CRIMJ 425
- Subject
- CRIMJ
- Credits (min)
- 3
- Credits (max)
- 3
- Type
- course
- Edition
- undergraduate
- Source
- bulletins.psu.edu
86 courses with the subject CRIMJ, 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.
CRIMJ 425
Introduction to law in society with a focus on criminal law, judicial code, laws of sentencing and corrections, ciminal procedure. CRIM (CRIMJ) 113 Introduction to Law (3) Introduction to the law is designed to provide CLJ majors with an introductory level of knowledge of the criminal law, and other legal codes such as the Judicial Code, laws of corrections, probation and parole, and the rules of criminal and appellate procedure.
Justice and Public Health
Chronological survey of the History of the FBI since its founding in 1908, focused on the evolution of Federal law enforcement, bureaucracy, the increasing power of the Executive branch, the targeting of various minority groups, civil rights and civil liberties issues, and the growth of a national security role for the federal government over time. In its long history the FBI has intersected with a wide variety of groups and issues, and this reality will further expose students to the histories of African Americans, gays and lesbians, women's groups, Latinos, Native Americans, war protesters, students, various political dissenters, immigrants, targeting of morality, obscenity, and labor organizing. Because the FBI is responsive to both the political and policy interests of presidents and the influences of American society, students will come to appreciate the influences that politics has on bureaucracy and law enforcement, as well as the different social, political, economic, and cultural influences that each historical time period have exerted on the FBI to help shape its priorities and structure. Cross-listed with: HIST 159 Bachelor of Arts: Humanities United States Cultures (US) General Education: Humanities (GH) GenEd Learning Objective: Integrative Thinking GenEd Learning Objective: Key Literacies
/Maximum of 12 Courses offered in foreign countries by individual or group instruction.
This course explores the complex relationship between mental illness and criminal justice involvement. Students will examine the historical context of mental health treatment, the criminalization of mental disorders, and the overrepresentation of individuals with mental illnesses in the criminal justice system. The course will cover modern developments and reforms, including diversion programs and mental health courts, and emphasize the importance of cross-system collaboration between mental health services and criminal justice agencies. Recommended Preparation: PSYCH 270 Cross-listed with: CRIM 204, PSYCH 204 General Education: Social and Behavioral Scien (GS) GenEd Learning Objective: Crit and Analytical Think GenEd Learning Objective: Integrative Thinking GenEd Learning Objective: Key Literacies GenEd Learning Objective: Soc Resp and Ethic Reason
This course closely examines the place and power of race in America. By tracing the history of how race works in particular American institutions, such as public education, criminal justice, and federal housing, students will gain a deep sense of how social categories and understandings shape material conditions and human welfare. Through the study of policies, court cases, memoirs, documentary films, and freedom struggles, this course will interrogate the many Americas that race has created and their implications for democracy and justice. Not only will this course focus on making race visible, but also the many ways that race intersects with class, gender, and sexuality and how these concepts empower and marginalize at the same time. All the while, students will use Critical Race Theory methods to reach empathy and strengthen social (GS) and historical (GH) literacies. Discussion, writing, critical reading, and primary source analysis will be integral to this class. Class sessions will include whole- and small-group discussion where active listening and thoughtful participation will be taught and required. Students will be encouraged to explore their own conceptions of race and how those ideas shape knowledge and experience. Ultimately, this is a course that will weave data, theory, and story as we encourage students to move toward empathy through comprehensive understandings of race. This course therefore examines race as both deeply personal and structural. Recommended Preparations: ENGL 15 and CAS 100 Cross-listed with: EDUC 205N, SOC 205N General Education: Humanities (GH) General Education: Social and Behavioral Scien (GS)
additional courses from list * CRIMJ 230 3 Select 3 credits in 3 consultation with adviser 200-300-400 level from the 3 Elective 3 following: AFRAS, BESC, PLSC, PUBPL, PSYCH, SOC Select credits in 3 consultation with adviser 15 15-16
Purpose and function of criminal courts in society, organization, jurisdiction and staffing; prosecution, adjudication, and sentencing of offenders.
CRIMJ 426
Punishment and treatment of sentenced offenders, correctional institution organization, staffing, inmates, and subcultures.
Traditional and innovative technical approaches utilized by law enforcement scientists; capabilities and limitations of technical techniques highlighted. CRIMJ 234 CRIMJ 234 Fundamental Techniques of Scientific Criminal Investigation (3) This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamental methods by which scientific- criminal investigations are pursued. Course objectives focus upon a familiarity with various strategies and techniques of scientific criminal investigation within the law enforcement context so that students may understand both the potentials and limitations of such methods. The course maintains a focus upon traditional methods of scientific criminal investigation as well as examination of scientific developments that have altered investigation in recent years. While this course cannot produce expertise in the more sophisticated technologies of criminal investigation, it serves as a basic introduction to the field. As such, it i designed to give an overview of various possibilities, so that students completing the course will have a general grasp of the various strategies and techniques that are available for criminal investigation and will be in a position to call upon the necessary and appropriate expertise when the occasion arises. The course design alerts students to many of the limitations of the various strategies and techniques of scientific criminal investigation, equipping, them to judge the validity of various findings and to assess the qualifications, and methods employed by different experts. The course gives special attention to strategies and tactics of interrogation and to means of' corroborating interrogation data Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 3937 with scientific data obtained from other investigative techniques. The course provides an introduction to various techniques of' fingerprinting, including ink pads and dusting techniques, as well as several techniques for bringing out latent fingerprints, with an emphasis on the careful collection and preservation of this evidence. It will introduce methods of drug testing, including techniques for insuring the validity of specimens and basic chemical analysis kits currently available for drug testing, with an emphasis on the careful collection and preservation of this evidence. It demonstrates and provides practical experience in breathalyzer utilization, as well as other investigative techniques for assessing driver impairment resulting from excess alcohol intake. It provides a basic introduction to DNA technology to the point of equipping students with a fundamental understanding of DNA evidence, including probabilities associated with various findings. Throughout the course, there is special stress on the concept of crime scene investigation, including strategies for cordoning off crime scenes and restricting contamination of evidence, basic crime scene mapping, and analysis of evidence such as blood splattering, foreign objects, unusual markings, hair and fiber samples, and other aspects of evidence. Finally, the course stresses preparation of investigative reports, with an emphasis upon clarity of presentation, attention to relevant details, preparation for presentation of evidence in court, and careful and concise writing. Faculty Member Proposing Course : Richard A. Ball
Field research and observational strategies appropriate to the identification, investigation, and analysis of research questions in criminal justice. CRIMJ 240W CRIMJ 240W Field Research in Criminal Justice (4) Administration of Justice majors who are interested in completing an internship must first complete CRIMJ 240W. As augmented, this course attempts to introduce students to research strategies appropriate to the identification, investigation, and analysis of research questions in the administration of justice, while also providing intensive training in the use of various investigative strategies and intensive training in analysis of findings derived from such research, as well as preparation for an internship and extensive writing experience. As augmented, it will involve additional writing assignments by which students will demonstrate their ability to identify researchable questions, lay out their investigative strategies in written form and produce in writing analyses of their findings and conclusions, with recommendations for policy if appropriate. Considerable time is devoted to strategies for identification of research questions. Students will be required to perform an analysis of a setting in administration of justice, locate and specify aspects of the setting that require systematic research in order to explicate the setting or provide information on problems that might be solved by various administrative approaches or promising programs, projects or policies that might be adopted by other agencies. The course will provide an overview of field research methods appropriate to investigation of administration of justice issues such as those s identified earlier. The course will include introduction to the theory and rationale of field research in the social sciences and considerable training and experience in field research methods across several different areas of methodology. The overview of field research methods introduces students to the variety of field methods that are available to researchers in administration of justice. Students will then proceed to an understanding of the issues associated with the theoretical perspectives and epistemological assumptions underlying the various field methods examined in the preceding overview. Here attention will be given to the assumptions upon which each research method is built and the strengths and weaknesses of each method. As augmented, this
or SOC 207 Research Methods in Sociology
or STAT 200 Elementary Statistics Supporting Courses and Related Areas Select 6 credits: 3 credits at the 200 level and 3 credits at the 300 6 and 400 level or 6 credits at the 300 and 400 level from the following: AFRAS, BESC, PLSC, PUBPL, PSYCH, SOC
*3
/Maximum of 12 Supervised student activities on research projects identified on an individual or small-group basis.
/Maximum of 18 Creative projects, including research and design, which are supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses.
/Maximum of 9 Formal courses given infrequently to explore, in depth, a comparatively narrow subject which may be topical or of special interest.
Interdisciplinary analysis of security and loss prevention; its administration, role in crime control and prevention, and relationship to criminal justice.
Justice agencies and the community's crime prevention and participation strategies; community involvement in policy development.
The history, structure, and practices of gangs in America as well as societal reaction to them. CRIMJ 389CRIMJ 389 Gangs and Gang Behavior (3) This class takes a look at gangs: their history, structure, activities, and practices-as well as law enforcement practices targeting gangs and gang members. This class examines the following types of gangs: Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs, Supremacists and Militias, Skinheads, African-American, Latino, and Asian Gangs. It also addresses relatively
BA Fields Course 3 Elective 3 Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 2943 Elective 3 Total Credits 121-122 * Course requires a grade of C or better for the major ‡ Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education # Course is an Entrance to Major requirement † Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement University Requirements and General Education Notes: US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures). W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better. Bachelor of Arts Requirements: Bachelor of Arts students must take 9 credits in Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Fields (Humanities; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Arts; World Languages [2nd language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the 1st]; Natural Sciences; Quantification). The B.A. Fields courses may not be taken in the area of the student’s primary major. See your adviser and the Degree Requirements section (p. 3340) of this Bulletin. Bachelor of Arts students must take 3 credits in World Cultures. See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as World Cultures courses (p. 3407).
wishing to pursue a career in juvenile intervention. It consists of three examinations (objective and subject measures), three traditional essays (out-of-class), and four directed asynchronous message board essays (using ANGEL course management software). This course will be offered annually with a projected enrollment of 25 students.
Theory and research concerning deviant behaviors and lifestyles viewed as significant departures from a group's normative expectations. SOC (CRIMJ/CRIM) 406 Sociology of Deviance (3) (BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.Sociology of Deviance focuses on the theory and research in social construction of social norms, the violation of norms, and social reaction to the violation of norms. The course focuses on the role of social structure and power in the definition of deviance, on structural, cultural, and social psychological processes involved in deviant behavior, and the dynamics of social reaction to deviance. The course includes some content focusing on criminal deviance, but also emphasizes non-criminal deviance, as well as the role of social movements and social change in constructing and contesting deviance definitions. CRIMJ/SOC/CRIM 012 and CRIM/CRIMJ 250W are prerequisites. This course may be counted toward the credits required for the B.A. and B.S. in Crime, Law, and Justice. It would fulfill one of the 400 level requirements in the 'Crime' component of the major. The course may also be counted toward credits required for the B.A. and B.S. in Sociology for students with the Deviance and Criminology specialization. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: 3 credits of SOC or CRIM or CRIMJ Cross-listed with: CRIM 406, SOC 406 Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences
This course will explore the legal, emotional, and social responses to the process of victimization by offenders and third parties. CRIMJ 407 Victimology (3) (US) Victimology studies the victim-offender relationship. Victimization is analyzed using the Bible, Anglo-Saxon Law, Common Law, and legal precedent as a historical development of the status of "victim." Cultural changes during the 1950s and 1960s resulted in the reemergence of the victim and the designation of social services and community awareness for victims. Social scientific studies of the status of unique groups analyzed victimizations according to demographics and socioeconomic status. Political viability of victims in terms of restitution and community response are viewed in terms of Census data, the Department of Justice's National Crime Victimization Survey and The Uniform Crime Reports, Morbidity Reports, Emergency Room Reports, and the Insurance Industry Reports. The above data is evaluated in terms of age, race, education, socioeconomic status, and gender. The development and merging of culture, sub-cultural liaisons, social relationships, leisure activities, and routine transactions are reviewed as they apply to personal and unique group victimizations. Comparative issues and transnational crime are addressed under the format of Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 3939 globalization, gender, economics, and cultural mores. Interdisciplinary evaluation of Victimology considers psychology, medicine, sociology, criminal justice, legal studies, and mass media. Documentaries, case studies, problem based learning, and popular films provide numerous activities for discussion, analysis, and integration in writing and for discussion. United States Cultures (US)
Principles of administration as they relate to a police organization; and policy development. CRIMJ 408CRIMJ 408 Legal Aspects of Law Enforcement (3) This course is one of the law enforcement offerings directed at students interested in pursuing a career in the field. This course builds upon legal courses and the police administration course. It is intended to challenge students to comprehend the complexities of working within a litigious society where policing is often the target of simultaneous praise and criticism. Research is introduced to allow students to consider alternatives to conflicts and the court's interpretation of the efficacy and constitutionality of such efforts. Civil liberties, use of force, use of technology, and communications have played significant roles challenging public safety. The consistent expansion of the role of law enforcement presents complexities that are often different according to the jurisdiction and community sentiment. Issues of hiring, training, education, accreditation, force, and racial profiling are the basis for assignments, research, and directed projects and class discussion. - CRIMJ 409: White Collar Crime In this course students will learn what kinds of offenses constitute the various types of white collar crime including occupational crime, corporate crime, governmental crime, state-corporate crime, avocational white collar crime, and contrepreneurial crime. The course will explore how white collar crime is measured and will examine the victimization and offending patterns revealed by data on white collar crime. The course will further examine the usefulness of various criminological theories such as strain, control, and learning theories in explaining white collar offending. Comparisons to street crime in terms of seriousness, punishment, and offender and victimization patterns will be discussed throughout the course.
Tracing the steps of criminal cases through the investigative stage, arrest, trial, sentencing and appellate review in Pennsylvania.
Legal and extralegal control; public opinion on crime; criminal justice and correctional processes; legal sanctions; control strategies. Field trip. Cross-listed with: CRIM 412
* * level CRIMJ course) 400-Level * General Education Course 3 CRIMJ 250W 3 General Education Course 3 BA World Cultures Course 3 15 15
Research on and theory of criminal careers and crime organizations, emphasizing recruitment and disengagement; offender characteristics and lifestyles; policy implications. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: CRIMJ 12 or CRIMJ 13 or SOC 5 Cross-listed with: SOC 414 Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences
Examines the history of drug control policy in the United States; comparisons and contrasts with other countries' experiences. CRIMJ 415 CRIMJ (PUBPL) 415 Drug Control Policy in Comparative Perspective (3)This course focuses on the history of drug control policy in the United States and the internationalization of drug prohibition. We also examine the experience of other countries with drug use, abuse and control, including alternative regulatory policies in Western Europe. This class is both historical and comparative in orientation: in tracing the roots of drug prohibition, and examining the experience of other countries, we seek to enrich our understanding of American style drug control and the feasibility of alternative approaches.
The death penalty is the ultimate punishment in the criminal justice systems in the world. The United Sates is one of the few democratic nations that still uses this punishment. The death penalty is also one of the most central and debated topics for candidates in high-profile political elections. In this course, students are introduced with the complexity and implications of this punishment to better understand the American exceptionalism regarding criminal sanctions in comparison to the rest of the world; the focus is on the development of the death penalty in the modern-era United States. Surrounding the death penalty debate, issues such as deterrence, retribution, incapacitation, cost, innocence, and constitutionality are critically examined using key Supreme Court cases and important scholarly readings. In addition, six foreign countries are discussed to offer a comparative view in the procedural and substantive domains of the death penalty.
/Maximum of 3 This course is primarily a discussion-based seminar, engaging in a critical analysis of hate crime, extremism, and terrorism from a criminological perspective. First, students will engage with issues related to genocide and the role of the state in fostering hate. Students will then grapple with the arguments surrounding legislation relevant to hate speech and hate crime. There will also be an overview of the nature of hate crime, focusing on victims, motivations, and explanations of such crime. After discussing organized hate and extremist groups, students will also engage with the debate on the nature of the hate crime-terrorism relationship. The second half of the course focuses on terrorism as students learn about complexity of defining and explaining terrorism, focusing on the wide array of definitions of terrorism and the main theories of terrorism across a variety of disciplines. Students will examine different types of terrorism, including state and dissident terrorism generally as well right-wing, left- wing, religious, and international terrorism in the United States. The course will end with an overview of responses to hate crime, extremism, and terrorism, including issues surrounding the War on Terror. Students will further develop research, writing, and critical analysis skills after writing a term paper addressing a topic related to hate crime, extremism, and/or terrorism.
Common law and statutory crimes; constitutional rights of accused persons, liability of criminal justice professionals.
The impact of violent crime on victims, their families, and communities; the police process as it relates to violent crime. CRIMJ 421CRIMJ (CRIM) 421 Violent Crime (3)This course will examine the nature, frequency, and causes of violence, generally and of assault, robbery, rape, and homicide, specifically. Several different theoretical and research perspectives are reviewed, including biological, psychological, social, and cultural. The course also examines individual and societal responses to violence. Students are evaluated on three objective exams (25% each) and a series of short assignments (25%). CRIM/CRIMJ 421 may be used by both CLJBA and CLJBS degree candidates to satisfy a 400-level course requirement in the major. This course will be offered twice a year with 60 seats per offering. Cross-listed with: CRIM 421
Examines the history, how victimization is measured/studied in social sciences, public policy implications of victimization movement in U.S. CRIM 422 / CRIMJ 422 Victimization (3) Victimology has emerged as an important area of study for the social sciences and an important arena for policy development. This course will familiarize students with the historical development of the research into victimization and the importance of the victims' movement to public policy. Areas explored will include the relationship between victim and offender, the cultural images of victims and their impact on the victim and the response of the criminal justice system to them, and how research has attempted to measure victimization.The course will be one of the supporting courses where the student must select 6 credits at the 400 level. Cross-listed with: CRIM 422
Legal, sociological, and psychological perspectives on sexual and domestic violence. CRIMJ 423 / CRIM 423 / WMNST 423 Sexual and Domestic Violence (3) (US) This course investigates violence against women, specifically domestic, sexual, and relationship violence. Students will examine some of the legal, sociological, and psychological perspectives about sexual, domestic, and relationship violence as well as the social and cultural roots of violence against women. Students will also gain an understanding of the experiences of victims of domestic and sexual violence as well as the issues presented by perpetrators. Students will be evaluated based on performance on exams, and two research papers. CRIMJ 423 / CRIM 423 / WMNST 423 is a supporting course in both the WMNST major and minor as well as a supporting course in the CLJ major. It may also be used to satisfy a GI requirement. This course is offered fall and spring semester with an enrollment of 60 students each semester. Cross-listed with: CRIM 423, WMNST 423 United States Cultures (US) Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 3941
Why do people take drugs? Why and how does society attempt to control drug use and distribution? What is the association between drugs and crime? Exploring questions such as these will be central in CRIM 429. The focus of this course will be examining explanations of drug use and the social construction of drug policies. We will begin by asking the question "What are drugs?" From there, we will discuss theories of drug abuse and the methods used to study patterns of drug use. We will also take an in-depth look at the histories, pharmacologies, and patterns associated with the most popular drugs in modern society. In the second half of the semester, we will focus on the social control of drugs and the connections between drugs and crime. At the heart of this discussion will be the causes and consequences of modern U.S. drug policies. We will conclude with a look at alternative drug policies and what the future may hold for drug use in America.Throughout the semester, you will be asked to think critically about material and evaluate its strengths and weaknesses. To foster critical thinking skills, you will have ample opportunities to discuss topics in class, analyze arguments in written assignments and in-class exercises, and apply ideas to real world situations through course projects and presentations. Cross-listed with: CRIM 424
Analysis of international narcotics trafficking in the twentieth century. Writing Across the Curriculum
This course examines organized crime in terms of historical antecedents, structure, related theories, and policy issues. CRIM (CRIMJ) 425 Organized Crime (3) This course will provide students with a historical and theoretical overview of organized crime. Students will gain an understanding of the structure of organized crime as well as an understanding of the businesses associated with traditional and nontraditional organized crime groups. The course will also provide students with a detailed analysis of state and federal laws and policies regarding organized crime. Students will be evaluated by two mid-term exams (25% each), an essay final exam (40%), and class participation (10%). Crime, Law, and Justice students may use this course to satisfy a 400-level course requirement in the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science majors. This course will be one of the supporting courses from which students are required to select six credits. Cross-listed with: CRIM 425
/Maximum of 6 Study of special offender types; relationships with criminal justice system (drug abuse, victimless crime, white collar crime considered different semesters).
Control and treatment of offenders in the community, probation and parole organizations, diversion programs, innovative sentences, supervision techniques. This course introduces students to the system of "criminal justice" as defined and interpreted by the Supreme Court as well as lower courts. Students study the judicial process, the intricacies of opinion formation, the nature and extent of judicial power, the willingness of the courts to hear appeals, and the reality of criminal sanctioning and procedure. The adversarial process, the willingness of the courts to hear appeals, and the conflicting opinions of the court introduce students to the lack of conformity that is part of upholding Constitutional rights. Court attitudes and how the changing system is studied through stare decisis and case briefing. Particular cases and issues are critiqued such as capital punishment of the mentally ill, juveniles, and those who are mentally challenged. The tension between justice versus law is studied through cases, evaluation of court behavior , and changing attitudes towards racial inequities. of program
The identification of correctional problems and the setting of objectives as reflective of court rulings, legislative change, and administrative law.
This course examines the American court system including structure and the way courts process offenders with special focus on sentencing. CRIM (CRIMJ) 432 Crime and the American Court System (3) CRIM/
HLS/PADM 401 3
Analysis of political terrorism as a violent alternative for peaceful change and traditional warfare in the nuclear age. Cross-listed with: PLSC 439 Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences
Historical and contemporary view of the juvenile justice system. Focus on analyzing components of the system, their interactions, processing, and handling of youths. CRIMJ 441 CRIMJ (CRIM) 441 Delinquency and Juvenile Justice (3) This course examines delinquency and the juvenile justice system from a variety of viewpoints. It looks at the problems the system is expected to address, how the problems have changed through the ages, how the current juvenile justice system developed, and the programs used to prevent and control delinquency and their effectiveness. By the end of the course, students should be able to think critically about the research and issues in the field. Evaluation methods include exams, brief writing assignments and a longer paper on policy issues. Students will be evaluated through brief written assignments, a term paper, a mid-term essay, and essay final. This course will be offered twice a year with 60 seats per offering. Students in the major may select CRIM (CRIMJ) 441 as one of several required courses in either the BA or BS program. This course is one of the core courses in the curriculum from which students must choose six credits from five core courses offered.
Historical and contemporary view of the juvenile justice system. Focus on analyzing components of the system, their interactions, processing, and handling of youths. Writing Across the Curriculum
/Maximum of 6 Capstone course exploring past, current and future developments in criminal justice. permission of program. Writing Across the Curriculum
CRIMJ 435 or CRIMJ 453 Women and the Criminal Justice System CRIMJ 439 Select 3-4 credits of the following: 3-4 CRIMJ 441 The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 2777 Legal Environment of Business and Social and Ethical Environment of Business Social, Legal, and Ethical Environment of Business Ethics in Criminal Justice
This course focuses on the experiences of women as offenders, victims, and professionals in the criminal justice system. CRIMJ 453 / CRIM 453 /
/Maximum of 3 This course will examine some of the current and most pertinent issues facing law enforcement today. This course will examine some of the current and most pertinent issues facing law enforcement today. The course is designed to provide both insight and application of some of the fundamentals necessary to be successful as a law enforcement professional. An interactive and collaborative learning approach will focus on various topics of concern which are vital to effective law enforcement personnel. Examples of these topics may include; use of force, drug enforcement, search and seizure, interviewing and interrogation, stress in policing, as well as any other topics which may develop as an issue of concern for law enforcement.
Although violent crime has generally been on the decline since the mid-1990's, the subjects of gun ownership, gun violence, and gun control have become ubiquitous in election campaigns. This course explores the historical, legal, and cultural context of this debate. To address historical context, the course examines the US. Constitution, early U.S. history, and American gun culture. The course then shifts to modern history to outline what is known about gun ownership and gun crime today. With this background, students explore both sides of the gun control debate and resulting legislation from the 1800's to the present. Current laws regulating gun ownership and purchase, conceal carry and self-defense are also addressed. Law enforcement efforts, including crime scene investigation, are explored. Lastly, the course highlights examples of international and transnational efforts related to gun control and trade.. Students will have the opportunity to explore controversial gun-related topics in an independent course project. At the completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Describe the early history of gun ownership in the U.S. 2. Detail the known trends in gun ownership and the life cycle of a gun. 3. List arguments for and against regulation of gun ownership. 4. Describe the laws regulating gun ownership, purchase, and conceal carry. 5. Detail law enforcement and legislative efforts to restrict or deter the use of guns in crime. 7. Identify examples of international and transnational attempts to address gun ownership and trade. 8. Detail and evaluate the future of a modern issue related to firearms and Criminal Justice.
In this course you will learn about how crime levels vary across different types of neighborhoods and about the role of different socioeconomic, demographic, spatial, and informal social control aspects of neighborhoods in promoting or buffering crime. We will address the patterns, concepts, theories, methods, and policies related to communities and crime. We will critically assess theory and research on the effects of neighborhood structure and social organization on crime, focusing in particular on the classic and contemporary thinking on poverty, social disorganization, disorder, collective efficacy, institutional trust, cultural heterogeneity, segregation, immigration and how they affect criminal behavior and victimization. Through readings, class discussions, and activities, writing projects, and presentations, you will b given the opportunity to reflect on what you are learning and to apply the theoretical concepts to real-life examples and to new contexts in and out of the class. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: SOC 12 or CRIM 12 Cross-listed with: CRIM 459, SOC 459
This course examines the development of the criminal justice system in England in the long nineteenth century in the context of social and political changes. Recommended Preparation: Familiarity with reading academic journal articles.
A comparison of American and selected foreign justice systems to illustrate the variety of possible responses to crime. Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences
General Education Course 3 BA World Cultures 3 General Education Course 3 Elective 3 15 15
Law and society studies the social origins of law and legal systems; occupational careers, and decision-making of legal officials. SOC (CRIMJ/ CRIM) 467 Law and Society (3) (BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.Law and society teaches students' knowledge of key concepts and core ideas about the role of law in society. The course will cover the basics of key legal philosophies, major social science theories of law and society, research in law and society, the structure of the legal profession, and vital contemporary issues involving the role of law in society. CRIM/CRIMJ 113 and CRIM/CRIMJ 250W are prerequisites. The evaluations methods will include written assignments on course readings, and essay-style exams. Law and Society may be counted toward the credits required for the B.A. and B.S. in Crime, Law and Justice. It would fulfill one of the 400-level requirements in the 'Law' component of the major. The course may also be counted toward credits required for the B.A. and B.S. in Sociology for students with the Deviance and Criminology specialization. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: CRIM 12 or CRIMJ 12 or CRIMJ 100 or permission of program Cross-listed with: CRIM 467, SOC 467 Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences
CRIMJ 471
Law of evidence and proof, constitutional constraints on police procedures (arrest, search, etc.) in society and the business community.
Relates organizational and public policy management approaches to police, courts, and correctional institutions. CRIM (CRIMJ) 482 Seminar, Criminal Justice Agency Administration (3) In this course, you will learn about the nature of criminal justice organizations, individual and group behavior within the system, and the issues involved in reforming the system. This course will NOT teach you how to become an administrator in the criminal justice system, but hopefully will teach you about the issues and theories surrounding organizations and reform- and most importantly, teach you to think and communicate (in both written and verbal form). After taking this course, you should have a more accurate perception of criminal justice organizations and have a better understanding of the complexity surrounding the administration and management of these organizations. Criminal Justice Agency Administration may be counted toward the credits required for the B.A. and B.S. in Crime, Law, and Justice. Cross-listed with: CRIM 482
/Maximum of 12 Supervised student activities on research projects identified on an individual or small-group basis. CRIMJ 494CRIMJ 494. Research TopicsThis common course will focus on specific research issues. Issues to be covered will be social violence, legal issues, and impact on crime control. Students will study the design and implementation of topical issues as they address specific issues. The course will add to the diversity offerings within the criminal justice program.Facult member proposing course: M. A. DuPont-Morales
/Maximum of 12 Supervised student activities on research projects identified on an individual or small-group basis.
SOC 12 Criminology 3
/Maximum of 18 Creative projects, including research and design, that are supervised on an individual basis and that fall ourside the scope of formal courses. Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 3945
/Maximum of 9 Formal courses given infrequently to explore, in depth, a comparatively narrow subject that may be topical or of special interest.
Courses offered in foreign countries by individual or group instruction.
This course reviews and critiques the major theories of crime causation. CRIMJ 500 CRIMJ 500 Advanced Criminological Theory (3) This course provides students with an understanding of the major theories of crime causation. Students completing this course will (1) articulate the historical development of criminological theories over the last three centuries; (2) critically assess the usefulness of theory to the development of sound crime-related policy; and (3) delineate the strengths and weaknesses of each theory. Since the course serves as a foundation class for the other core requirements, it should be taken by students in their first semester. Students taking this course will be required to lead class discussions, write a significant research paper, an take essay format examinations. program
/Maximum of 999 Advanced research methodology for criminal justice and criminology. The purpose of this course is to assist students in becoming both critical consumers and producers of scientific research. Through an understanding of research methodology, the student should be better prepared to determine the adequacy of findings from studies reported in both technical research reports and in academic journals. Further, students should be able to plan, implement, and assess the outcomes of studies that they might initiate.
This course studies the concepts and methods of political and legal activity within the criminal justice system and their impact on society. CRIMJ 502 CRIMJ 502 Public Policy and The Criminal Justice System (3) The purpose of this course is to focus on crime policies in terms of effectiveness, efficiency, resource allocation, and societal impact. This course forms a nexus between the legal reasoning of criminal law with the theoretical and research foundations of the discipline. Crime control appears to be centered within the political community often without adequate, fair, or pertinent analysis of policy design or implementation. This course will use legal precedent to discuss the past and apply such a precedent to current issues. Students will examine how political assessments of crime is no guarantee that the resulting policy will deter the behavior. The nexus between research, criminal law, and the expectation of justice often come from disparate views about the goal of the criminal justice system. This course will also examine the goal of justice amid diverse populations. How has racial disparity in sentencing, legal representation, the death penalty, judicial representation, and political careers persisted? Students will also study comparative issues of national and international law. Finally, students will address a policy issue by submitting a policy analysis research proposal followed by a policy analysis paper. Sciences and admission to graduate study
Total Credits 9
Students must sequence their courses so all undergraduate degree requirements are fulfilled before taking courses to count solely towards the graduate degree. Students are expected to complete the undergraduate degree requirements within the typical time to degree for the undergraduate major. In the semester in which the undergraduate degree requirements will be completed, IUG students must apply to graduate, and the undergraduate degree should be conferred at the next appropriate Commencement. If students accepted into the IUG program are unable to complete the M.A. degree, they are still eligible to receive their undergraduate degree if all the undergraduate degree requirements have been satisfied.
Discusses application of police research and management principles to the contemporary policing context. CRIMJ 563 CRIMJ 563 Concepts and Practices in Police Administration (3) This course examines the multitude of factors involved in the delivery of protective services to a diverse community. The evolution of policing from its English, quasi-militaristic heritage will be analyzed in order to gain foundational knowledge for understanding its current problem-solving, community orientation. Method for attaining a community partnership will be explored. Means for attaining accountability within the new organizational philosophy will be identified. Important issues such as use of force, cultural awareness, integrity, and ethics will be extensively reviewed.
This course addresses historical and contemporary correctional policy, accountability, and possible remedial alternatives. CRIMJ 564 CRIMJ 564 Administrative and Legal Aspects of Corrections (3) CRIMJ 564 is the historical, administrative, and legal inquiry into the development of institutional and community criminal punishment. Currently, corrections has nearly a 70% recidivism rate. Corrections is the measure of the cost of doing crime and cultural changes which redefine that cost. CRIMJ 564 will provide a macro-perspective into the mechanics of designing and reforming the process of capital punishment.
An analysis of the function and role of the courts and the personnel involved in the American criminal justice system. CRIMJ 565 CRIMJ 565 Courts in the Criminal Justice System (3) The course will deal with the nature and function of the courts and their personnel within the American criminal justice system. In relation to the structure and organization of the courts, the differences in court systems and functions will be examined, as well as proposals for reform of these structures and organization in light of concerns over increasing caseloads, other docket pressures, and a variety of other issues. The course additionally examines the personnel involved in the court processes of the criminal justice system in their function, education and training, selection, role orientations and examines the implications of these factors in how they exercise decision-making power. Proposals for reform of decision-making functions of prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges will be examined in light of the interrelated functioning of personnel within the courts. Graduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 1045
The systematic application of the juvenile justice system and issues related to juvenile delinquency and constitutional law. CRIMJ 567
This course examines the many facets of qualitiative research methodolgy. CRIMJ 568CRIMJ 568 Qualitative Methods for Criminal Justice (3) The purpose of this course is to train the student how to conduct a good qualitative study. This will be achieved by introducing the students to various methods of data collection used in qualitative research. Specifically, the student will study qualitative methods such as, case study analysis, observer as participant, covert participation, as well as effective interviewing. The student will examine examples of notable qualitative studies to increase their understanding of the various concepts associated with qualitative research.
This course provides students an overview of a wide range of works within the topic of the death penalty authored by the most renowned experts in the field. Various issues examined include legislative challenges, racial discrimination, wrongful conviction, cost, deterrence, mitigation research, and the role of health and mental health professionals. Through landmark U.S. Supreme Court cases, influential meta-analyses on empirical studies, and legal analyses, this course provides an in-depth look at the theory, research, policy, and practice of this punishment, and discusses the limitations of current empirical approaches and the gap between practice and penological ideals. Cross-listed with: CJPA 569
Forensic victimology provides students with a basic understanding of the field of victimology and its historical developments. Through the use of statistical and theoretical application, students will better understand how to create victim profiles and how these profiles inform violence prevention, practice, and policy. Students will gain a basic understanding of threat assessment at the individual and community level, as well as safety planning strategies that are used to support crime and victimization prevention efforts. Further, forensic victimology provides an overview of the victim's role in the criminal justice system from investigation to intervention. Cross-listed with: CJPA 570
/Maximum of 3 Continuing seminars that consist of a series of individual lectures by faculty, students, or outside speakers. CRIMJ 590 CRIMJ 590. Colloquium (1-3)This common course will focus on specific issues within each colloquia. Issues to be covered will be research, resources allocation, legal issues, and impact on crime control. This course will direct students to study the design and implementation of policies to address specific issues. The course will add to the diversity offerings within the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice.This course will be offered in the summer and the spring with an enrollment of 20. Repeatable credit is possible. It will be offered more if enrollment patterns warrant such an increase.
/Maximum of 15 Supervised student activities on research projects identified on an individual or small-group basis. CRIMJ 594 CRIMJ 594. Research Topics (1-12)This common course will focus on specific research issues. Issues to be covered will be resources allocation, legal issues, and impact on crime control. Students will study the design and implementation of topical issues as they address specific issues. The course will add to the diversity offerings within the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice.This course will be offered every third semester.
/Maximum of 18 Supervised off-campus, nongroup instruction, including field experiences, practicums, or internships. Written and oral critique of activity required. CRIMJ 595 CRIMJ 595. Internship (1-18)The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the ethics, operations, and standards of working within a criminal justice environment. This course is individualized for each placement and student. It is offered in cooperation with the program, the internship site, and the goals of the student. An overall objective is to familiarize students with the legal and professional standards associated with working with people as colleagues, program participants, or clients.Students will be expected to comprehend the guidelines associated with legal and social service agencies. The internship will enable students to apply these guidelines under novel and unique situations.This course will be offered each semester with an enrollment of ten students. It will be offered more if enrollment patterns warrant such an increase. CRIMJ504 plus three other Masters credits. The applicant also must have a GPA of at least 3.25
/Maximum of 9 Creative projects, including nonthesis research, that are supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses.
/Maximum of 999 No description. Criminal Justice Policy and
Source: Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College's catalog, linked per course · table learning_unit · CourseShelf publish 59