Criminal Justice

In this course, we are going to explore a number of questions about the boundaries of acceptability within societies. Instead of just taking such boundaries for granted, we will look at how the creation of normality and deviance is a process of social construction. We will examine how society can influence or constrain people to live within or outside of the socially constructed boundaries. As we explore this subject, we will be challenged to reexamine our own understanding of what is deviant and what is normal, to reflect on how definitions of deviance shape our identities and values, and to wrestle with how definitions of deviance and attempts at social control affect others. (4 credits)

This course provides an introduction to the criminal justice system. The primary goal of this course is to develop a general understanding of the criminal justice system's response to crime in society. It is important to note the general theme of this course involves the delicate balance between community interests and individual rights that criminal justice decision making requires. This theme is explored by examining the criminal justice process in some detail, focusing on how the system is structured to respond to crime. This requires an understanding of the core elements of the criminal justice system: police, courts, and corrections. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)

This course is a survey of the field of criminology. It examines the nature, location, and impact of crime in the United States by exploring a broad range of issues related to criminology. Topics include the theoretical underpinnings of criminality, how we measure criminal acts, the development of criminal careers, the various typologies of offenders and victims, and a critical analysis of public policies concerning crime control in society. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)

This course is about learning to critically think about society and various problems in society. This course will examine a number of social issues as we wrestle with how we can decide if an issue is a social problem, decide which social problems might be more significant than others, and evaluate potential solutions for social problems. We are going to wrestle with some challenging questions with the goal of helping us to think deeply about how we might seek justice on an individual level and within society. (4 credits)

This course develops a sociological perspective on ethnicity, power, and identity. Socialists frequently seek to balance an emphasis on both the general patterns that we observe across social phenomena and the uniqueness of each specific case. The primary goal of this course is not simply learn the characteristics of specific historically marginalized populations. Instead, the course will seek to answer the question: What is the relationship between power, ethnicity, and identity? Our readings and discussions will shed light upon this question from different perspectives. Along the way, we will also draw upon learning materials that address the unique historical situations of specific groups as they endure and struggle against power imbalances (for example, the African American Civil Rights Movement). (4 credits) (NWCore option under Cross-Cultural Engagement)

This course will provide an introduction to policing and law enforcement and will include a history of policing, police-community relations, police operational and administrative practices and an examination of important trends, issues, and limitations issues facing law enforcement today. The course will also examine police behaviors and attitudes, police culture, and how officers exercise discretion. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)

This course offers students the opportunity to learn the role of community-based corrections in the criminal justice system. The course will address all aspects of probation and parole supervision, the current prison systems, and evidence based practices in working within the criminal justice system. Critical thinking, reflective decision-making and collaboration will be emphasized. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)

This course briefly surveys the landscape of the American legal system. Most of the course, however, is devoted to examining significant constitutional issues, such as government powers, civil rights and civil liberties. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department) (Writing intensive)

This course focuses on restorative conceptions of justice related to the criminal justice system. It places justice in the context of social health rather than only in relation to punishment or criminality. Prominent is the concept of restoring social rights and order threatened by harm to victims, society, and offender. A key goal of restorative justice is to repair harm and restore relationships broken by crime and other wrongdoings. It also recognizes the perspective of the survivors of various crimes and seeks to bring about healing through attempted reconciliation. Crucial conversations are core to the change process through both victim offender dialogue and motivational interviewing. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)