P = Prerequisite, R = Recommended, C = Concomitant
I = Fall Semester, II = Spring Semester, S = Summer Session(s)

SPEA J101 The American Criminal Justice System (3 cr.) Introduction to the criminal justice system of the United States and its function in contemporary society.

SPEA J201 Theoretical Foundations of Criminal Justice Policies (3 cr.) P: SPEA J101. This course examines the impact of sociological, biological, and economic theories of crime and the practice of criminal justice. Focus is upon the nature and importance of theory, context of theoretical developments, methods for the critical analysis of theoretical developments, and policy implications of the varying perspectives considered.

SPEA J202 Criminal Justice Data, Methods, and Resources (3 cr.) P: SPEA J101. R: M111 or equivalent, SPEA V261 or equivalent. Course examines basic concepts of criminal justice. Students become familiar with research techniques necessary for systematic analysis of the criminal justice system, offender behavior, crime trends, and program effectiveness. Students will learn to critically evaluate existing research. Students will become familiar with existing sources of criminal justice data and will learn to assess the quality of that data.

SPEA J301 Substantive Criminal Law (3 cr.) P: SPEA J101. The development, limitations, and application of substantive criminal law using the case-study method.

SPEA J302 Procedural Criminal Law (3 cr.) P: SPEA J101. Criminal law application and procedure from the initiation of police activity through the correctional process utilizing the case-study method.

SPEA J303 Evidence (3 cr.) P: SPEA J101. The rules of law governing proof at trial of disputed issues of fact; burden of proof; presumptions and judicial notice; examination, impeachment, competency, and privileges of witnesses; hearsay rule and exceptions. All related as nearly as possible to criminal as opposed to civil process.

SPEA J304 Correctional Law (3 cr.) P: SPEA J101. Legal problems from conviction to release: presentence investigation, sentencing, probation and parole; incarceration, loss and restoration of civil rights.

SPEA J305 Juvenile Justice System (3 cr.) P: SPEA J101. Current developments in the legal, administrative, and operational aspects of the juvenile justice system.

SPEA J306 The Criminal Courts (3 cr.) P: SPEA J101. This course examines the characteristics and operation of criminal trial courts. The course will focus on how defendants are processed through trial courts, the roles of various participants, and the potential for reform.

SPEA J320 Criminal Investigation (3 cr.) P: SPEA J101. Theory of investigation, crime scene procedures, interviews, interrogations, surveillances, and sources of information; collection and preservation of physical evidence; investigative techniques in specific crimes.

SPEA J321 American Law Enforcement (3 cr.) P: SPEA J101. A broadly based study of the operations and interrelationships of the American police system, including discussion of the limitations of the police function, interjurisdictional matters, and intra-agency processes.

SPEA J322 Introduction to Criminalistics (3 cr.) P: SPEA J101. R: SPEA J301. The broad range of physical evidence developed through the investigative process and methods of identifying and establishing validity and relevance through forensic laboratory techniques.

SPEA J331 Corrections (3 cr.) P: SPEA J101. A survey of contemporary correctional systems including analysis of federal, state, and local corrections; adult and juvenile facilities and programs; probation and parole.

SPEA J370 Seminar in Criminal Justice (3 cr.) P: SPEA J101. Selected contemporary topics in criminal justice. May be repeated for credit.

SPEA J376 Principles of Public Safety (3 cr.) P: SPEA J101. Examination of threats to public safety and of governmental response at various levels to those threats. Treatment of such areas as transportation and highway threats; occupational safety and health; criminal threats; emergency and disaster planning; consumer protection; and fire control and suppression. Discussion of techniques to identify and measure risk, the acceptability of risk, and governmental attempts to control risk.

SPEA J380 Internship in Criminal Justice (1-6 cr.) P: permission of instructor. Open to interested students who qualify upon approval of the faculty. Students may be placed with various criminal justice agencies for assignment to a defined task relevant to their educational interests. Tasks may involve staff work or research. Full-time participants may earn up to 6 credit hours. May be repeated for credit. Course is S/F graded.

SPEA J401 Criminal Law and Procedure (3 cr.) P: SPEA J101. The development, limitations, and applicability of criminal law and procedure under the Constitution of the United States. Not open to students with credit for SPEA J301.

SPEA J439 Crime and Public Policy (3 cr.) P: SPEA J101; R: SPEA J201 and SPEA J202. A detailed examination of the major effects designed to control or reduce crime. A review of existing knowledge is followed by an investigation of current crime control theories, proposals, and programs.

SPEA J440 Corrections in the Community (3 cr.) P: SPEA J101. A detailed analysis of correctional alternatives to incarceration that focus on the reintegration of the offender while remaining in the community. Because of their extensive use, considerable attention is given to probation and parole. Other topics include diversion, community residential programs, restitution, halfway houses, and home detention.

SPEA J445 Trends in Corrections (3 cr.) P: SPEA J101. Analysis and evaluation of contemporary correctional systems. Discussion of recent research concerning the correctional institution and the various field services.

SPEA J460 Police in the Community (3 cr.) P: SPEA J101. In-depth examination of crime as an urban policy problem, focusing on the role of police and victims in defining crime as a policy problem, and their role in seeking to reduce the incidence of crime.

SPEA J470 Seminar in Criminal Justice (3 cr.) P: Senior standing. Emphasizes current developments in legal, administrative, and operational aspects of the criminal justice system.

SPEA J480 Research in Criminal Justice (1-6 cr.) P: Junior standing and consent of instructor. Individual research under guidance of faculty member.

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