This course will build upon the foundation laid in CJS 101 Fundamentals of Criminal Justice 1. The focus of this course will be on developing a more detailed knowledge of how the concepts and vocabulary introduced in CJS 101 are manifested in the way in which American law enforcement, courts, and correctional organizations actually work. Topics include policing, courts, punishment and sentencing, prisons and jails, and community corrections. Course readings, opportunities for classroom discussions, and research will be used to facilitate learning. Open only to first year, second semester students. Prerequisite: CJS 101. Spring.
For CJS 2nd semester first year majors only. Must have completed CJS 101.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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
This course will explore the correctional growth in institutional and community-based corrections. Two basic forms of programs within community corrections will be studied: sanctions that serve as alternatives to incarceration and programs that assist inmates in community reintegration after prison. Classification models of behavioral change will also be considered. This examination will illustrate the importance of community corrections to the overall understanding of correctional policy and social control. Spring
An in-depth exploration of the nature and extent of juvenile crime and victimization in American society. Topics will include the historical changes in the legal definition of the juvenile offender; the cultural myths of juvenile crime victimization; and the administrative response of the criminal justice systems of police, courts, and corrections. Social correlates, such as race, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status, are examined. Theories of juvenile justice are surveyed. Spring.
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.
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
This course provides an overview of the prosecutorial and defense processes. On the prosecution side, topics may include how prosecutors screen and decide cases, pretrial procedures such as bail and recognizance, pre-trial practice leading up to trial, plea bargaining, guilty pleas, and jury selection. On the defense side, topics may include the right to competent counsel and the right to not be required to self-incriminate. Fall.
The Fifth and Sixth Amendment rights to not be required to self-incriminate and to be represented by competent counsel (appointed or retained) in a criminal matter is fundamental to our system of criminal justice. This course explores constitutional bounds of the Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination at the investigative stage of a criminal matter and the Sixth Amendment right to effective assistance of counsel in a criminal proceeding. The course is taught using a casebook and Socratic method. Spring (alternating with CJS 260)
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.
Focusing on the United States, this course will study the relationship between stress and aggression. Applying Lazarus's Stress and Emotion, the student will explore how stress can possibly lead to forms of violence directed at others and self-destructive violence. This course will conclude with an exploration of the incidence of mass murder, stress, and coping in the United States. Prerequisite: CJS 111 with a C- or better. Spring, odd years.
Can hardened criminals really reform? The course will examine literature illustrating how repeat offenders who, by all statistical measures, should have continued on the criminal path but instead have created lives of productivity and purpose. Not only exploring literature describing the aging out process of criminality, this course will also introduce research illustrating that criminals who desist from crime have constructed powerful narratives that aided them in making sense of their pasts, finding fulfillment in productive behaviors, and feeling in control of their future. Prerequisite: CJS 111 with a C- or better. Spring, odd years.
Evidence is to law what anatomy is to medicine (i.e., it is the structure upon which all other elements of a trial are built). This course deals primarily with the rules of evidence that apply to admission of scientific evidence and expert opinions in civil and criminal proceedings. The course will use the Federal Rules of Evidence (FRE) to examine the principles governing the use of evidence by those whose work can involve them in legal proceedings both civil and criminal (forensic psychologist, forensic scientists, social workers, police etc.). The course will specifically cover the nature of scientific and expert opinion evidence and evidence related issues surrounding the admissibility of such evidence. Particular attention will be paid to the creation and content of documents and records created prior to litigation and the possible use of these work products in subsequent legal proceedings. Students will be challenged in class through discussion and role playing by being asked to apply the rules and principles of evidence that frequently occur within their given fields of study. Spring
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.
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.
hughesc@strose.edu.
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 with a C- or better, recommended CJS 340. Spring, even years.
Have you ever considered how the internet has had a significant impact on cyber-crime? This course presents a detailed and comprehensive methodological approach to cyber investigation and digital forensic evidence analysis. This course will further develop the students’ capabilities to apply their knowledge and skills in a variety of different real-life cyber investigations designed to analyze cyber-crime, use social media to assist with investigations and evaluate digital forensic examination reports. Students will also be challenged to create digital forensic examination reports. The course will cover essential skills and knowledge of digital forensics, cyber-law, cyber investigations and application in multiple cyber-crime settings. Spring.
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.
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 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.
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
Instructor's Signature/Approval Needed.
This is the second of a two part sequence. Students will collect and analyze their data, compose a publication quality manuscript, and do a public oral presentation and defense of their research project proposed in Independent Research I. Independent Research II is open to all students meeting the prerequisites, but has been designed specifically for students seeking Research Honors in Criminal Justice. Students must take Independent Research I and Independent Research II in consecutive semesters unless special permission is obtained. Course prerequisites: CJS 496, 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
Instructor's Signature/Approval Needed.
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.
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.
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.
Department Chair's Signature/Approval Needed.
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.
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.
This seminar is open only to Criminal Justice and Forensic Psychology majors in their senior year.
A basic course goal is to help students integrate the knowledge and skills they have acquired in previous courses required for the major with a focus on independent research. The course has a limited enrollment designed to promote student involvement and participation in the course and classroom. Students will be required to construct, analyze, write and present their own research. Fulfills writing-intensive requirement. Open to CJS majors only. FPY majors may take this course with instructors permission. Spring
For CJS and FPY majors only. FPY majors must have instructor permission to enroll.
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.