600

Survey of current research, critical issues in the administration of justice, and criminological theory. Designed to acquaint students with recent developments in the disciplines of criminology and criminal justice.

Examines criminological theories with emphasis on the origins and applications of relevant theoretical approaches to crime and criminally deviant behavior. Overview of the major paradigms focusing on the causes of crime and deviant behavior with special attention given to the social, political and intellectual milieu within which each perspective arose. The course will include a discussion of criminological theories from a philosophy of science perspective focusing upon such issues as theory construction, theoretical integration and the formal evaluation of theory.

This course explores the principles, techniques, and practices of program evaluation providing basic and advanced methods of evaluation research in a real-world environment. The course will devote particular attention to the criteria for assessing policy outcomes and the idiosyncrasies of working with and within the criminal justice system. The relationship between sound scientific evaluation techniques and effectiveness of criminal justice policy is also emphasized.

Analytical strategies and methods for conducting quantitative and qualitative research and their applications to problems of crime and criminal justice. Includes definition of research problems, research design, sampling, measurement, data collection, interviewing, and participant observation and ethical concerns.

This course develops proficiency in quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques using computerized statistical programs such as SPSS. Statistical theory and research design issues with interpretation of descriptive and graphical techniques; probability and sampling theory; the normal curve and statistical inference; Central Limit Theorem; Chi-Square, T and F distributions; ANOVA; MANOVA; linear regression; multivariate regression; and factor analysis will be discussed.

This course will examine the ethics and moral philosophy in criminal justice including the role of natural law, constitutional law, code of ethics and philosophical principles. The origins of ethical standards the effect of these standards on the administration of justice, and issues of ethical leadership will be addressed. Strong emphasis will be put on examining the roles of justice in a free society and the practical implications of justice to practitioners of police, courts and corrections.

Analysis of the development of public policy and criminal justice planning used to solve problems encountered in policing. Problem identification that lead to public policy making, strategic management of law enforcement policy, and the role of police executives as agents of change. Historical and contemporary issues in policing that require policy changes will be explored.

Analysis of the history, culture, and structure of correctional systems and current issues facing correctional administrators. Problem identification that leads to public policy making, strategic management of corrections policy, and the role of corrections executives as agent of change will be explored.

This course involves the analysis of the development of law and public policy in the criminal justice system, the different contexts within which these laws and policies are developed and implemented, and their overall effectiveness over time. Policy development and legislative processes are explored, along with the process of strategic planning.

The study of interrelationships between crime, criminals, victims, and the criminal justice system. Examines patterns and trends in victimization. Identifies the categories of people facing the greatest risks and assesses victim-blaming arguments that invoke facilitation, precipitation and provocation. Analyzes the handling of crime victims by the criminal justice system and explores issues related to victim’s rights, restorative justice, as well as the psychological, financial, and medical needs and problems of the victim.

Defines white collar crime and the implications associated with enforcement of laws related to white collar criminality and prosecution of such offenses and sentencing of offenders. Examines theoretical explanations for white collar crime and questions of corporate liability. Economic, social, and political costs of corporate and white collar crime will be compared to street crime. Various forms of white collar crime will be examined and illustrated through case studies and research including estimates of cost, victim and offender profiles, and legal issues. Global frauds committed by transnational corporations will be explored.

Examines the diverse types of criminal justice systems throughout the world; analyzes the relationship between crime rates and differential criminal justice systems, as well as socioeconomic development indicators. In-depth analysis of major legal traditions across the world including common law, civil law, socialist law, and Islamic law with the impact of each on approaches to law enforcement, criminal law & procedure, and corrections.

Use of research strategies; principles of research writing and procedures for initiating, executing, and completing a master's thesis. Preparation and approval of a prospectus followed by completion and defense of the thesis will be accomplished.