101. Introduction to Criminal Justice: Three hours
This introductory course is designed to introduce students to the criminal justice system in the United States. The major components of the system, including the police, the courts, and the prisons, are reviewed and analyzed.
201.Criminology: Three hours
This course addresses the nature, the extent, and the causes of crime from the standpoints of both the criminal and the victim. Six theoretical explanations of crime are considered. The efforts of criminologists to integrate various theories are also covered.
202. Juvenile Justice: Three hours
This course examines a peculiarly American institution, the juvenile justice system. The response of the 19th Century reformers to problems of juvenile delinquency will be explored. The evolution of the juvenile court as an institution will be considered.
301. Prisons and Penology: Three hours
This course examines the history of punishment with emphasis on the changing place of the penitentiary in the criminal justice system. The purposes of punishment, including deterrence, incapacitation, rehabilitation, and revenge, will be considered within the context of correctional institutions.
302. Police and Law Enforcement: Three hours
This course examines the history of law enforcement in the United States and emphasizes recent changes in policing. Consideration will be given to the effects of the inclusion of greater numbers of women and other minorities in police forces. Community-based policing and other innovative crime control measures will be addressed. The appropriate role of law and order in a democratic society is considered.
303. Courts and the Criminal Justice System: Three hours
This course describes the nature and structure of the Alabama and Federal judiciary. The proper roles of the principal actors in a criminal trial will be considered. Controversies regarding bail, exchange relationships, plea bargaining, pre-trial publicity, and mandatory punishments will be discussed.
401. Criminal Law: Three hours
This course explains the substantive criminal laws of the United States. The course will explain the general principles of criminal law, the elements of major offenses against persons and property, and the defenses which may excuse an offender from criminal responsibility.
402. Criminal Procedure: Three hours
This course explains the concepts of criminal procedure in the United States, including the right of persons to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures, to be indicted by a grand jury for capital offenses, to be informed of the nature of any charges, to be represented by counsel at appropriate times, to enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, to be confronted by witnesses, and to have compulsory process for obtaining favorable witnesses.
403. Constitutional Law: Three hours
This seminar examines the role of the Supreme Court of the United States in our Federal system of government. Key decisions of the Court will be analyzed in an historical context.
404. Ethics and the Criminal Justice System: Three hours
This seminar examines the criminal justice system in the United States in terms of right and wrong. The values, morals, and standards of the primary actors in the system will be evaluated. The actions of police, lawyers, judges and prison guards will be considered.
405. Domestic Violence: Three hours
This seminar provides an opportunity for a specialized study of the causes and effects of family violence. Topics include spousal, child, and elder abuse. Consideration will be given to alternative methods of assessing and treating offenders.
406. History and Philosophy of the Law: Three hours
This seminar provides an opportunity for a specialized study of the function and limitation of law as an instrument of social control. The historical and philosophical bases of legal systems will be examined and evaluated. Consideration will be given to the law in literature.
411. Special Studies: Three hours
Prerequisite: Approval by the Department Head
A course for upperclassmen seeking to complete requirements in their major or minor disciplines. Subjects may be taught that do not appear in the college catalog but are of value to a student in her career objectives and/or graduate studies.
412. Special Studies: Three hours
Prerequisite: Approval by the Department Head
A course for upperclassmen seeking to complete requirements in their major or minor disciplines. Subjects may be taught that do not appear in the college catalog but are of value to a student in her career objectives and/or graduate studies.
413. Special Studies: Three hours
Prerequisite: Approval by the Department Head
A course for upperclassmen seeking to complete requirements in their major or minor disciplines. Subjects may be taught that do not appear in the college catalog but are of value to a student in her career objectives and/or graduate studies.
414. Special Studies: Three hours
Prerequisite: Approval by the Department Head
A course for upperclassmen seeking to complete requirements in their major or minor disciplines. Subjects may be taught that do not appear in the college catalog but are of value to a student in her career objectives and/or graduate studies.
471, 472. Criminal Justice Internship: Three to six hours
Prerequisite: Approval of the Department Head and Academic Dean
This course provides an opportunity for further study in criminal justice by participation as an intern with law enforcement, correctional, judicial, legal, and juvenile agencies. Daily journals and a final written evaluation will be required of each student.