This broad introductory course in criminal justice serves as a survey to how the American criminal justice system is a mechanism for exerting societal control over both individuals and groups through the balancing of the crime control and due process goals of the system. The course describes the ways criminal justice actors exercise discretion and the role that discretion plays at the individual, group, and societal level in the administration of American criminal justice. Through research, course readings, and debate, students gain an understanding of policing, the courts and adjudication, and corrections. Students will recognize the nomenclature used in the field of criminal justice and identify the relationships between and among the major criminal justice organizations responsible for social control (i.e., law enforcement, the judicial system, and corrections) and the society whose interests they serve. Fall, Spring.
CJS & Forensic Psych MAJORS ONLY
Undergraduate Courses
Course Delivery DEFINITIONS:
- Online Courses: In online teaching, 100% of instruction takes place online via Canvas and with supplemental platforms like Zoom. There are two types of online courses: asynchronous and synchronous.
- Asynchronous online: Course is fully online, with lessons, assignments, and activities posted in Canvas with due dates. Students complete coursework, engage in discussions, etc., based upon their own schedules, but are required to meet posted deadlines.
- Synchronous online: Online course that includes real-time class meetings using technology (e.g. Zoom). The number of required meetings varies based upon the particular class, but meetings take place during the scheduled class times. Faculty will inform students of the schedule for real-time meetings in their courses.
- Hybrid Courses: Hybrid courses combine both in-person, on-campus meetings with online instruction. All face-to-face activities take place during the regularly-scheduled meeting times in the rooms assigned on the course listing. The number of in-person meetings varies by course. Faculty will notify students of the exact meeting schedule for their courses.
If your class is not listed as online or hybrid, it will meet fully face-to-face following the noted class schedule.
This broad introductory course in criminal justice serves as a survey to how the American criminal justice system is a mechanism for exerting societal control over both individuals and groups through the balancing of the crime control and due process goals of the system. The course describes the ways criminal justice actors exercise discretion and the role that discretion plays at the individual, group, and societal level in the administration of American criminal justice. Through research, course readings, and debate, students gain an understanding of policing, the courts and adjudication, and corrections. Students will recognize the nomenclature used in the field of criminal justice and identify the relationships between and among the major criminal justice organizations responsible for social control (i.e., law enforcement, the judicial system, and corrections) and the society whose interests they serve. Fall, Spring.
CJS & Forensic Psych MAJORS ONLY
This broad introductory course in criminal justice serves as a survey to how the American criminal justice system is a mechanism for exerting societal control over both individuals and groups through the balancing of the crime control and due process goals of the system. The course describes the ways criminal justice actors exercise discretion and the role that discretion plays at the individual, group, and societal level in the administration of American criminal justice. Through research, course readings, and debate, students gain an understanding of policing, the courts and adjudication, and corrections. Students will recognize the nomenclature used in the field of criminal justice and identify the relationships between and among the major criminal justice organizations responsible for social control (i.e., law enforcement, the judicial system, and corrections) and the society whose interests they serve. Fall, Spring.
This broad introductory course in criminal justice serves as a survey to how the American criminal justice system is a mechanism for exerting societal control over both individuals and groups through the balancing of the crime control and due process goals of the system. The course describes the ways criminal justice actors exercise discretion and the role that discretion plays at the individual, group, and societal level in the administration of American criminal justice. Through research, course readings, and debate, students gain an understanding of policing, the courts and adjudication, and corrections. Students will recognize the nomenclature used in the field of criminal justice and identify the relationships between and among the major criminal justice organizations responsible for social control (i.e., law enforcement, the judicial system, and corrections) and the society whose interests they serve. Fall, Spring.
This foundational course in criminal justice is an introduction to an interdisciplinary perspective of criminological knowledge. The course surveys explanations of crime and deviance amongst individual, group, and societal levels. Lecture, discussion, and case studies enable students to recognize and begin to explain the causes of crime and deviance. Students will use existing and traditional criminological research to describe the major criminological theories that offer different explanations about deviance and why some individual commit crime. Fall, Spring.
ONLINE COURSE; Crosslisted with SOC 231 ELX (crn 928)
This foundational course in criminal justice is an introduction to an interdisciplinary perspective of criminological knowledge. The course surveys explanations of crime and deviance amongst individual, group, and societal levels. Lecture, discussion, and case studies enable students to recognize and begin to explain the causes of crime and deviance. Students will use existing and traditional criminological research to describe the major criminological theories that offer different explanations about deviance and why some individual commit crime. Fall, Spring.
Crosslisted with SOC 231 X1 (crn 1066) CJS & Forensic Psych MAJORS ONLY
This foundational course in criminal justice is an introduction to an interdisciplinary perspective of criminological knowledge. The course surveys explanations of crime and deviance amongst individual, group, and societal levels. Lecture, discussion, and case studies enable students to recognize and begin to explain the causes of crime and deviance. Students will use existing and traditional criminological research to describe the major criminological theories that offer different explanations about deviance and why some individual commit crime. Fall, Spring.
Crosslisted with SOC 231 X1 (crn 1067)
This foundational course in criminal justice is an introduction to an interdisciplinary perspective of criminological knowledge. The course surveys explanations of crime and deviance amongst individual, group, and societal levels. Lecture, discussion, and case studies enable students to recognize and begin to explain the causes of crime and deviance. Students will use existing and traditional criminological research to describe the major criminological theories that offer different explanations about deviance and why some individual commit crime. Fall, Spring.
Crosslisted with SOC 231 X1 (crn 1117) CJS & Forensic Psych MAJORS ONLY
This course will survey the organizational structure of U.S. courts at the local, state and federal levels. It will include an examination of the roles and functions of the courtroom workgroup: judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys. Conflicts of formal and informal practices are discussed (i.e., the trial vs. plea bargaining; the adversarial vs. a cooperative system of law). Other topics will include the role of probation in the court system and the relatively recent introduction of special courts (drug, gun, and community). The role of negotiation is emphasized. This course may require a student visit to view a local area court proceeding. Fall, Spring.
Mandatory enrollment in this course every semester is required for all Pre-Law and 3+3 or 4+3 duel degree program students regardless of their majors. Enrollment is discretionary for other students who may be interested in eventually going to law school. The purpose of this course is to help ensure that students who want to attend law school have the advice, course work, and support they need to help them prepare for the application process and eventual law training. This course offers opportunities for students in the above programs to meet with law school admissions and LSAT preparation course representatives as well as with a designated faculty member for additional advisement with regard to courses offered at the colleges that would provide good preparation for law training. It also provides a means for students to stay on track in meeting the particular requirements of their duel degree program and with application to the colleges Pre-Law Advisory Committee for a committee recommendation for admission to law school. Offered as needed.
9/11/2015; 10/30/2015; 11/20/2015
Mandatory enrollment and attendance in this colloquium is required each semester for all criminal justice majors (full or part-time) and members of Alpha Phi Sigma (National Criminal Justice Honor Society).
The purpose of this course is to provide 3 to 4 scheduled meeting times, during each semester, between department faculty, guest speakers and students to discuss the criminal justice program and related matters such as course offerings, academic advisement, career opportunities, internships, and further educational opportunities in the field of criminal justice and related fields.
In addition to scheduled meeting times students will also have access to the canvas to stay connected to fellow students and faculty and to access additional information concerning careers, internships, jobs and other opportunities. As part of the colloquium majors may, but are not required to, participate in the Saint Rose Criminal Justice Association.
This is a zero credit/pass-fail course that involves no assignments or readings. Students will be graded on their attendance. Fall, Spring
Meeting Dates: 9/4, 10/16, 12/4 1:00-2:30pm Location TBD
This course will focus on police organizations, functions, and issues. Students will begin with the foundational understanding that the police mission to protect and serve requires police to: (1) exercise appropriate police authority to protect society; and (2) ensure the protections enumerated in the US Constitution. Students will focus on the development of American policing, the organization of modern American police departments, policing roles, and various operational policing methods. Notably, the course will consider the impact of recent events involving police, important trials and decisions, and pro and anti-police movements. The course study will also include the concept of "Intelligence-Led Policing" (ILP) -- an evolving law enforcement strategy which uses crime data, analysis, and intelligence to reduce crime, safeguard society, and protect individual rights. Regarding ILP, the course will focus on how law enforcement organizations at the local, state, and federal levels, share and analyze criminal intelligence to reduce crime, assist communities, and support policing. The course will emphasize practical strategies, solutions to problems, improved policing methods, and leadership challenges for the future. Fall.
This course is designed to attain a higher level of information literacy about jails and prisons than was presented in CJS 110. The course addresses the major issues historically and currently shaping how incarceration serves the punishment goals of retribution, deterrence, rehabilitation, and reintegration through prison and jail programming, population control strategies, administrative procedures, and community transition programs. Course learning activities focus on the application and influence of European political philosophers and religious Quakers on the American use of prisons. Fall, Summer
This course will provide an introduction to the legal system of the United States and trace the historical, social and philosophical sources and development of American criminal law from its origin in the common law up to modern criminal statutes; an examination of the essential elements of criminal liability and a thorough analysis of the scope, purpose, definition and classification of criminal offenses, such as crimes against the person, crimes against property and habitation, and crimes against public order, and a discussion of defenses to criminal responsibility. Fall
This course will provide an in-depth analysis of the nature and purpose of criminal investigations and the quest to reconstruct the past and seek the truth. It will help the student develop an analytical understanding of the investigative process through an introduction to, and an examination of, the theories, concepts and terminology utilized in basic investigatory functions and evidentiary techniques. Topics included will be a discussion of the various methods of evidence gathering, crime scene preservation, the interview and interrogation of witnesses and suspects, the identification, collection and preservation of physical evidence, the use of informants, and the techniques involved in surveillance and special investigations. A strong emphasis will be placed on the critical legal issues involved in searches and seizures and the obtaining of admissions and confessions. Significant attention will be given to the ramifications of the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 14th Amendments to the United States' Constitution upon the investigatory and evidentiary gathering process, as well as an examination of landmark case law interpreting those constitutional safeguards. Fall, Spring
This course is designed to expose majors in Criminal Justice to some of the critical ethical issues they will inevitably face should they become employed in this field. The goal is to raise student awareness of various issues rather than present answers. Fall, Spring
ONLINE course
This course will examine serial predatory behavior including rape, arson, and murder. With a focus on the serial murderer, the student will learn the theoretical and practical foundation for understanding the motivation and dynamics of serial crimes. Lastly, the student will be expected to comprehensively analyze and present the life of a serial criminal of their own choosing. Prerequisite: CJS 111, CJS 340. Spring
Within the context of public policy formation this course will examine, after a general investigation of how public policy is created in the U.S., several current controversial issues in criminal justice policy. As part of our investigations we will take the time to view criminal justice policy from the standpoint of race and the actual and perceived effect of criminal justice policy on minorities. Prerequisite: CJS 110 with a C- or better. Spring.
This course will examine the changing concept of white-collar crime, both in theory and practice. Through a full social survey and case studies, a range of offenses will be examined, such as occupational crimes, corporate crimes, and political crimes, as well as in-depth profiling of white-collar offenders. Additional topics will include the problems of measurement, the criminal justice system response, and the social attitudes and consequences of white-collar crime in the United States. Blue-collar (or street) crimes will be included periodically for comparative analysis. A strong emphasis will be placed on the ethical issues involved. Prerequisites: CJS 110 and CJS 111, both with a C- or better. Spring.
This course involves an overview of some of the federal constitutional protections afforded the accused in a criminal proceeding. Emphasis is placed upon the safeguards provided by the 4th,5th and 6th Amendments to the United States Constitution, and the application of those safeguards to the states, in whole or in part, by the operation of the 14th Amendment. Specific topics to be discussed include search and seizure, the privilege against self-incrimination, the exclusionary rule and the right to the effective assistance of counsel at all stages of a criminal proceeding. The course will extensively utilize analysis of actual Supreme Court and state court appellate decisions. Fall (alternating with CJS 431)
Crime science is an emerging field in criminal justice aimed at developing effective strategies and practices specifically designed to reduce and prevent crime through empirically based analyses grounded in testable social science theory. Conceptually, the crime science perspective is rooted in the neoclassical tradition as elaborated in rational choice and routine activities theories, social control theory, crime pattern theory, and situational crime prevention. Causes of crime are located within a dynamic framework of rational actors interacting in a social ecological/environmental context. Societal response to crime is drawn from various interdisciplinary contributions in such fields as urban planning and environmental design, statistics, sociology, psychology, forensics, policing, economics and geography. Crime science is contemporary to the development of crime analysis and crime mapping as well as the “criminology of place”. Fall
This course is offered on an occasional basis as a means of providing Criminal Justice majors and faculty the opportunity to explore a particular area of study not normally covered in the major.
This advanced theoretical course will explore the history and ideology of punishment. Readings of Michel Foucault's Discipline and Punish, and David Garland's Punishment and Modern Society will be examined in-depth in order to provide an understanding why people punish. In addition to exploring the rationale of the need for punishment in society, the historical social context of methods and symbolism of punishment will also be studied. Prerequisite: CJS 111.
One credit of the course is Independent Study.
This advanced theoretical course will explore the history and ideology of punishment. Readings of Michel Foucault's Discipline and Punish, and David Garland's Punishment and Modern Society will be examined in-depth in order to provide an understanding why people punish. In addition to exploring the rationale of the need for punishment in society, the historical social context of methods and symbolism of punishment will also be studied. Prerequisite: CJS 111.
One credit of the course is Independent Study.
This is the first of a two part sequence. Students will develop a quantitative or qualitative research prospectus which, upon completion, will be submitted to their advisor for departmental approval. Upon approval of the prospectus, students will acquire permission to conduct their research from the appropriate oversight committee (IRB) and will accumulate the materials necessary for data collection. This course is open to all students meeting the prerequisites, but has been designed specifically for students seeking Research Honors Criminal Justice. Students must take Independent Research I and Independent Research II in consecutive semesters. Students must select a primary advisor who will oversee the project during both semesters and must earn a grade of B or higher in order to be eligible for Research Honors. Course prerequisites: CJS 230, CJS 231, SOC 288, SOC 351 (each with a B or better), Criminal Justice GPA of 3.5 or higher and Overall GPA of 3.2, and permission of a project advisor from the Criminal Justice Department. Fall, Spring, Summer
PERMISSION BY INSTRUCTOR
Students gain exposure and practical experience in various areas of legal practices by participating in court, legislative, public or private law offices. These experiences are designed for students who want to investigate or who wish to pursue a law related career to observe and participate in the legal work environment. The Legal Experience course is open to students from all majors. Pre-law advisor or course instructor permissions required.
PERMISSION BY INSTRUCTOR
Students will gain practical experience in a career area within criminal justice by working in a public or private organization or agency. This course has as twin goals the practical exposure and experience of the field combined with the application of acquired academic knowledge and analytical skills. Open to juniors and seniors who meet the following criteria: overall GPA of 2.5 or better and a GPA of 3.0 or better in courses required for the Criminal Justice major and/or minor. An Internship Proposal must be submitted and accepted prior to registration. Proposal forms are available from the professor supervising the internship.
Instructor's signature/approval needed for this course.
Students will gain practical experience in a career area within criminal justice by working in a public or private organization or agency. This course has as twin goals the practical exposure and experience of the field combined with the application of acquired academic knowledge and analytical skills. Open to juniors and seniors who meet the following criteria: overall GPA of 2.5 or better and a GPA of 3.0 or better in courses required for the Criminal Justice major and/or minor. An Internship Proposal must be submitted and accepted prior to registration. Proposal forms are available from the professor supervising the internship.
Instructor's signature/approval needed for this course.
Students must make specific arrangements for Directed Research with a full-time faculty member in the Criminal Justice, Behavior, & Law Department prior to registration.
PERMISSION BY INSTRUCTOR
With permission by and under the direction of a faculty mentor, a topic is studied through extensive reading and periodic discussions with the mentor, culminating in a paper on the topic. Specific arrangements with the cooperating professor must be made prior to the beginning of the semester concerning the nature of the topic to be studied, as well as the readings and assignments to be required.
INDEPENDENT STUDY APPLICATION
With permission by and under the direction of a faculty mentor, a topic is studied through extensive reading and periodic discussions with the mentor, culminating in a paper on the topic. Specific arrangements with the cooperating professor must be made prior to the beginning of the semester concerning the nature of the topic to be studied, as well as the readings and assignments to be required.
INDEPENDENT STUDY APPLICATION
With permission by and under the direction of a faculty mentor, a topic is studied through extensive reading and periodic discussions with the mentor, culminating in a paper on the topic. Specific arrangements with the cooperating professor must be made prior to the beginning of the semester concerning the nature of the topic to be studied, as well as the readings and assignments to be required.
INDEPENDENT STUDY APPLICATION
With permission by and under the direction of a faculty mentor, a topic is studied through extensive reading and periodic discussions with the mentor, culminating in a paper on the topic. Specific arrangements with the cooperating professor must be made prior to the beginning of the semester concerning the nature of the topic to be studied, as well as the readings and assignments to be required.
With permission by and under the direction of a faculty mentor, a topic is studied through extensive reading and periodic discussions with the mentor, culminating in a paper on the topic. Specific arrangements with the cooperating professor must be made prior to the beginning of the semester concerning the nature of the topic to be studied, as well as the readings and assignments to be required.
With permission by and under the direction of a faculty mentor, a topic is studied through extensive reading and periodic discussions with the mentor, culminating in a paper on the topic. Specific arrangements with the cooperating professor must be made prior to the beginning of the semester concerning the nature of the topic to be studied, as well as the readings and assignments to be required.
With permission by and under the direction of a faculty mentor, a topic is studied through extensive reading and periodic discussions with the mentor, culminating in a paper on the topic. Specific arrangements with the cooperating professor must be made prior to the beginning of the semester concerning the nature of the topic to be studied, as well as the readings and assignments to be required.