2016-2017 Catalog 
    
    May 27, 2024  
2016-2017 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions


Courses are numbered in a 100, 200, 300, and 400 sequential series. All courses listed may not be taught each academic year. Educational Enrichment (EE) courses earn institutional credits only and are not counted toward graduation requirements. Complete information regarding Educational Enrichment courses may be found elsewhere in this Catalog.

 

Criminology

  
  • CR 101 - Introduction to Criminology

    3 Credits
    This course provides an introduction to the criminal justice system. Its goal is to develop a general understanding of the criminal justice system’s response to crime in society. The criminal justice process will be examined in some detail, focusing on how the system is structured to respond to crime. This requires an understanding of the core elements of the criminal justice system: law enforcement, courts and corrections.
  
  • CR 110 - Multiculturalism in Criminal Justice

    3 Credits
    Multiculturalism in Criminal Justice is an exploration of peacekeeping strategies in a culturally diverse society. This course will offer opportunities for analysis of problems and solutions in administering the criminal justice system in a culturally diverse society. Issues of crime and justice with respect to race/ethnicity, social class, gender and sexuality will be examined from the perspectives of law enforcement, corrections, and the legal process. Emphasis is also placed on the opportunities and challenges of providing criminal justice services within a multicultural society.
  
  • CR 200 - Criminal Law

    3 Credits
    A study of the history and sources of the criminal law. The criminal justice process will be traced from arrest and pre-trial activities through the trial, sentencing and appeal. Included will be an analysis of the substantive elements of specific crimes and available criminal defenses. Prerequisite: CR 101  (This course may also be taken as LW 200 .)
  
  • CR 201 - Introduction to Forensic Science

    3 Credits
    This course will examine the field of forensic science and its evolution throughout history. The roles of forensic scientists with regard to the legal process will be explored. A study of the scope and methods associated with the various disciplines of the forensic sciences as well as how ethics impacts these disciplines will take place.
  
  • CR 205 - Criminological Theory

    3 Credits
    The goal of this course is to develop an understanding of the discipline of criminology through an examination of its theories, basic assumptions and definitions. In studying crime and delinquency as social phenomena, particular focus will be given to the three principle divisions of criminology. The sociology of law explores how certain behaviors come to be defined as criminal. Etiology examines the various theories proposed for explaining crime. Finally, typologies focus on the kinds of crimes. Prerequisite: CR 101 .
  
  • CR 260 - Criminal Procedure and Admissibility of Evidence

    3 Credits
    An introductory review of the nature and scope of constitutional criminal procedure as enunciated by the United States Supreme Court. Focus is on the pre-trial and trial implications of the vigorous application of the fourth (arrest, search, and seizure), fifth (due process, privilege against self-incrimination, double jeopardy), sixth (speedy and public trial, right to a jury trial, right to confront adverse witnesses, and right to counsel), and fourteenth (incorporation of the fourth, fifth, and sixth amendments; and, due process) amendments. Prerequisite: CR 101 .
  
  • CR 261 - Critical Issues in Criminal Justice

    3 Credits
    Focus is on contemporary and controversial problems in the field of law enforcement, courts, and corrections drawn from professional journals nationally and internationally based. Prerequisite: CR 101 .
  
  • CR 263 - Introduction to Law Enforcement

    3 Credits
    This course provides students with a basic understanding of the law enforcement occupation which includes local, state, and federal levels. Particular emphasis is given to the uniformed patrol division. This course will also provide an in-depth examination of the art of police work and the difficulties and problems officers face as they go about their complex duties. The course is designed for students taking their initial law enforcement course. Prerequisite: CR 101 .
  
  • CR 264 - Introduction to Corrections

    3 Credits
    This is an overview course on the systems and practices of American criminal corrections. Emphasis will be placed on the context of corrections in modern life, contemporary correctional practices, and major correctional issues and perspectives. Prerequisite: CR 101 .
  
  • CR 270 - Juvenile Justice

    3 Credits
    This course provides a thorough review of the nature and scope of the Juvenile Justice System and the function of law and the meaning of justice within the context of the Juvenile Justice System. Students will explore selected practical, legal, social, and ethical issues currently facing the adult and juvenile justice systems with the increase in, governmental response to, and changing nature of juvenile crime. Prerequisite: CR 101 .
  
  • CR 281 - Special Topics in Criminology

    1-3 Credits
    A seminar providing study of selected topics not emphasized in other courses. Given that this course is a variable credit course (1-3 credits) it may be repeated up to six (6) credits without repeating a given topic. Prerequisite: CR 101 .
  
  • CR 291 - Theory and Techniques of Interviewing

    3 Credits
    This course emphasizes the criminal justice practitioner’s need for information. Its goal, then, is the discovery of truth by developing the ability to inquire, to learn from that inquiry, and to persuade others to be truthful. Prerequisite: CR 101 .
  
  • CR 293 - Substance Use and Abuse in Criminal Justice

    3 Credits
    Study of substance use and abuse confronting American society. Alcohol and drug use and abuse education, philosophy, physiological effects, and social aspects will be examined in terms of control measures and public safety. Prerequisite: CR 101 .
  
  • CR 295 - Criminal Investigation

    3 Credits
    The study of logical and scientific principles necessary for the detection and investigation analysis of criminal activities. It is designed to develop an analytical understanding of the investigative process. Focus will be given to theories of information, interrogation, observation, and ethics. Prerequisite: CR 101 .
  
  • CR 296 - Criminology Seminar

    1 Credit
    The purpose of this class is to facilitate students in submitting and creating materials that will demonstrate that they have met the program goals of the Criminology associate degree. Students will be expected to both create original written and researched material for the course and to reference previously graded material from other courses such as research papers, exams, etc. Prerequisite: CR 101 .
  
  • CR 298 - The Mount Aloysius Project: Forensic Investigation Simulation

    1 Credit
    This course is primarily an experiential course designed to allow students to assume the role of an investigator for the Criminal Investigation Division of the Internal Revenue Service. Students will prepare and conduct mock financial investigations as part of a team of student investigators under the direction and supervision of IRS/CID agents. Students will practice witness interviewing skills, note-taking, arrest techniques, firearms training, surveillance training, and teamwork. Students will meet four times in a classroom setting in addition to the orientation and investigation days. Prerequisite: CR 101  (This course may also be taken as AC 298 .)
  
  • CR 301 - Criminology Research Methods

    3 Credits
    This course provides an introduction to the basic criminological research methods designed to prepare the student to understand and participate in quantitative and qualitative research. A basic knowledge of the application of basic criminology research competencies will be covered to better understand and evaluate current issues facing criminal justice professionals. Students will explore specific strategies used in proposed research methodology studies. Methods of data collections, evaluation, analysis, and dissemination will also be discussed and applied. Prerequisites: CR 101 , CR 205 , CM 220 .
  
  • CR 305 - Criminal Justice Management

    3 Credits
    Topics in modern criminal justice management theory: organizational behavior, organizational development, personnel management, executive decision-making, and supervision problems. Prerequisite: CR 101 .
  
  • CR 310 - Treatment of Addiction in the Criminal Justice System

    3 Credits
    This course will deal with substance abuse treatment of individuals who are adjudicated to the criminal justice system. Treatment and rehabilitation philosophies and models will be discussed. Treatment programs in correctional and out-patient settings will be covered as well as substance abuse issues directly related to the criminal justice system. Prerequisite: CR 101 .
  
  • CR 315 - Community Corrections

    3 Credits
    The course will examine how probation and parole in the United States has evolved into a comprehensive alternative to incarceration. Some of the issues which will be covered in the course are: Strategies for Classifying, Managing and Providing Services to Offenders; Intermediate Sanctions; Community Residential Correctional Programs; Female Offenders; Special Needs Offenders; the Effectiveness of Corrections in the Community; and the Future of Corrections in the Community. Prerequisite: CR 101 .
  
  • CR 320 - Evidence

    3 Credits
    This course provides a study of the rules of evidence, with specific emphasis on the application of these rules in preparing and presenting evidence. Included is a discussion of the history and approach to the study of evidence; proof by evidence and substitutes; general admissibility tests including relevancy and materiality; opinion and expert testimony, and the hearsay rule; evidence by way of witness testimony, documents, scientific and real evidence; and exclusion of evidence on constitutional grounds. Prerequisite: CR 101 , CR 260 .
  
  • CR 322 - Victimology

    3 Credits
    Class, race, age, and gender will be applied to the analysis of issues regarding the role of the victim. Different types of victimization, fear of crime, victims of the Criminal Justice System, and human rights will be reviewed. Also examined will be the role of the victim throughout history and the elimination of the victim from social processing of criminal acts. The course will consider how victimology emerged and how there is a resurgence of interest in the victim. Prerequisites: CR 101 , and Permission of Instructor.
  
  • CR 325 - Mediocolegal Investigation of Death

    3 Credits
    This course provides a thorough examination of the scientific and investigative techniques utilized within the realm of the medicolegal investigation of death. Accordingly, the mechanisms of injury that result in one’s violent, sudden, suspicious, unexplained, unexpected or medically unattended death and the corresponding evidentiary characteristics of the crime scene are explored.
  
  • CR 345 - Criminalistics and Crime Scene Analysis

    3 Credits
    This course provides a thorough examination of the scientific and investigative techniques utilized within the realm of criminalistics and crime scene analysis. Accordingly, students will explore the essential elements of proper crime scene management and the specific objectives of proper recognition, collection, preservation and analysis of the various forms of physical evidence.
  
  • CR 381 - Special Topics in Criminology

    3 Credits
    A seminar providing study of selected topics not emphasized in other upper-level Criminology courses. This course may be repeated up to two (2) times without repeating a given topic. Prerequisite: CR 101 .
  
  • CR 401 - Advanced Criminological Seminar

    3 Credits
    A review and critical analysis of criminological theories, their relation to the causes of crime, and their impact on contemporary public policy. As the department’s capstone course, this course will also include an examination of various aspects of contemporary criminal justice. Prerequisites: CR 101 , LA 301 , and Permission of Instructor This course is assessed an ETS testing fee.
  
  • CR 407 - Penology

    3 Credits
    This course will trace the history and philosophy of the penitentiary movement in the United States and Europe. Central to this concern will be an examination of the social, political, and economic changes which occurred in 18th and 19th Century America that led to the rise of the modern penitentiary. Classic and contemporary theory in penology will be examined with an emphasis on the policy implications of the various theoretical orientations. A critical approach will be used to suggest the future of imprisonment in America as a means of social control. Prerequisite: CR 101 , CR 264 .
  
  • CR 415 - Investigation of Violent, Serial, and Sexually Motivated Crime

    3 Credits
    This course is an Investigation of Violent, Serial, and Sexually Motivated Crime. Students will explore the most recent research findings and forensic techniques that enable investigative agencies to understand, successfully investigate, and prosecute those individuals who commit violent crimes of the serial and sexually motivated nature.
  
  • CR 420 - Criminology Internship

    3-12 Credits
    Students will experience working in the criminal justice field under the supervision of a practitioner and an instructor. This is a flexible credit repeatable course for 3-12 credits. Students are permitted to take a maximum of 12 credits during their four years. Prerequisites: CR 101  and Sophomore standing with a 2.5 QPA in the major and overall and instructor permission. Only seniors may take 12 credits at one time with instructor permission.
  
  • CR 420C - Criminology Clinical

    3 Credits
    This is a clinical internship course for students pursuing the Criminal Addictions Professional Certificate.
  
  • CR 430 - Crime and Social Inequality

    3 Credits
    This course will examine the impact of social inequality on crime, as well as how crime impacts inequalities in our culture. Students will examine the various effects that disparate conditions have on certain populations in our culture, and in turn how those inequalities can affect crime, criminal behavior, and our criminal justice system’s reaction to it. In addition, the interaction of conditions like class, age, gender, race, and ethnicity with criminal behavior will be scrutinized. Social conditions in our culture which may have direct and indirect effects on both offenders and victims will be investigated. The course will explore application of the Mercy values into societal responses to inequality and the responses of the criminal justice system to criminal behavior and victimization. Prerequisites: CR 101 , CR 110 , SO 101 , and SO 102 .
  
  • CR 450 - Criminal Justice Ethics

    3 Credits
    This course provides a thorough review of the nature and scope of ethics, the function of law and the meaning of justice within the context of the American jurisprudence system, students will explore selected ethical issues currently facing the field of criminology. In addition, we will explore the classic dilemmas of clashing obligations in ethics and law as recounted from Plato to the present. In this latter sense, this course will mirror a course in law and morality from a jurisprudential and philosophical perspective. Prerequisite: CR 101 .
  
  • CR 470 - Women and Crime

    3 Credits
    A study of the nature and extent of women’s crimes, theories of female criminality, processing of woman offenders through the criminal justice system, women as victims of crime, and opportunities for women as employees in criminal justice agencies. Prerequisite: CR 101 .
  
  • CR 475 - Criminal Investigative Analysis (Criminal Profiling)

    3 Credits
    In this course, the student will synthesize the information presented in each of the previous forensic courses encompassing the extensive overview and applications of the various forensic disciplines, the techniques of crime scene investigation associated with evidence recognition, collection preservation, interpretation, and reconstruction as well as the specific investigative techniques involved with homicide and sexually motivated crimes which criminal investigative analysis is predicated upon.
  
  • CR 481 - Advanced Special Topics in Criminology

    3 Credits
    A seminar providing study of selected topics not emphasized in other upper-level Criminology courses. This course may be repeated up to two (2) times without repeating a given topic. Prerequisite: CR 101 .