These requirements are from an excerpt from the University Academic Catalog, which outlines the requirements for a student to earn the distinction of being a Castleton University graduate. The complete catalog is available online.
in the BA.CRJ program, students will be able to:
Majors must earn an overall 2.0 average in all CRJ and CRJ-related courses in the major
Majors should complete CRJ 1010, CRJ 2010, CRJ 2080, and CRJ 2510 in their first two years of study.
Code | Course | Credits |
---|---|---|
CRJ 1010 |
Introduction to Criminal Justice(must be completed with a C or better) An overview of the American criminal justice system, tracing its history and development and assessing its strengths and weaknesses. Roles of the agencies that comprise the criminal justice system (representing law enforcement, courts, and corrections) are examined. This course fulfills a Social Science general education requirement. Every semester |
3 |
CRJ 2010 |
Law Enforcement in AmericaAn examination of the history and evolution of law enforcement in the United States. Among the topics examined in this course are: law enforcement careers; the police role; selection, recruitment, and training of personnel; occupational socialization & the police subculture; discretion; management and organizational behavior; and patrol/investigative functions. Other issues considered include police use of force; police-community relations, job stress, and corruption/ethical problems. Field observation is an essential component of this course and will include 6-8 hours of ride-along observations with police officers. Prerequisite: CRJ 1010 passed with a grade of "C" or better. Every semester |
3 |
CRJ 2020 |
American Judicial ProcessA course designed to provide students with an overview of the American judicial process; examining its history, structure, and operation. Topics considered include: court organization and administration; the courtroom "work group;" the trial and appellate processes; problems that plague the courts; and alternatives to courts for conflict resolution. Field observation is an essential component of this course. Students will be required to attend court for 8 hours, observing 4 hours of civil proceedings and 4 hours of criminal proceedings. Prerequisite: CRJ 1010 passed with a grade of "C" or better. Every semester |
3 |
CRJ 2080 |
Correctional Philosophies and PracticesAn interdisciplinary study of the historical and contemporary philosophies and practices of sentencing, punishment, and rehabilitation in American corrections. The course will be a comprehensive examination of all facets of institutional and community-based corrections, including facilities, probation, intermediate sanctions, and parole, as well as special and controversial issues in the field. Field study will be an essential component of this course and may include field trips, interviews and other research, guest speakers, and/or community service. Prerequisite: CRJ 1010 passed with a grade of “C” or better. Every semester |
3 |
CRJ 2510 |
Criminal LawAn examination of the evolution and development of substantive criminal law. Topics examined include: common law vs. statutory crimes; elements of a crime; parties to a crime; criminal responsibility; and defenses to criminal culpability. Selected portions of the Vermont criminal code are also examined. Prerequisite: CRJ 2020 or consent of instructor. Every semester |
3 |
CRJ 3010 |
Crime VictimsAn interdisciplinary study of criminal victimization and prevention. The course examines patterns of crime, offending, and victimization and how to use such information to prevent violent and property crime, including rape, domestic violence, and hate crime. Other issues to be explored include victimization theories, prevention programs, treatment of victims, and victims' rights and remedies. Prerequisite: CRJ 1010, SOC 1010, and Junior standing or consent of instructor. Spring |
3 |
CRJ 3170 |
Ethical Issues in Criminal JusticeThis class in applied ethics is designed to introduce upper level CRJ students to ethical theories and help them apply these theories to real world dilemmas they may confront as criminal justice practitioners. Among the topics explored in this class are: the meaning of morality and ethics, the problem of defining right wrong/good-bad behavior, the connections between law, morality and justice, and the consideration of what consequences should befall those caught in unethical behavior. Ethical checklists and decision making strategies are also examined and evaluated. Prerequisite: Sophomore level standing and completion of at least two of the following: CRJ 2010, CRJ 2020, CRJ 2080. Spring |
3 |
CRJ 4720 |
Senior Seminar in Criminal JusticeThis is the final, culminating course in a BA.CRJ student’s academic career, where seniors will be expected to perform at a level appropriate for educated graduates about to enter the field. In this discussion-oriented course, students will be required to demonstrate the ability to retrieve, analyze, integrate, and apply knowledge gained through both research and prior study to contemporary issues in criminal justice. Additionally, the course will examine the future of agencies of the criminal justice system, as well as providing students with the opportunity to explore and clarify their own career options and goals. Prerequisite: Senior Criminal Justice majors graduating in same calendar year only, and consent of instructor. Spring |
3 |
Code | Course | Credits |
---|---|---|
CRJ 2110 |
Community-Based CorrectionsAn in-depth examination of contemporary, community-based correctional programs; exploring the evolution and development of such programs and considering how they compare with traditional forms of correctional intervention. Among the topics examined are: 'house arrest', halfway houses, diversion, probation & parole, and community service programs aimed at juvenile offenders, female offenders, and offenders with substance abuse problems. Prerequisite: CRJ 1010 Periodically |
3 |
CRJ 2210 |
The Death PenaltyAn in-depth examination of the historical and contemporary use of capital punishment in American society. The course explores arguments surrounding the death penalty, death row, the historical and modern execution process, constitutional issues, alternatives to capital punishment, and related topics. Prerequisite: CRJ 1010 or consent of instructor. Fall, even years |
3 |
CRJ 2240 |
Comparative Criminal Justice SystemsRestrictions Sophomore standing or above This course fulfills a Humanistic Perspective general education requirement. Fall |
3 |
CRJ 2910 |
Independent StudyDirected individual study of criminal justice topics. Signed contract required at time of registration. Prerequisite: Criminal Justice faculty approval is required before registration. |
3 |
CRJ 3030 |
EvidenceAn examination of the rules of criminal evidence and the procedural guidelines applied to law enforcement agencies who gather that evidence. Among the topics considered are: types of evidence; materiality, relevance, and competence of evidence; the hearsay rule and its exceptions; lay vs. expert testimony; testimonial privileges; the "best evidence" rule; and the laws relating to arrest, search and seizure. Prerequisite: CRJ 1010, CRJ 2020, or consent of instructor. Spring, odd years. |
3 |
CRJ 3040 |
Women and Criminal JusticeAn examination of contemporary issues and research on women as offenders, victims of crime, and criminal justice practitioners. Prerequisite: CRJ 1010 or consent of instructor. Periodically |
3 |
CRJ 3050 |
Law and SocietyAn examination of the nature and function of civil & criminal law in modern society. Current legal issues and their relationship to social institutions are highlighted. Prerequisite: CRJ 1010, SOC 1010, or consent of instructor. Fall, alternate years |
3 |
CRJ 3060 |
Constitutional Criminal ProcedureAn examination of the origins and development of the U.S. Constitution, particularly noting its significance in defining and limiting the authority of criminal justice personnel. This course will explore the role of the U.S. Supreme Court in developing constitutional law and examine key cases that have helped define the scope of 4th, 5th, 6th, 8th, and 14th Amendment protections. Prerequisite: CRJ 2020 and junior standing or consent of instructor. Spring, even years. |
3 |
CRJ 3120 |
White Collar CrimeAn exploration of work-related violations of criminal and regulatory law. Topics considered include: employee theft and misconduct; “crimes in the suites” committed by corporations and corporate officers; and offenses committed by government officials, and medical, legal, and other professionals. Theories of causation and suggested strategies developed to identify and control this serious, but often hidden, crime problem are also examined. Prerequisite: CRJ 1010 or consent of instructor. Fall, alternate years |
3 |
CRJ 3160 |
Juvenile JusticeAn examination of the procedures used in dealing with juveniles who come into conflict with the law. Course includes critical appraisal of the history and role of the juvenile courts and assessment of correctional strategies currently in use to treat juvenile offenders. Prerequisite: CRJ 1010, junior standing, or consent of instructor. Spring |
3 |
CRJ 3230 |
Juvenile CorrectionsThis course offers an exploration of correctional options and treatment alternatives for youth in the justice system. Topics include residential placement, restorative justice, secure-care custody, diversionary programs, juvenile probation, boot camps, and community service. Field trips will be conducted to assist students in developing an understanding of the impact of treatment. Restrictions Junior standing or permission of instructor Fall, even years |
3 |
CRJ 3240 |
Juvenile ViolenceThis seminar style course will aid students in developing an understanding of various types and patterns of juvenile violence and factors influencing juvenile violence. Topics include school shootings, family violence, gangs, substance use, and trauma. Warning signs and intervention techniques will be explored. Legal policies for processing violent youth in the courts are also discussed. Restrictions Junior standing or instructor permission Spring, odd years |
3 |
CRJ 3740 |
Selected Topics in Criminal JusticeAdvanced study in criminal justice with specific topics to be announced prior to each semester. Course offerings will be determined by student demand and faculty availability. Specific topics may include: prisoner’s rights. Specific topics may include: prisoners’ rights, community justice, comparative criminal justice, private security and public safety, police civil liability, etc. |
3 |
CRJ 3820 |
Criminal Justice ProctorshipCriminal Justice majors assume partial responsibility, under faculty supervision, for the progress of students in criminal justice courses. Sample duties might include conducting study sessions, preparing and distributing handouts, and leading discussion groups. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing and consent of instructor. Every Semester |
3 |
CRJ 4810 |
Criminal Justice Internship and SeminarThis course combines 120 hours of student participation in the operations of one host criminal justice agency with instructor-led seminar meetings held throughout the semester. The course is designed to give upper-level criminal justice majors the opportunity to acquire responsible, work-related experience in the field. Students must apply and be accepted into the Internship Program by both criminal justice faculty and the supervising agency. Both the criminal justice faculty instructor and the on-site supervisor will provide direction and supervision throughout the internship. Signed contract require at time of registration. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing and consent of instructor. Spring |
3 |
CRJ 4910 |
Independent StudyAvailable by arrangement with Coordinator. Signed contract required at time of registration. Prerequisite: Senior standing and Criminal Justice faculty approval is required before registration. |
1-3 |
SOC 2210 |
Deviant BehaviorAn examination of theories of etiology and distribution of deviant behavior. Prerequisite: SOC 1010 or consent of instructor. Spring, odd years |
3 |
SOC 3410 |
Dismantling Rape CultureThis course makes the case that there is a structured precarity that all women face when it comes to the crime of rape. This means that the way society is structured historically, politically, legally and socially makes all women vulnerable to rape. The course will explore how rape culture makes all women vulnerable to rape, but also how this vulnerability is exacerbated by race, class and gender non-conformity. The course will also examine the problematic construction of masculinity in the US and how this notion of masculinity contributes to rape culture and limits men's freedom of expression. The course makes the case that we all benefit by dismantling rape culture. Periodically |
3 |
SWK 2020 |
Family ViolenceAnalyzes the psychosocial dynamics of families disrupted by domestic violence. Aspects of child abuse, spouse abuse and elder abuse will be covered. Differential social work assessment and intervention will be emphasized. This course fulfills a Social Science general education requirement. Every Semester |
3 |
Code | Course | Credits |
---|---|---|
SOC 2040 |
Race, Ethnicity, Class and GenderAn exploration of the historical and contemporary roots for discrimination (especially on the institutional level) on the basis of race, ethnicity, class, and gender. This course examines issues such as culture, identity, and oppression. This course fulfills a Social Science general education requirement. Every semester |
3 |
SWK 2040 |
Discrimination in American SocietyAn understanding of the dynamics and American history of prejudice and discrimination in relation to racial and ethnic minorities, women and the aged is developed. Special emphasis placed on issues relevant to Social Welfare. Prerequisite: SOC 1010 or consent of instructor. Spring |
3 |
Code | Course | Credits |
---|---|---|
SOC 3210 |
CriminologyAn interdisciplinary study of the causes of crime and criminal behavior, with particular emphasis on sociological perspectives. Classical through contemporary criminological theories will be examined, as well as patterns and varieties of crime. Prerequisite: SOC 1010 or consent of instructor. Spring, even years |
3 |
PSY 3160 |
Criminal BehaviorAn examination of the physiological, cognitive and learning factors involved in criminal behavior from a psychological perspective. Prerequisite: Any psychology course or instructor permission Periodically |
3 |
Code | Course | Credits |
---|---|---|
SOC 3910 |
Research MethodsIntroduction to the basic methods of sociological research design, data collection, the organization and analysis of data, and their interpretation through an actual research project. This course fulfills the Digital and Computing Literacy general education requirement. Prerequisite: Junior majors in SOC, CRJ or acceptance in Social Work program, or consent of instructor. Fall and Spring |
4 |
PSY 3151 |
Psychological Research I(for double majors in CRJ and PSY only) Introduction to the scientific method as applied to behavior. Emphasis is on the development of scientific attitudes as well as the development of the basic research skills of data collection, analysis and interpretation. This course fulfills the Digital and Computing Literacy general education requirement. Prerequisite: PSY 3040 or PSY 3410 or instructor permission Fall |
4 |
Consult with your Criminal Justice Advisor to select a minor.
A second major may be substituted for the minor.
Review the Gen Ed requirements
Note: CRJ majors must complete these specific General Education courses: