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2017 - 2018 Academic Catalog

Violence Prevention and Advocacy Concentration

The Violence Prevention and Advocacy concentration provides students with the skills to apply models of social change, social movements, and campaigns to address issues of violence prevention and advocacy. The students gain skills to develop successful modes of public address and activism that produce changes in public policy and reform institutional practices. This program equips today’s human service and health care workers with the skills and expertise necessary to address issues of violence and abuse, at the direct service level, the systems management level, and the policy level.

Course Code Course Title Credits
Core Courses
CJ701 The Criminal Justice System & Process 3
CJ702 Critical Legal Issues in Crim Justice 3
CJ703 Advanced Criminological Thought 3
CJ704 Ethical Theory & Criminal Justice Policy 3
CJ705 Criminal Justice Leadership & Management 3
CJ709 Research Methods & Statistical Analysis 3
Concentration Courses
CJ740 Theories of Violence & Aggression 3
CJ741 Interpersonal & Relationship Violence 3
CJ742 Violence Prev, Advocacy, & Social Change 3
Choose 1 from the following:
CJ798 Research Project Capstone 3
CJ799 Internship 3

Students in the MS in Criminal Justice must choose two electives to complete their degree requirements. Electives can be drawn from:

  • Any courses offered within the Criminal Justice degree program outside of core and your specific concentration requirements.
  • Specific courses from graduate offerings in Management and Communication approved by the Chair of Justice Studies.

CJ701 - The Criminal Justice System & Process

This course provides a foundation and overview of the criminal justice system and process. The major components include crime, law, criminology, law enforcement, adjudication by the courts, corrections, juvenile justice, and current issues and policies.

CJ702 - Critical Legal Issues in Crim Justice

This course provides the student with current and critical information regarding legal issues in criminal justice with a focus on constitutional criminal procedure. The course explores new perspectives on historical issues and takes into account new appellate cases and events, including current debates over important legal controversies in the criminal justice arena.

CJ703 - Advanced Criminological Thought

This course consists of an in-depth analysis of various explanations of criminal behavior. Readings include selections from a broad range of disciplines like political science, sociology, and psychology as they relate to crime, social deviance, and causation. Ethical and legal foundations in defining social deviance and crime are also considered. This course is well suited for criminal justice practitioners, as students apply criminological theory to contemporary issues

CJ704 - Ethical Theory & Criminal Justice Policy

This course examines the ethical issues relevant to the administration of criminal justice. The origins of ethical standards, the effect of these standards on the administration of justice, and issues of ethical leadership will be addressed. Emphasis will be placed on the integration of ethics into criminal justice policy making and the establishment of defined values for the field.

CJ705 - Criminal Justice Leadership & Management

This course analyzes the structures, functions, and operations of criminal justice agencies including the police, the courts, and corrections (jail, probation, prison, and parole) within the context of the entire criminal justice system. The course will provide a comprehensive overview of criminal justice administration and management with an emphasis on organizational theories. These diverse theories of organizational behavior will be explored specifically as to how they relate to the administration of criminal justice agencies .Three credits.

CJ709 - Research Methods & Statistical Analysis

This course provides students with the necessary tools for evaluating, designing and implementing applied research in criminal justice. The association between theories and research methods used in the study of criminal justice is explored through a variety of relevant and related data sources. Topics covered include: the principles of research design; issues in measurement; modes of observation; and basic methods of both quantitative and qualitative analysis.

CJ720 - Crisis & Emergency Management

This course is designed to provide graduate level students with core knowledge of emergency management related concepts, theories and principles through an in depth analysis of past and current emergency management policies, practices and events. Students will analyze and discuss national, state and local government structure, responsibilities, authorities and relationships and will analyze cases that provide the framework for applying crisis control principles. The nature of disaster, the complexities of disaster response operations, and the roles and responsibilities of various emergency management personnel will be examined. Students will gain an understanding of common post-disaster problems and how the emergency management community can overcome these challenges.

CJ721 - Risk Management & Planning

Risk management planning provides a general philosophy, description, and use of tools and methods that can be utilized to manage the risk associated with all types of crises. This course will review the crises that can impact a community and the methods for determining the risk and vulnerability due to these perils and discuss ways of preventing and/or mitigating their impact The course will examine the best practices and proper methodologies for regulating and enforcing techniques to lessen the impacts of hazardous events. The course will also provide the tools (operational, statistical and technological) required to mitigate these risks. Another purpose of the course is to examine and critically discuss current and future methods to create best practices for security management planning.

CJ730 - Terrorism & Homeland Security

This course provides a critical analysis of the Department of Homeland Security and the political and organizational factors involved in its structure and administration. Students will explore the evolution of homeland security as a concept and a redirection of national policies and priorities, including any related issues and challenges with implementation. Homeland security is a continuously changing field with close connections to numerous academic disciplines and practitioner communities (i.e. law enforcement, emergency management, public safety, the military). This course is designed to draw on insights from these connections as well as useful insights from other areas, such as business, economics and organizational studies, to examine how homeland security strategy and policy is made.

CJ731 - Transnational Crime

This course addresses the nature and scope of international and transnational crime and the emerging legal framework for its prevention and control. The course will emphasize international aspects of the work of different criminal justice agencies, such as formal and informal police cooperation and the use of mutual assistance and extradition agreements, on the international structures created for crime prevention, punishment and control. The course also explores current issues and controversies of transnational crime, international law, and/or human rights. Possible topics include terrorism, genocide, human trafficking, and immigration issues.

CJ732 - Cybercrime & Data Security

In this class, students analyze methods criminals use on the Internet to commit crimes. The course also covers various methods of computer security, their complexity and adequacy. Students study methods for creating backup information systems and developing means for recovering data in case it is destroyed or stolen. Potential threats to Internet systems and how they could affect the way individuals and companies use and rely on the systems are introduced.This course also examines the political, legal and policy aspects of the use of information technologies by governmental organizations

CJ740 - Theories of Violence & Aggression

This course investigates and analyzes aggression and violence as forms of individual, group, and societal behavior. The course also includes an assessment of anthropological, biological, philosophical, political, and sociological theories on the causes of violence and aggression.

CJ741 - Interpersonal & Relationship Violence

This course utilizes an interdisciplinary approach to examining interpersonal violence as a critical and complex social issue. Specific types of interpersonal violence covered include child abuse and neglect, child sexual violence, spousal abuse, elder abuse, date rape and other forms of intimate sexual and physical violence. The course includes a comprehensive examination of theoretical perspectives regarding the nature and origins of interpersonal violence as well as a critical examination of the effectiveness of the mental health, child welfare, and criminal justice system’s approach to interpersonal violence prevention, intervention, and policy.

CJ742 - Violence Prev, Advocacy, & Social Change

This course provides students with an understanding of different models of social change and the various strategies of social movements and campaigns that accomplish social change. The course will examine the strategies, tactics, strengths and weaknesses of other historical contemporary movements such as the civil rights or women’s movement. Students will explore how victims of violence might develop successful public discourses that advocate their cause, transform public policy, and build or reform public institutions such as the justice system. The course will also identify successful modes of public address and tactics of activism that produce changes in public policy and reform institutional practices.

CJ750 - Global Criminal Justice Systems

This course analyzes crime and criminal justice systems in selected countries and cultures. The course also focuses on the ways these different societies define and respond to criminal behavior and specifically addresses how different societies structure their justice systems to meet their goals and reflect their values. The course engages students in comparative issues and research to reveal political, historical, and cultural factors that have influenced criminal justice and law in both the United States and other countries.

CJ751 - Victimology

This course involves a scientific study of crime victims and public policy responses to them. The course will focus on the nature and extent of criminal victimization, the dynamics of victim-offender relationships, theories of victimization, a historical analysis of the victim’s role in the criminal justice process, the restorative justice model, and the contemporary victim rights and victim services’ movements.

CJ752 - Cls, Race, Ethic & Gender Issues in CJ

This course is an examination of how class, race, gender and ethnicity impact the criminal justice system. It will explore these topics in depth, focusing on criminal victimization and patterns of offending and how these concepts affect equal treatment by the police, courts and corrections.

CJ798 - Research Project Capstone

This culminating experience helps students integrate their knowledge of criminological theory and justice policy with research and analytical skills, synthesizing this knowledge with practical skills. Under the supervision of a faculty mentor, students engage in a comprehensive research project enabling the student to demonstrate the mastery of the concepts, ideas, knowledge and insights implicit in the Criminal Justice curriculum.

CJ799 - Internship

This culminating experience helps students integrate their knowledge of criminological theory and justice policy with research and analytical skills, synthesizing this knowledge with practical skills. Students engage in an internship and complete 150 hours in organizations that are committed to providing interns a high quality educational experience. As a part of their internship, students engage in meaningful projects, including written reflection and analysis.

Cristina Haverty

Associate Vice President of Workforce Development and Global Engagement/ Professor, Athletic Training

Office: Alexander STC

Lori Rosenthal

Assistant Provost; Professor of Psychology

Office: Plummer

Janice Barrett

Professor of Communication; Chair, Graduate Communication Program

Office: Donahue 108

Keith Belmore

Associate Professor of Athletic Training and Graduate Chair of Athletic Training

Office: Alexander STC 104N

Linda Bucci

Professor & Program Chair of Justice Studies, Graduate Chair of Criminal Justice

Office: Plummer

Sarah Giasullo

Assistant Professor of Athletic Training; Graduate Chair of Health Sciences

Office: Alexander STC 104T

Elizabeth Hartmann

Professor of Education

Office: Brennan Library

Janet Huetteman

Graduate Chair of Management and Marketing; Associate Professor of Marketing

Office: 23 Maple Street, Office #5

Young-Tae Kim

Associate Professor of Sport Management; Graduate Interim Chair of Sport Management

Office: Alexandar STC

Ron Laham

Assistant Professor of Athletic Training/ Exercise Science

Office: Alexander STC

Luis Lopez-Preciado

Associate Professor of Communication

Office: Donahue

Amy Maynard

Professor of Education

Office: Brennan Library

Meryl Perlson

Chair of Communication; Professor of Communication

Office: Donahue 107

Matthew Reilly

Chair of Business and Interim Chair of Sport Management; Assistant Professor of Business

Office: DeArment

Claudia Rinaldi

The Joan Weiler Arnow ’49 Professor/Professor of Education, Chair of Education

Office: Brennan Library

Daniel Sargeant

Associate Professor of Sport Management

Office: Alexander STC

Nancy Waldron

Assistant Provost; Professor of Entrepreneurship and Management

Office: DeArment

Martin Walsh

Professor of Marketing and Management

Office: DeArment

Brian Wardyga

Professor of Communication; General Manager, 109.2FM WLAS & LCTV

Office: Brennan Library, G04F

Edward Weeks

Associate Professor of Justice Studies

Office: Winslow

Catherine Zeek

Professor Emerita

CJ701 - The Criminal Justice System & Process

This course provides a foundation and overview of the criminal justice system and process. The major components include crime, law, criminology, law enforcement, adjudication by the courts, corrections, juvenile justice, and current issues and policies.

CJ702 - Critical Legal Issues in Crim Justice

This course provides the student with current and critical information regarding legal issues in criminal justice with a focus on constitutional criminal procedure. The course explores new perspectives on historical issues and takes into account new appellate cases and events, including current debates over important legal controversies in the criminal justice arena.

CJ703 - Advanced Criminological Thought

This course consists of an in-depth analysis of various explanations of criminal behavior. Readings include selections from a broad range of disciplines like political science, sociology, and psychology as they relate to crime, social deviance, and causation. Ethical and legal foundations in defining social deviance and crime are also considered. This course is well suited for criminal justice practitioners, as students apply criminological theory to contemporary issues

CJ704 - Ethical Theory & Criminal Justice Policy

This course examines the ethical issues relevant to the administration of criminal justice. The origins of ethical standards, the effect of these standards on the administration of justice, and issues of ethical leadership will be addressed. Emphasis will be placed on the integration of ethics into criminal justice policy making and the establishment of defined values for the field.

CJ705 - Criminal Justice Leadership & Management

This course analyzes the structures, functions, and operations of criminal justice agencies including the police, the courts, and corrections (jail, probation, prison, and parole) within the context of the entire criminal justice system. The course will provide a comprehensive overview of criminal justice administration and management with an emphasis on organizational theories. These diverse theories of organizational behavior will be explored specifically as to how they relate to the administration of criminal justice agencies .Three credits.

CJ709 - Research Methods & Statistical Analysis

This course provides students with the necessary tools for evaluating, designing and implementing applied research in criminal justice. The association between theories and research methods used in the study of criminal justice is explored through a variety of relevant and related data sources. Topics covered include: the principles of research design; issues in measurement; modes of observation; and basic methods of both quantitative and qualitative analysis.

CJ740 - Theories of Violence & Aggression

This course investigates and analyzes aggression and violence as forms of individual, group, and societal behavior. The course also includes an assessment of anthropological, biological, philosophical, political, and sociological theories on the causes of violence and aggression.

CJ741 - Interpersonal & Relationship Violence

This course utilizes an interdisciplinary approach to examining interpersonal violence as a critical and complex social issue. Specific types of interpersonal violence covered include child abuse and neglect, child sexual violence, spousal abuse, elder abuse, date rape and other forms of intimate sexual and physical violence. The course includes a comprehensive examination of theoretical perspectives regarding the nature and origins of interpersonal violence as well as a critical examination of the effectiveness of the mental health, child welfare, and criminal justice system’s approach to interpersonal violence prevention, intervention, and policy.

CJ742 - Violence Prev, Advocacy, & Social Change

This course provides students with an understanding of different models of social change and the various strategies of social movements and campaigns that accomplish social change. The course will examine the strategies, tactics, strengths and weaknesses of other historical contemporary movements such as the civil rights or women’s movement. Students will explore how victims of violence might develop successful public discourses that advocate their cause, transform public policy, and build or reform public institutions such as the justice system. The course will also identify successful modes of public address and tactics of activism that produce changes in public policy and reform institutional practices.

CJ798 - Research Project Capstone

This culminating experience helps students integrate their knowledge of criminological theory and justice policy with research and analytical skills, synthesizing this knowledge with practical skills. Under the supervision of a faculty mentor, students engage in a comprehensive research project enabling the student to demonstrate the mastery of the concepts, ideas, knowledge and insights implicit in the Criminal Justice curriculum.

CJ799 - Internship

This culminating experience helps students integrate their knowledge of criminological theory and justice policy with research and analytical skills, synthesizing this knowledge with practical skills. Students engage in an internship and complete 150 hours in organizations that are committed to providing interns a high quality educational experience. As a part of their internship, students engage in meaningful projects, including written reflection and analysis.