MU Catalog » Course descriptions »
CJ 209 The Criminal Justice System (3)
An overview of the formal mechanisms of social control as manifested by the components of the criminal justice system (legislatures, law enforcement, courts, and corrections). Also examined are alternatives to formal processing including diversion, pretrial screening and dispute settlement programs.
CJ 308 Principles of Forensic Science I (3)
An examination of investigative and laboratory techniques used in the investigation of criminal offenses. Also examined are methods for searching crime scenes, analysis of firearm evidence, fingerprints, serology (including DNA), toxicology, questioned documents, and drugs. Major crimes, death investigation, and pathology are also explored. Prerequisites: CJ 209 and CJ 310, or permission of the instructor.
CJ 309 Principles of Forensic Science II: Advanced Criminalistics (3)
A continuation of the introduction to investigative and laboratory techniques used in the forensic analysis of criminal offenses. Examined are forensic pathology, anthropology, and toxicology; firearm, toolmark, trace material, questioned document, drug, arson, and bombing evidence. Major emphasis is placed on the legal aspects of evidence, including investigator and examiner documentation and reporting, and courtroom process and testimony. Prerequisites: CJ 308 or permission of the instructor.
CJ 310 Policing in American Society (3)
A survey of the history, development, environment, organization, and sociology of American law enforcement with an emphasis on state and local police agencies. Topics examined include police as service agency, police as government entity, and police as component of the national criminal justice system. Prerequisite: SOC 100 or SOC 131.
CJ 311 Correctional Institutions (3)
An overview of the theories, history, and functions of punishment and corrections in America. Topics examined include the origin and development of prisons and jails, prison administration, community-based corrections, legal rights of offenders, sentencing, parole, and capital punishment. Prerequisite: SOC 100 or SOC 131.
CJ 312 Criminal Justice Management (3)
A behavioral-systems approach to traditional and contemporary management models as they relate to criminal justice agencies. Emphasis is placed on administrative problem solving, organization and management theory, planning and research, social science, and psychology and sociology as they relate to communication and supervision. Case studies are used to facilitate learning. Prerequisite: CJ 310 or permission of the instructor.
CJ 400 Internship (6-9)
Practical experience in an applied criminal justice or social service setting. Field experience is supervised and course is open only to senior Criminal Justice majors. Prerequisite: permission of internship coordinator.
CJ 421 Project (1-3)
Research of an original topic in criminal justice in collaboration with or under the direction of a faculty advisor. The project is intended to demonstrate ability to conduct and report independent research.
CJ 495 Current Issues in Crime and Social Justice (3)
This capstone course provides an in-depth examination of current issues and social challenges that impact both the criminal justice system and society as a whole. For students nearing the completion of their coursework in Criminal Justice and Sociology, this course builds on the knowledge and skills they acquired earlier in their academic careers. Prerequisites: SOC 304-305, and senior standing; other students may register with permission of the instructor.
CJ 501 Victims of Interpersonal Violence (3)
An examination of victimology as it applies to victims of violence. Special areas of inquiry include spouse, child, and elder assault; sexual violence; homicides; and hate-type crimes. Particular attention is given to relevant criminal and constitutional law, as well as to law enforcement investigative practices regarding these crimes. Research concerning the dynamics of victim/offender relationships is explored in depth. Attorneys, police investigators, victim assistance professionals, and advocates will supplement classroom instruction.
CJ 508 Principles of Forensic Science I (3)
An examination of investigative and laboratory techniques used in the investigation of criminal offenses. Also examined are methods for searching crime scenes, analysis of firearm evidence, fingerprints, serology (including DNA), toxicology, questioned documents, and drugs. Major crimes, death investigation, and pathology are also explored. Prerequisite: graduate or undergraduate credits in Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, or permission of instructor.
CJ 509 Principles of Forensic Science II: Advanced Criminalistics (3)
A continuation of the introduction to investigative and laboratory techniques used in the forensic analysis of criminal offenses. Examined are forensic pathology, anthropology, and toxicology; firearm, toolmark, trace material, questioned document, drug, arson, and bombing evidence. Major emphasis is placed on the legal aspects of evidence, including investigator and examiner documentation and reporting, and courtroom process and testimony. Prerequisite: CJ 508 or permission of the instructor.