Course provides an analysis of the policies and practices of agencies of the criminal justice system including the police, prosecution, courts and corrections. Additionally, the latest technology and developments in the field of criminal justice will be addressed.
Course teaches quantitative and qualitative research design, data collection and analysis techniques, and research presentation and dissemination methods. Descriptive and inferential statistics will be covered as well as basic computer applications in criminal justice.
Course focuses on a review of classical and current theories of criminology and delinquency and the underlying assumptions of each. Advancements in profiling and classification as well as other applications of theoretical models will be studied.
Course focuses on the nature of law and legal institutions and the relationships between law and social control. Concepts of law and justice from the perspectives of its effects on the American criminal justice system will be investigated as well as the public policy concerns of laws and their relationship to our society.
Course explores the latest developments in technology and innovations in criminal justice. Included will be current developments in forensic science, i.e. DNA and the use of computer applications in criminal justice. Specific topics will be adjusted as new technologies arrive. Emphasis will be on impact and management rather than the strict science of the protocols.
Course will sensitize and educate criminal justice professionals to issues of diversity. It explores the cross-cultural contact that criminal justice professionals have with citizens, victims, suspects, and co-workers, and the influence of culture, race and gender in the criminal justice field.
Course focuses on crime as a political issue and examines how conflicting political philosophies influence criminal justice policy. Emphasis will be placed on how decisions in politics affect criminal justice organizations and how these decisions can be influenced by executive managers.
Course examines the origins and development of the juvenile justice system with particular emphasis on the current policies and practices of the agencies which process young offenders through the juvenile system. Course examines a variety of political initiatives designed to reduce the jurisdiction of the juvenile court, enhance the due process rights of juveniles, and create a more punitive approach in the juvenile justice system.
This course exposes students to current law impacting criminal justice professionals. Topics will change depending upon current legal developments, but will include the general areas of corrections, law enforcement, employment, civil liability and criminal procedure.
Course exposes students to the dynamics of the American criminal courthouse. Students will examine how defense attorneys, defendants, prosecutors, judges, juries and others interact and contribute to America's version of criminal case disposition. Course also examines the mechanics of criminal case processing, as well as how the court system is supposed to work, how it really does work, and the implications for American democracy.
From the response and investigation of crimes committed, to the theory and practice involved in crime prevention, this course studies the development, theory, history and contemporary organizational structure of America's law enforcement organizations.
Course provides an analysis of critical problems confronting contemporary adult corrections agencies. Course examines the problems of institutions, the affect of judicial intervention in corrections, alternatives to incarceration, and the political milieu in which this occurs.
Course focuses on the planning, budgeting, and evaluation process in criminal justice organizations. Course examines both strategic and policy planning issues to include establishing organizational goals, budgeting, program implementation, evaluation and review.
Course focuses on a special issue or topic in criminal justice. A new topic/issue will be selected each time the course is offered.
This course explores the broader context of criminal justice studies and concepts through the writings of significant authors and thinkers. Readings will focus on subjects such as justice, punishment, law and social control. Students will be expected to read extensively and participate in analysis and discussion. (May be repeated once for a total of 6 hours.)
Course allows the student to examine the scholarly literature on a subject of special interest under the supervision of faculty. Reading list and accompanying assignments must be approved by the supervising faculty member. Periodic progress meetings will be scheduled throughout the semester.
Course provides students with the opportunity to conduct original research in criminal justice or complete a project in a criminal justice agency. Methods learned in the masters program will be applied.
Weber State University 2008-2009 Catalog