Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences · Courses
CJS
18 courses with the subject CJS, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
CJS 110Introduction to Criminal Justice
This broad introductory course in criminal justice is focused on the American criminal justice system and how the system exerts social control over individuals and groups and balances the interests of crime control and due process. The course describes the ways that criminal justice actors -- the 4Cs of citizens, cops, courts, and corrections – attempt to administer justice in the US. Through activities such as readings, weekly assignments, lecture, exercises, independent research, presentations, debate, and examinations, students gain an understanding of the roles of citizens, police, courts and corrections. Students will study basic criminal justice concepts, terms, and processes, including the manner in which society is served, as well as the problems that exist.
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, weekly assignments, and case studies will enable students to recognize and understand 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, why some individual commit crime, and solutions to existing social problems. (3)
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, weekly assignments, and case studies will enable students to recognize and understand 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, why some individual commit crime, and solutions to existing social problems. (3)
This course will focus on police organizations, functions, and issues. Students will begin with the foundational understanding that the police mission to protect and serve requires police to: (1) exercise appropriate police authority to protect society; and (2) ensure the protections enumerated in the US Constitution. Students will focus on the development of American policing, the organization of modern American police departments, policing roles, and various operational policing methods. Notably, the course will consider the impact of recent events involving police, important trials and decisions, and pro and anti-police movements. The course study will also include the concept of "Intelligence-Led Policing" (ILP) -- an evolving law enforcement strategy which uses crime data, analysis, and intelligence to reduce crime, safeguard society, and protect individual rights. Regarding ILP, the course will focus on how law enforcement organizations at the local, state, and federal levels share and analyze criminal intelligence to reduce crime, assist communities, and support policing. The course will emphasize practical strategies, solutions to problems, improved policing methods, and leadership challenges for the future. (3)
This course will provide students with an advanced level of information, literacy, and understanding of jails, prisons, and other methods of corrections. The course addresses the key issues historically and currently shaping how incarceration serves the punishment goals of retribution, deterrence, rehabilitation, and reintegration through prison and jail programming, population control strategies, administrative procedures, and community transition programs. Course learning activities focus on the application and influence of political philosophies on the American use of prisons and typically includes comparative studies of other criminal justice systems outside the US. (3)
This course will provide an introduction to substantive crimes in the United States and trace the historical, social and philosophical sources as those apply to American criminal law. The course will examine major crimes and their essential elements of criminal liability. The study will include a thorough analysis of the scope, purpose, definition and classification of criminal offenses, such as crimes against the person (murder, rape, robbery, assault), crimes against property (larceny) and habitation (burglary, arson), and crimes against public order (riot), and a discussion of defenses to criminal responsibility. The course will include considerable use of case studies, practical exercises, and current and historical criminal cases. (3)
This course will explore 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. The course will critically examine the juvenile justice system in the United States, the goals and objectives of the system, and a comparison with adult justice court systems. Related topics such as race, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status, are examined. (3)
This course will examine the victims' experience/outcome in a criminal event. The course will also consider how victims are affected by their experiences with the criminal justice system, and the goals of victims' rights and restorative justice efforts. The course will focus on victims’ issues regarding intimate partner violence, child abuse, sexual assaults in the U.S. military, acquaintance rapes, school shootings, self-protection debates, and similar high- visibility issues. The course will also consider victimology as a critical component in investigations and solving crimes.
This course will explore criminal profiling as it applies to criminal investigations and legal proceedings. The course will utilize the “behavioral evidentiary analysis” (BEA) model of profiling and its application to investigations and legal proceedings but will also examine alternative methods of profiling. Students will become familiar and adept at using crime scene review, forensic evidence assessment, and forensic victimology to build and adapt profiles. Specific focus areas will include recognition of investigative biases, use of scientific method, use of critical thinking, use of inferences to support profile development, and the contributions of mental health and scientific experts. Students will review real cases, past and present, to develop multiple profiles of solved and unsolved matters. (3)
This course will focus on the basic rules of evidence contained in the Federal Rules of Evidence (FRE). Students will learn to apply the FRE to solve common evidence-based scenarios that often appear at civil and criminal trials. The course will specifically cover the nature of evidence (e.g., direct, circumstantial, real, testimonial, and hearsay), evidence related issues (e.g., relevance, materiality, admissibility, presumptions, inferences, and stipulations), the evidentiary process (e.g., the fact-finding process, authentication of evidence, and examination of witnesses), and special types of witnesses such as experts. Students will be challenged in class through discussion, role playing and problem solving relative to the rules and principles of evidence. (3)
This course is a practical study for forensic psychology majors regarding the critical ethical issues they will inevitably face in their studies, research, careers, and leadership roles. (3)
This course will examine the changing concept of white-collar crime, both in theory and practice. A “systems-based” approach (i.e., health care, economic, education) to white collar crime will be paramount. 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 a review of past and present cases and the issues involved. (3)
This course will examine various sex crimes ranging from nonviolent offenses such as exhibitionism, voyeurism and obscene telephone calls to serial rapes and lust murders. Certain fantasies and paraphilias may not be perceived as criminal; however, such behaviors can be understood as preparatory actions that become motivation for future sex offending. Once reaching an understanding of the sex offender, intervention strategies will be explored. (3)
CJS 352Scientific Evidence and Expert Opinion Evidence
Evidence is the foundation upon which US legal practice is built and expert witness evidence forms an important part of that foundation. This course is focused on the rules of evidence that guide the use of scientific evidence and expert opinions in criminal and civil proceedings. The course will use the Federal Rules of Evidence (FRE) 700 section to examine the principles governing the use of evidence by experts -- those whose work will involve them in legal proceedings (forensic psychologists, forensic scientists, psychologists, medical professionals, clinicians, social workers, engineers, investigators, 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 FRE 702 and the component parts of expert evidence including qualifications, materials, standards, reliability, and opinions. Similarly, the course will focus on the creation and content of documents and records created prior to litigation and the possible use of these work products in legal proceedings including trial, settlement, negotiations, and motions. Students will be challenged in class through discussion, independent research, and role playing by applying rules and principles of expert witness evidence that occur within their given fields of study.
Human trafficking has been described as “modern day slavery.” The crime of human trafficking has emerged as one of the most important 21st century issues to be addressed, through study, research, and anti-trafficking efforts. This course will examine the legal, socio-cultural, historical, and political aspects of human trafficking. The course will focus on sex trafficking and labor trafficking in the US and internationally. The course will also cover lesser-known trafficking topics such as organ trafficking, child marriage, and child soldiers. The focus of the course will center around the identification, investigation, prosecution, and prevention of human trafficking matters. The course study will consider US federal and state laws impacting human trafficking, as well as international standards and United Nations involvement. The course will consider how technology and globalization have made this an international crisis that requires a collaborative and cooperative international response. (3)
This course will examine serial predatory behavior including rape, arson, and murder. With a focus on the serial murderer, students will learn the theoretical and practical foundation for understanding the motivation and dynamics of serial crimes. Students will be expected to comprehensively analyze and present the life of a serial criminal of their own choosing. (3)
This course provides students with hands-on experience examining cold cases alongside investigative agencies and their families, and provides students with education in forensic science, law, and/or criminal investigation techniques. Students develop critical thinking and organizational skills important for a variety of career paths. Interested students must apply on the UAlbany Cold Case Analysis website. Following acceptance to the course, students should contact their ACPHS Program Director and complete a Hudson-Mohawk Cross-Registration Agreement form to register and receive credit. A background check may also be required. (3)
