Criminal Justice (College of Arts and Sciences)

Faculty

Mr. Vernon Scott, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice (program chair)
Dr. Roberta Goldberg, Professor of Sociology
Dr. Konia Kollehlon, Associate Professor of Sociology
Dr. Roxana Moayedi, Professor of Sociology

Description

Criminal justice is the scientific study of criminal behavior. It focuses generally on, among other issues, the history of the criminal justice system; theories of crime and deviance; the origin and development of criminal law; the functions and operations of criminal justice agencies in a diverse society; the violations of criminal law and society’s responses to the violations of criminal law; the nature, meaning, and purposes of criminal punishment; and the nature and impact of criminal justice policy.

The Criminal Justice major at Trinity emphasizes three foundational areas: law enforcement, corrections, and juvenile justice. The Criminal Justice major prepares students for graduate school and a wide range of career opportunities in security and law enforcement, probation and parole, the court system, and corrections. Given the applied nature of criminal justice, experiential learning is an important part of the major. As such, all majors are required to complete an internship with a public or private organization that is involved in some aspect of criminal justice. The Criminal Justice major and minor are offered to students in the College of Arts and Sciences, and the major is offered in the School of Professional Studies.

Major Requirements

Required Courses (45 credits)

ALL of the following courses (33):
SOCY 100 Introduction to SociologyIntroduces students to the science of sociology and prepares students for upper-level social science course work. Formerly SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area V
Core Area II: Understanding the Self and Society
CJUS 100 Introduction Criminal JusticeIntroduces students to the scientific study of crime by focusing on definitions, history, types, causes, and consequences of crime as well as the responses of the criminal justice system to crimes, criminals, and the victims of crimes. Formerly SOC 202 Criminology: An Introduction and SOCY 205 Criminology: An Introduction.
3 credits
CJUS 101 Criminal LawThis course examines the substantive criminal law that defines criminal behavior. The general principles of criminal liability including defenses, parties to crime, and the elements of specific crimes are examined from a broad perspective. Decisions of English and American courts are analyzed to interpret the rules and doctrines of criminal law.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
CJUS 205 CriminologyThis course presents a framework for the scientific study of the nature and causes of crime and antisocial behavior. The course focuses on explanations provided through criminal typologies and criminological theories, by focusing on definitions, history, types, causes, and consequences of crime as well as the responses of the criminal justice system to crimes, criminals, and the victims of crimes. Topics will include crime causation, the extent of crime, victimization, social/psychological theories, and various types of criminality, including violent, property, and public order offenses. Formerly SOCY 205 - Criminology.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
CJUS 206 Juvenile JusticeJuvenile Justice examines status offenses and other crimes committed by juveniles. The course will further examine the social and legal history, definition and explanation of delinquency, assess delinquency prevention and correctional programs, and emphasize the application of philosophical and legal principles to the problems of juvenile justice.
3 credits
CJUS 303 Women and Minorities in Criminal JusticeRace, ethnicity, sex, and other characteristics may define individuals as minorities who deserve equitable treatment in the criminal justice system. This course examines the roles of racism, sexism, and homophobia in theories of crimes and the treatment of minorities by various components of the criminal justice system.
3 credits
CJUS 305 CorrectionsStudies jails and prisons as complex institutions with varied, sometimes conflicting goals. The course provides students with an overview of correctional philosophies, practices, and procedures.
3 credits
CJUS 306 Law EnforcementA survey of law enforcement concentrating on the police, with particular emphasis on its functions (enforcing the law, maintaining order, serving the public), responsibilities (preserving constitutional rights, community relations), and problems (corruption, use of deadly force, racial profiling), among others.
3 credits
CJUS 307 Criminal ProceduresThis course introduces students to the lawful gathering and evaluation of information concerning criminal acts, with particular attention to the fundamentals of investigation, the organization and management of the investig ative process, and the knowledge and skills necessary for investigation.
3 credits
Prerequisites: CJUS 101
CJUS 410 Theories of Crime and DevianceThis course examines various explanations of crime and deviance from a variety of perspectives: Biological, Psychological, Sociological, Feminist, and Conflict, among others.
3 credits
Prerequisites: CJUS 205
CJUS 499 Senior Seminar in Criminal JusticeServes as a capstone course that explores contemporary sociological and criminological concepts through new research and theory in the discipline. Students will contribute to class discussion through written work and oral presentations. Formerly SOC 460 Senior Seminar.
3 credits
Prerequisites: Senior status in the major

Two research methods courses (6 credits):
MATH 110 Introduction to StatisticsPresents the basic principles of statistics with applications to the social sciences. Topics include descriptive statistics, probability theory, normal and binomial distributions, and central limit theorem, with an introduction to the use of statistical software. Formerly MAT 110 Introduction to Statistics.
3 credits
General Education: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
Prerequisites: MATH 108, MATH 109 or higher level mathematics course
SOCY 311 Research Methods for Social ScientistsIntroduces the student to various research methods used in the social sciences. Topics include causal analysis survey, observational, and evaluating strategies; feminist methods; database management; and statistical data analysis (SPSS). Formerly SOC 342 Research Methods.
3 credits
Prerequisites: SOCY 100 and MATH 110

One elective course (3 credits):
CJUS 309 EvidenceIn this course the students learn the definitions of evidence and proof and their relationship to each other. The roles of the prosecutor and defense counsel in trial proceedings will also be explored. Students study different types of evidence, such as real vs. testimonial, direct vs. circumstantial, and the rules regarding of hearsay and opinion testimony. Students also study the admissibility of evidence and constitutional concepts such as the exclusionary rule, search and seizure, confession, and discovery, and students learn to read and brief criminal case law.
3 credits
Prerequisites: CJUS 101
CRJ 351 Probation, Parole and Community CorrectionsThis course provides an overview of the administrative and operational aspects of community-based corrections. Students will examine, in detail, the functions and strategies of various community corrections agencies, in the context of individual, political and community influences, and criminological theories. Students will also study the historical development and future trends in probation, parole and other noncustodial alternatives to prisons and other correctional institutions.
Prerequisites: CRJ 100, CRJ 200, CRJ 205
Credits: 3
CRJ 366 Criminal InvestigationStudents examine the importance and legal significance of evidence, demonstrating how the investigative process works from crime scene preservation to case preparation and courtroom presentation. This course examines various techniques used during criminal investigations such as photography, interviewing, evidence handling, interrogation, and scene reconstruction, including how each applies to specific types of crimes.
3 credits
CRJ 388 International and Domestic TerrorismThis course examines aspects of extremism and terrorism in a historical, cultural and tactical context and relates the use of terrorism to contemporary issues of international domestic terrorism facing the United States today. Paramilitarism, white supremacy groups, hate groups, religious fundamentalism, and foreign terrorist groups throughout the world and through history will be investigated and studied with sophisticated theories of analysts.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
BIOL 220 Introductory Forensic ScienceThis course consists of 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory per week. This course would serve as an elective for biology, chemistry, and criminal justice majors.

Through reading, writing, discussions, and case-studies, students will explore scientific principles of Forensic Science and methods of investigation . Students will be introduced to the many specialties within forensic science and methods for collecting and recording evidence at a crime scenes. Scientific principles based in chemistry and biology will be incorporated into discussions of techniques used for analyzing crime scene evidence. Students will be introduced to technologies for analyzing crime scene evidence such as separating and identifying compounds, microscopy, fingerprinting, document analysis, pathology, anthropology, odontology, entomology, serology, DNA analysis, toxicology, and soil and fiber analysis. Students will also explore ethical and legal considerations in forensic science. The laboratory component of the course will give students hands –on-experience using scientific technologies to analyze data and solve problems.
4 credits
Prerequisites: Introductory Chemistry or Biology course such as BIOL 111, Chem 111, BIOL 101, or Chem 101, or an equivalent introductory science course with permission by instructor

One internship (3 credits):
CJUS 492 Internship in Criminal JusticeA semester of internship that provides students the opportunity for field placement in an approved criminal justice agency, where students can integrate the theory and practice of criminal justice.
3 credits

Minor Requirements

Required Courses (21 credits):
CJUS 100 Introduction Criminal JusticeIntroduces students to the scientific study of crime by focusing on definitions, history, types, causes, and consequences of crime as well as the responses of the criminal justice system to crimes, criminals, and the victims of crimes. Formerly SOC 202 Criminology: An Introduction and SOCY 205 Criminology: An Introduction.
3 credits
CJUS 101 Criminal LawThis course examines the substantive criminal law that defines criminal behavior. The general principles of criminal liability including defenses, parties to crime, and the elements of specific crimes are examined from a broad perspective. Decisions of English and American courts are analyzed to interpret the rules and doctrines of criminal law.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
CJUS 206 Juvenile JusticeJuvenile Justice examines status offenses and other crimes committed by juveniles. The course will further examine the social and legal history, definition and explanation of delinquency, assess delinquency prevention and correctional programs, and emphasize the application of philosophical and legal principles to the problems of juvenile justice.
3 credits
CJUS 303 Women and Minorities in Criminal JusticeRace, ethnicity, sex, and other characteristics may define individuals as minorities who deserve equitable treatment in the criminal justice system. This course examines the roles of racism, sexism, and homophobia in theories of crimes and the treatment of minorities by various components of the criminal justice system.
3 credits
CJUS 305 CorrectionsStudies jails and prisons as complex institutions with varied, sometimes conflicting goals. The course provides students with an overview of correctional philosophies, practices, and procedures.
3 credits
CJUS 306 Law EnforcementA survey of law enforcement concentrating on the police, with particular emphasis on its functions (enforcing the law, maintaining order, serving the public), responsibilities (preserving constitutional rights, community relations), and problems (corruption, use of deadly force, racial profiling), among others.
3 credits
CJUS 307 Criminal ProceduresThis course introduces students to the lawful gathering and evaluation of information concerning criminal acts, with particular attention to the fundamentals of investigation, the organization and management of the investig ative process, and the knowledge and skills necessary for investigation.
3 credits
Prerequisites: CJUS 101

Program Policies

Advanced Placement:
Credits earned through AP examinations do not fulfill requirements of the Criminal Justice major.

CLEP Policy:
Credits earned through CLEP examinations do not fulfill requirements of the Criminal Justice major.

Grades in Major Courses:
Students are required to earn a grade of “C” or better in all courses counted to fulfill requirements for the major. In addition, students must achieve a passing grade on the Senior Comprehensive portfolio.

Pass/No Pass:
Courses fulfilling major requirements may not be taken pass/no pass.

Senior Assessment:
Students are required to submit a Senior Comprehensive Portfolio Assessment Project prior to graduation. Specific requirements and due dates are distributed to seniors in the Fall semester of their graduation year.

TELL Policy:
Students applying for credit in experiential learning should consult with the program faculty.

Transfer Credits:
Credits in courses equivalent to those required for the major from a similar institution may be accepted toward a major. Students majoring in criminal justice must take a minimum of four criminal justice courses at Trinity.

Credits Counted toward Minor in Criminal Justice:
Other than courses that are required for both Sociology and Criminal Justice majors, students who major in Sociology and minor in Criminal Justice cannot double count criminal justice courses for sociology credits. Also, students who major in Human Relations and minor in Criminal Justice must fulfill their Sociology requirements separately from the minor requirements for Criminal Justice. If, however, someone is only majoring in Human Relations, she may take Criminal Justice courses to meet the Sociology requirements for Human Relations.

Course Descriptions

CJUS 100 Introduction Criminal JusticeIntroduces students to the scientific study of crime by focusing on definitions, history, types, causes, and consequences of crime as well as the responses of the criminal justice system to crimes, criminals, and the victims of crimes. Formerly SOC 202 Criminology: An Introduction and SOCY 205 Criminology: An Introduction.
3 credits
CJUS 101 Criminal LawThis course examines the substantive criminal law that defines criminal behavior. The general principles of criminal liability including defenses, parties to crime, and the elements of specific crimes are examined from a broad perspective. Decisions of English and American courts are analyzed to interpret the rules and doctrines of criminal law.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
CJUS 205 CriminologyThis course presents a framework for the scientific study of the nature and causes of crime and antisocial behavior. The course focuses on explanations provided through criminal typologies and criminological theories, by focusing on definitions, history, types, causes, and consequences of crime as well as the responses of the criminal justice system to crimes, criminals, and the victims of crimes. Topics will include crime causation, the extent of crime, victimization, social/psychological theories, and various types of criminality, including violent, property, and public order offenses. Formerly SOCY 205 - Criminology.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
CJUS 206 Juvenile JusticeJuvenile Justice examines status offenses and other crimes committed by juveniles. The course will further examine the social and legal history, definition and explanation of delinquency, assess delinquency prevention and correctional programs, and emphasize the application of philosophical and legal principles to the problems of juvenile justice.
3 credits
CJUS 303 Women and Minorities in Criminal JusticeRace, ethnicity, sex, and other characteristics may define individuals as minorities who deserve equitable treatment in the criminal justice system. This course examines the roles of racism, sexism, and homophobia in theories of crimes and the treatment of minorities by various components of the criminal justice system.
3 credits
CJUS 305 CorrectionsStudies jails and prisons as complex institutions with varied, sometimes conflicting goals. The course provides students with an overview of correctional philosophies, practices, and procedures.
3 credits
CJUS 306 Law EnforcementA survey of law enforcement concentrating on the police, with particular emphasis on its functions (enforcing the law, maintaining order, serving the public), responsibilities (preserving constitutional rights, community relations), and problems (corruption, use of deadly force, racial profiling), among others.
3 credits
CJUS 307 Criminal ProceduresThis course introduces students to the lawful gathering and evaluation of information concerning criminal acts, with particular attention to the fundamentals of investigation, the organization and management of the investig ative process, and the knowledge and skills necessary for investigation.
3 credits
Prerequisites: CJUS 101
CJUS 410 Theories of Crime and DevianceThis course examines various explanations of crime and deviance from a variety of perspectives: Biological, Psychological, Sociological, Feminist, and Conflict, among others.
3 credits
Prerequisites: CJUS 205
CJUS 492 Internship in Criminal JusticeA semester of internship that provides students the opportunity for field placement in an approved criminal justice agency, where students can integrate the theory and practice of criminal justice.
3 credits
CJUS 499 Senior Seminar in Criminal JusticeServes as a capstone course that explores contemporary sociological and criminological concepts through new research and theory in the discipline. Students will contribute to class discussion through written work and oral presentations. Formerly SOC 460 Senior Seminar.
3 credits
Prerequisites: Senior status in the major
CRJ 309 EvidenceIn this course the students learn the definitions of evidence and proof and their relationship to each other. The roles of the prosecutor and defense counsel in trial proceedings will also be explored. Students study different types of evidence such as real vs. testimonial, direct vs. circumstantial, and the rules regarding of hearsay and opinion testimony. Students also study the admissibility of evidence and constitutional concepts such as the exclusionary rule, search and seizure, confession, and discovery, and learn to read and brief criminal case law.
3 credits
CRJ 351 Probation, Parole and Community CorrectionsThis course provides an overview of the administrative and operational aspects of community-based corrections. Students will examine, in detail, the functions and strategies of various community corrections agencies, in the context of individual, political and community influences, and criminological theories. Students will also study the historical development and future trends in probation, parole and other noncustodial alternatives to prisons and other correctional institutions.
Prerequisites: CRJ 100, CRJ 200, CRJ 205
Credits: 3
CRJ 366 Criminal InvestigationStudents examine the importance and legal significance of evidence, demonstrating how the investigative process works from crime scene preservation to case preparation and courtroom presentation. This course examines various techniques used during criminal investigations such as photography, interviewing, evidence handling, interrogation, and scene reconstruction, including how each applies to specific types of crimes.
3 credits
CRJ 388 International and Domestic TerrorismThis course examines aspects of extremism and terrorism in a historical, cultural and tactical context and relates the use of terrorism to contemporary issues of international domestic terrorism facing the United States today. Paramilitarism, white supremacy groups, hate groups, religious fundamentalism, and foreign terrorist groups throughout the world and through history will be investigated and studied with sophisticated theories of analysts.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
MATH 110 Introduction to StatisticsPresents the basic principles of statistics with applications to the social sciences. Topics include descriptive statistics, probability theory, normal and binomial distributions, and central limit theorem, with an introduction to the use of statistical software. Formerly MAT 110 Introduction to Statistics.
3 credits
General Education: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
Prerequisites: MATH 108, MATH 109 or higher level mathematics course
SOCY 100 Introduction to SociologyIntroduces students to the science of sociology and prepares students for upper-level social science course work. Formerly SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area V
Core Area II: Understanding the Self and Society
SOCY 311 Research Methods for Social ScientistsIntroduces the student to various research methods used in the social sciences. Topics include causal analysis survey, observational, and evaluating strategies; feminist methods; database management; and statistical data analysis (SPSS). Formerly SOC 342 Research Methods.
3 credits
Prerequisites: SOCY 100 and MATH 110