CRJ - Course Descriptions
CRJ 2013 Introduction to Criminal Justice
A study is made of the historical background to common law and criminal law including an overview concerning the structure of criminal justice and the enforcement of law. (Every Semester)
CRJ 2203 Criminology (Same as SOC 2203)
A survey of the nature of crime, criminal statistics, and theories of criminal causation and control. An examination of crime as a social problem. Prerequisite: CRJ 2013. (Every Semester)
CRJ 3023 Theories in Social Deviance
A survey of contemporary theories and concepts used to analyze, understand, and explain social deviance and its consequences for individuals and society. A presentation of several contemporary forms of deviant behavior that currently attract the attention of major societal institutions. (Every Fall)
CRJ 3033 Criminal Law
A survey of criminal and common law with emphasis upon definitions and interpretations by the courts. Prerequisite: CRJ 2013. (Every Fall)
CRJ 3043 (PSY 3043) Abnormal Psychology
This course covers the study of psychopathology, including an examination of causes, symptoms, and treatment of abnormal behavior. Prerequisites: PSY 1013 and JR standing. (Every Fall)
CRJ 3053 Criminal Procedure
An introduction to legal issues involved in the theory and practice of the criminal justice procedure regarding the accused from arrest to release. Prerequisite: CRJ 2013. (Every Spring)
CRJ 3073 (PLS 3073) Constitutional Law
A survey of the United States Constitution including the origins, amendments, and interpretations of the Constitution; and the constitutional basis of legislative, executive, and judicial powers, as well as issues of civil liberties and the guaranteed rights of equality. Prerequisite: PLS 1013 or consent of instructor. (Every Spring)
CRJ 3103 Law Enforcement Internship
A practicum within the Division of Campus Safety and/or in conjunction with a local law enforcement agency. The student is required to work a minimum of 10 hours per week for 14 weeks of the semester. Juniors and seniors only, consent of the supervising instructor and Academic Vice President required. See criteria for internships on page 124. (Fall, Spring)
CRJ 3203 Legal Internship
This course constitutes a practicum supervised by a local attorney’s office, law firm, or court. It requires ten hours minimum per week for fourteen weeks. Juniors and Seniors only. Consent from the Vice President for Academic Affairs is required. See criteria for internships on page 124. (Fall, Spring)
CRJ 3113 Corrections
A survey of the historical development of the systems of punishment and rehabilitation. Analysis of the reasons for incarceration of offenders. Prerequisite: CRJ 2013. (Every Spring)
CRJ 3233 Law Enforcement
Basic course dealing with agencies involved in administration of justice; history and organization of local, state and federal agencies; courts, trial, jail, and prisons; probation and parole. Prerequisite: CRJ2013. (Every Fall)
CRJ 3303 Criminal Investigation
Investigation methodology, relations of the detective with other police divisions, modus operandi, sources of information, surveillance, interrogation, follow-up procedure. Prerequisites: CRJ 2013 and CRJ 3233. (Every Fall)
CRJ 3403 Police Administration
Selection, training, placement, and promotion of police officers; leadership and decision making skills. Prerequisite: CRJ 2013 and CRJ 3233. (Rotating)
CRJ 3423 (PSY 3423) Applied Mediation (Same as CRJ 3034 in CRJ/DC)
Active and experiential methods that focus on interpersonal situations in law enforcement/criminal justice agencies. Course will focus on good communication and mediation skills, multicultural contact situations in the workplace and community, and a special section on hate/bias crimes.
CRJ 3501, 3502, 3503 Directed Study in Criminal Justice
A specialized, individualized course of study for qualified students. The course is offered on demand, and the credit hours are determined by the nature of the study. Prerequisite: JR or SR. Instructor’s and Academic Vice President’s Permission. (Fall and Spring)
CRJ 3603 Juvenile Justice
A survey of the process - the police, the courts, and corrections - through which the juvenile offender must pass. Prerequisite: CRJ 2013. (Rotating)
CRJ 3703 Law of Evidence
Leading rules and principles of exclusion and selection, burden of proof, nature and effect of presumptions, proof of authenticity and contents of writings, examinations, competency and privilege of witnesses. Prerequisites: CRJ 2013, 3033, 3053. (Rotating)
CRJ 4013 Comparative Criminal Justice Systems
An examination of the legal and criminal justice systems in various countries around the globe, focusing on how they organize the criminal justice systems and satisfy police, court, and corrections functions. Prerequisites: CRJ 2013, 2203. (Every Fall)
CRJ 4015 Professional Internship in Law Enforcement
This semester-long course is taught on-site at the Southwest Law Enforcement Academy, Bristol, Virginia, offering students an opportunity to gain practical training and acquire professional certification in law enforcement. Requires a GPA of 2.0 or above, junior status, and permission of the division chair; must be arranged at least one semester in advance. Upon satisfactory completion, awards 15 semester hours of elective credit in criminal justice.
CRJ 4073 Critical Perspectives in Criminal Justice
Capstone course for criminal justice majors to be taken during the senior year. It will emphasize and measure the acquisition of knowledge of the American criminal justice system, as well as a variety of applied skills including oral communication, effective writing, and decision-making skills. Prerequisite: SR standing, Instructor’s Permission. (Every Spring)
CRJ 4403 Police and Community Relations
An examination of the fundamental challenges facing municipal and county police officers in free, open democratic, diverse, and rapidly changing communities. Utilizing an historic perspective, course content will focus on youth crime, diversity, problem solving, police misconduct, and police training. Prerequisites: CRJ 2013, 2203. (Every Fall)
CRJ 4501, 4502, 4503 Special Topics in Criminal Justice
Special topics of interest in the field of criminal justice. Examples of recent offerings include courses in international terrorism drug investigations, and stress management. JR or SR standing.
