Psychology Cluster 2
Course Description :
Examines cross-cultural influences in understanding psychology. Course emphasizes the interplay of individual, ethnic, and cultural factors in psychosocial growth and well-being, cross-cultural and cross-ethnic communication, and counseling and psychotherapeutic interactions.
Credit : 3
Course Code : PS 321
Course Group(s) : Psychology 300 Level Courses, Psychology Cluster 2
Course Description :
Explores current theories and research in motivation; needs for approval and achievement, affiliation, love, and affection; self-preservation, self-actualization, aggression and assertiveness.
Credit : 3
Course Code : PS 330
Course Group(s) : Psychology 300 Level Courses, Psychology Cluster 4
Course Description :
Examines the physical, psychological and social aspects of drug dependence and of other addictive behaviors such as eating disorders and gambling. The course also discusses family dynamics, dual disorders, treatment and prevention, and relapse and recovery issues.
Credit : 3
Cluster 4: Sociology Electives (3 Credits)
Select one of the following courses
Course Code : SO 231
Course Description :
Investigates poverty as a product of a complex social system and theories and strategies for its alleviation.
Credit : 3
Course Code : SO 323
Course Description :
Involves the study of the history of ethnic, cultural and religious subgroups in present day societies; inter-group relations as they are influenced by competition, conflict and prejudice; the significance of these relationships to the structure of society.
Credit : 3
Course Code : SO 326
Course Description :
Examines theories of inequality, social ranking, and the distribution of resources and opportunity as they affect individuals and groups in social institutions, lifestyles, value systems, and quality of life. Variables of power, power elites, class consciousness, alienation, class mobility, and stratification criteria will be explored.
Credit : 3
Course Code : SO 348
Course Description :
Examines the various theoretical perspectives of deviance and social control. Definitions of deviance are examined with reference to those who are labeled as deviant and those who apply the deviant labels. Specific deviant groups such as delinquents, criminals, drug addicts, alcoholics, prostitutes, and the mentally ill will be looked at. The voluntary or involuntary institutionalization of those labeled as deviant will also be examined.
Credit : 3
Course Code : SO 425
Course Description :
Examines contemporary issues of gender in the United States, focusing on socialization to gender identity, implications of gender in the family and at work, and current changes in gender roles.
Credit : 3
Course Code : SO 474
Course Description :
Focuses on selected problems of social disorganization, including problems related to poverty, drug abuse, racism, sexism and crime, through the application of sociological principles.
Credit : 3
Course Code : SO 476
Course Description :
Analyzes impact of urbanism on American society and Western civilization; examines changing structure of the city and associated suburban/inner city problems.
Credit : 3