CRJ 105 - Introduction to Criminal Justice

Lynne Snowden
Professor
Sociology and Criminal Justice

This course will give students an understanding of the field of criminal justice.  We begin with an overview of crime and justice in America, including perspectives and research methods developed by a variety of criminal justice professionals.  Next we will focus on the various sections of the criminal justice system.  Although these may differ from state to state, most people study one of three elements, policing, the courts, and corrections.  In addition to mastering a view of the criminal justice system, students will also be asked to apply these principles to cases and particular issues, such as crime detection, child welfare/abuse, rehabilitation, etc.  Hopefully this course will help students to better understand our criminal justice system and society in general.

Since this course is an introduction to an applied subject, the tablet computer will be an ideal learning mechanism.  Students will be asked to experience criminal justice as well as read and study it. Beginning with a Prentice-Hall e-book, all reading assignments will be accessible at all time and all lecture modules will be available online through the class website on Seaport.  Their tablets will come in handy as they complete their note taking for an 8 hour observation project in one or more parts of the criminal justice system system.