Sociology and Criminal Justice Courses Offered

The following courses are offered within the Sociology and Criminal Justice department:

 

SOCI 100: Introduction to Criminal Justice (3 credit hours – Fall)

This course provides an overview of the criminal justice system with an emphasis in the United States. Components surveyed include the law, crime, policing, courts, corrections, adult and juveniles systems.

 

SOCI 108: Cultural Anthropology (3 credit hours – Even year Fall)

Cultural Anthropology is the study of man’s adaptation to his natural and social environments. The subfields of ethnology and archaeology will be emphasized with the major focus given to the developing areas of the world.

 

SOCI 125: Courtroom Survival Skills (1 credit hour – On demand)

Applications to help provide credible, comfortable, and effective testimony in court. Expert testimony and mock courtroom experience are included in the content of this course.

 

SOCI 131: General Sociology (3 credit hours – Fall and Spring)

This course will introduce the student to Sociology’s basic ideas, research, and insights. The topics studied include the major theoretical approaches used in sociology, culture, socialization, stratification, social institutions, and social change. Global culture is studied in comparison to American culture.

 

SOCI 140: Criminal Justice Report Writing (2 credit hours – On demand)

Applications for criminal justice professionals in the areas of report writing, note taking, reporting procedures, and ethical reporting. Prerequisites: ENGL 120 and ENGL 121.

 

SOCI 180: Introduction to Gangs (3 credit hours – Odd year Spring)

Survey the history growth, characteristics and interventions of gangs. Specific gangs and gang categories are profiled in the course.

 

SOCI 200: Global Demography (3 credit hours – Spring)

This course offers a multidisciplinary view of the complex and contentious relationships between population, politics, environmental change, and economic development. This course is designed so students can use the concepts gleaned to better under their world and their place in it.

 

SOCI 203: Criminal Law (3 credit hours – Fall)

The course surveys the history, nature and definition of criminal acts, juvenile law violations, including consideration of the elements of crimes against the person, crimes against property, crimes against society, and the various sentencing modalities.

 

SOCI 205: Criminal Procedures (3 credit hours – Spring)

The course examines the principles relevant to statutory requirements for actions and from arrest through prosecution, sentencing, and appeal procedures. Prerequisite: SOCI 203.

 

SOCI 210: Victimology (3 credit hours – On demand)

Examination of the criminal justice process from the prospective of the victim. Examination of effects, patterns, and programs included.

 

SOCI 231: Marriage and Family (3 credit hours – Even year Fall)

This course offering is a study of the contemporary family, its historical roots, its variability and its problems. Social relationships within marriage and the family will be emphasized.

 

SOCI 232: Human Sexuality (3 credit hours – Even year Fall)

The course examines the interplay of the biological, psychological, social and cultural aspects of sexuality, including sexually transmitted diseases, sex offenses and sexual dysfunctions, their treatments, and prevention.

 

SOCI 233: Crime and Deliquency (3 credit hours – Spring)

Crime and Delinquency surveys major types of crime, their etiology, nature, and extent. The contributions of biology, psychology, psychiatry, and sociology to understanding crime will be examined.

 

SOCI / PSYC 245: Psychology of Law (3 credit hours – Even year Fall)

Applications of psychology to the criminal justice system. Topics include profiling, theories of violence, eyewitness testimony, jury selection, expert testimony, hostage issues, victims and prisons. Prerequisities: PSYC101.

 

SOCI 250: Racial and Ethnic Minorities (3 credit hours – Fall and Spring)

This course studies cultural diversity in America. Emphasis will be placed on both the history and present circumstances of all racial/ethnic groups, including white ethnics. It is expected that each student will complete an exhaustive review of their own family history.

 

SOCI 286: Special Topics (Lower Level) (Variable credit – On demand)

This course allows for the study of current topics in sociology and criminal justice best suitable for sophomore level students. The faculty will seek student input in the development of the topics.

 

SOCI 290: Independent Study (Variable credit – On demand)

This course allows for the study of current topics in sociology and criminal justice. The faculty will seek student input in the development of the topics. Possible topics include special offender issues, police operations, urban sociology, social deviance, formal organizations, and social problems. See Independent Study under Alternate Means to Academic Credit for a more detailed description.

 

SOCI 303: Criminal Investigation (3 credit hours – Even year Fall)

A study of the fundamentals of investigative techniques including crime scene searches, preservation of evidence, modus operandi of offenders, personal identification and presentation of evidence is presented. Prerequisite: SOCI 205.

 

SOCI 305: Correctional Procedures (3 credit hours – Even year Spring)

This course offers the opportunity for intensive study of philosophy, procedures and practice within the field of corrections. Under different subtitles this course may be repeated for credit: Institutions, Community-based, Juvenile Offenders.

 

SOCI 320: Criminal Justice Administration (3 credit hours – Odd year Fall)

The study of the theory, concepts and structures of managing criminal justice agencies. Emphasis will be placed in planning, performance-based objectives, decision-making, organizational structures and control.

 

SOCI 331: Methods of Research (3 credit hours – Even year Fall)

The course surveys the major research designs and their implementation. Some field work will be required. Typically, this course is for students with advanced standing. Computer applications should be anticipated.

 

SOCI 400: Contemporary Law Enforcement Issues (3 credit hours – Even year Spring)

This course will explore many of the future changes, issues, and trends associated with the evolution of law enforcement. The influences of technology, culture, and ethics will be explored in detail.

 

SOCI 404: Sociological Theory (3 credit hours – On demand)

This is an advanced course for Seniors which will attempt to integrate and make more coherent the theories, concepts, and methodologies of Sociology.

 

SOCI 460: Internship (1-12 credit hours – On demand)

The student is offered an intensive field experience in a community organization. Placement will be based on the student’s career orientation. Prerequisite: Departmental approval and satisfaction of entry criteria where applicable.

 

SOCI 485: Special Topics (Upper Level) (Variable credit – On demand)

This course allows for the study of current topics in sociology and criminal justice. The faculty will seek student input in the development of the topics. Possible topics include special offender issues, police operations, urban sociology, formal organizations, urban planning, and demography.

 

SOCI 490: Independent Study (Variable credit – On demand)

This course allows for the study of current topics in sociology and criminal justice. The faculty will seek student input in the development of the topics. Possible topics include special offender issues, police operations. See Independent Study under Alternate Means to Academic Credit for a more detailed description.

 

SOCI 400A: Studies in World Criminal Justice: Terrorism (3 credit hours – Odd year Fall)

This course is a comparative survey of world criminal justice systems (or terrorism) through the anthropological-historical, institutional-structural, political-legal, social-philosophical, and analytical approach. This course may be repeated for credit under world criminal justice systems or terrorism. No prerequisites are required but it is reserved for students of junior or senior status.

 

SOCI 400B: Studies in World Criminal Justice: Comparitive Justice Systems (3 credit hours – Odd year Fall)

This course is a comparative survey of world criminal justice systems (or terrorism) through the anthropological-historical, institutional-structural, political-legal, social-philosophical, and analytical approach. This course may be repeated for credit under world criminal justice systems or terrorism. No prerequisites are required but it is reserved for students of junior or senior status.