This course provides an overview of the fundamental concepts guiding the development of the American criminal justice system and the discipline specific vocabulary used in the field. Topics will include history of crime and criminal justice, concepts of law and justice, defining and measuring crime, criminal behavior, victimology, and criminal justice policy. Students will be provided with course readings, opportunities for classroom discussions, and basic research techniques to learn how the criminal justice system is organized. The course will be structured as a First Year Learning Experience that introduces students to college-level study techniques, written and oral communication methods, and multiple levels of reading comprehension. Open only to first year, first semester students. Fall.
First year CJS 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 course provides an overview of the fundamental concepts guiding the development of the American criminal justice system and the discipline specific vocabulary used in the field. Topics will include history of crime and criminal justice, concepts of law and justice, defining and measuring crime, criminal behavior, victimology, and criminal justice policy. Students will be provided with course readings, opportunities for classroom discussions, and basic research techniques to learn how the criminal justice system is organized. The course will be structured as a First Year Learning Experience that introduces students to college-level study techniques, written and oral communication methods, and multiple levels of reading comprehension. Open only to first year, first semester students. Fall.
First year CJS 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.
For FPY majors, new FPY & CJS transfers, and current students who changed majors to CJS only. Not open to students who've completed CJS 101.
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.
For FPY majors, new FPY & CJS transfers, and current students who changed majors to CJS only. Not open to students who've completed CJS 101.
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.
Reserved for incoming FPY majors.
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.
Reserved for incoming FPY majors.
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.
Completely ONLINE. SYNCHRONOUS ONLINE. zurawske@strose.edu.
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.
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.
Completely ONLINE. SYNCHRONOUS ONLINE.
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
Completely ONLINE. SYNCHRONOUS ONLINE. Meeting Dates: 09/17, 10/15, and 11/19.
This required course provides students with an understanding of the basic research methods used to collect information about criminal justice issues and the interpretation of descriptive statistics which researchers use to analyze and draw conclusions. Fall, Spring
Introduction to Law is an overview of American law and legal system. This course provides students with basic knowledge of legal concepts, procedures, terminology and current issues in American law. This course provides student with a basic overview of the American legal system and prepares them to take 300-400 level law concentration courses by introducing them to the legal concepts, theories and terminology they will explore in greater detail in advanced courses. Fall
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 examine the victims' experience/outcome in a criminal event. The course will also consider how victims are affected by their experiences with the criminal justice system, and the goals of the victims' rights movement. With a focus on the victim, current coverage of the seriousness of intimate partner violence, child abuse, sexual assaults in the U.S. military, acquaintance rapes on college campuses, shootings on campuses, whether arming for self-protection is an effective strategy, and similar high-profile issues will also be explored. Spring, odd years.
HYBRID. Lanec@strose.edu.
Based on a subset of offenses/offenders most suitable for profiling, this course will explore the process of identifying personality traits, behavioral tendencies, geographical location, and demographic or biographical descriptors of an offender (or offenders) based on crime scene characteristics. Various aspects of the criminal's personality makeup are determined from his or her choices before, during, and after the crime. This information is combined with other relevant details and physical evidence, and then compared with the characteristics of known personality types and mental abnormalities to develop a practical working description of the offender. Spring, even years.
HYBRID. Lanec@strose.edu.
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 broad introductory course in the foundations of evidence surveys the basic rules of evidence that are contained in the Federal Rules of Evidence (FRE). While each state has its own rules of evidence, the principles behind the FRE rules are the same principles that are behind all state rules of evidence. Students will learn to apply the FRE to solve common evidence-based scenarios that often appear at civil and criminal trials. The course will specifically cover the nature of evidence (e.g., direct, circumstantial, real, testimonial, and hearsay), evidence related issues (e.g., relevance, materiality, admissibility, presumptions, inferences, and stipulations), the evidentiary process (e.g., the fact-finding process, the authentication of evidence, and the cross examination of witnesses), and special types of witnesses such as expert opinion and scientific witnesses. Students will be challenged in class through discussion, role playing and problems to apply the rules and principles of evidence. Fall.
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
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
This course introduces the student to many of the constitutional aspects that govern street level policing and criminal investigation. Topics covered include citizen-law enforcement street encounters, electronic surveillance, undercover investigations, entrapment, and the conducting of interrogations and out- of - court identification procedures. Fall, even years.
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 various sex crimes ranging from nonviolent offenses such as exhibitionism, voyeurism and obscene telephone calls to serial rapes and lust murders. Certain fantasies and paraphilias may not be perceived as criminal; however it can be viewed as preparatory behavior that becomes motivation for future sex offending. Once reaching an understanding of the sex offender, intervention strategies will be explored. Prerequisite: CJS 111 with a C- or better, recommended CJS 244. Fall.
Focusing on Samenow & Yochelson's and Hare's work, this course explores how criminal thinking impacts action. The student will also study how personality traits may influence why certain individuals react to lift strain by offending, why particular individuals are targets of crime, and why psychopathic offenders choose particular avenues of crime. 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.
HYBRID. Cross-listed with CSC 470 EX1.
This course is designed to raise students¿ awareness of what is involved in seeking employment or gaining admission to graduate or law school after they have completed their undergraduate education. Fall, Spring.
The purpose of this course is to provide a comprehensive overview of contemporary research and theory on the life course approach to explaining criminal behavior. This approach considers the various influences that shape offending behavior across different time periods and contexts of one's lifespan. Issues of the utility of developmental versus static theories of criminal behavior, persistence and desistence of criminal behavior will also be considered. Prerequisite: CJS 111. Fall (alternating with CJS 429)
This course is for students interested in learning trial advocacy and presentation skills. Enrolled students will become members or will already be members of the The College of Saint Rose Mock Trial Team. The course will focus on the practice of tactics, planning, strategy, public speaking, presentation, leadership, teamwork, ethics, and competition. Each weekly class will focus on a single aspect of mock trial preparations, such as case overviews, strategies, theories, opening statements, witnesses, experts, testimony, direct and cross examinations, and closing arguments. Enrollment in this course and team is highly recommended for students interested in graduate careers involving law/law school, law enforcement, forensic psychology, expert witness testimony, advocacy, and overall public speaking skills. Attendance and participation in class will be mandatory and will include practice, videotaping and review using National Institute of Trial Advocacy (NITA) feedback techniques shown to significantly improve public speaking and presentation skills. Each class will require prior reading and a pre-class assignment involving one or two of the skills above (for example, summary, theory, opening, closing, testimony). The course will provide a basic framework for participation in The Mock Trial Team and its competitions in the spring and fall semesters each year. The course will utilize a written fact pattern and short NITA textbook (approximate total of 200 pages for both). The level of participation and commitment by students will vary depending upon the student’s respective role (for example, attorney roles take more time). For students interested in continuing with the Mock Trial Team in the future, those students can repeat the course each semester for 1 credit throughout their college careers as the fact pattern changes each year. Students who are less interested in participating in the Mock Trial Team after completion of the course can end participation. As members of the Mock Trial Team, students should expect at least one out-of-class team practice each week. Fall, Spring.
Instructor's signature/approval needed for this course.
This course is only for students who have completed CJS 481 in the previous Fall semester or who have been admitted with professor's permission. This course encompasses the national competition phase of National Mock Trial Competition. Student will compete in a national elimination mock trial tournament sponsored by the National Mock Trial Association. The competition will require overnight travel to competition sites designated by the National Mock Trial organization. Students will compete against other colleges and universities in the trial of a designated case with the winners advancing on to the national mock trial championship competition. Students enrolled in this course will be required to put in to practice the theory and practical forensic skills studied in the previous semester in CJS 483 in a competitive environment against other college and university teams. Following the conclusion of the competition the students will participate in wrap up sessions in preparation for the next year's competition. Prerequisite CJS 481. Fall, Spring
Instructor's signature/approval needed for this course.
Cold Case is an internship experience where students are trained in cold case investigation under the supervision of the Cold Case Director and in consultation with Cold Case Faculty Consultants. Students may work directly with local law enforcement and criminal justice agencies in order to understand the procedures employed when investigating different types of crimes. Ultimately the goal will be to discover new evidence or even potentially solve these cold cases. To be considered for Cold Case students must have completed at least 1 full-time semester at Saint Rose, have a 3.0 overall GPA, submit a Cold Case Application (available from the Chair of the Criminal Justice Department or Director of the Cold Case Analysis Center – CCAC) and a letter of recommendation, complete an interview with either the Director or the Administrative Director of the CCAC, and students must have successfully completed (C- or higher) or be co-register in one of the following courses: CJS 111, CJS 244, CJS 252, CJS 340, CJS 352, CJS 424, or CJS 440. Students accepted to participate in Cold Case will be required to be fingerprinted and to have a background check completed. Cold Case is a variable credit (0-3) pass/fail course which may be repeated for additional credit. Fall and Spring
Instructor's signature/approval needed for this course. Will be held in Cold Case Center.
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 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.
Senior Seminar in the Administration of Criminal Justice is intended to serve both Criminal Justice and Forensic Psychology majors. The same assessment standards will be applied to students from both academic disciplines but the assessment protocols created by the Psychology Department for its Senior Seminar will be applied to the Forensic Psychology majors in this course for the capstone writing project. The purpose of this bifurcation of protocols is to enable to the Psychology Department to produce assessment data for their students that is consistent across Senior Seminar sections. Finally, the subject matter of the assignments will be discipline specific. In other words, Criminal Justice majors will be directed toward traditional administration of criminal justice topics while Forensic Psychology majors will be directed toward topical issues that define the intersection of criminal justice administration and clinical psychology. Fulfills writing intensive requirement. Fall, Spring (as needed)
Open to CJS majors only. FPY majors: Instructor's signature/approval needed for this course.
Senior Seminar is a capstone writing intensive course. Students will complete one or more writing assignments challenging them the critically analyze and integrate knowledge they have acquired throughout the program in order to address important current issues in criminal justice, criminology, or law. Fulfills writing intensive requirement. Fall, Spring.
Open to CJS majors only. FPY majors: Instructor's signature/approval needed for this course.
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 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.