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 AS.CRJ program students will be able to:
Majors must earn an overall 2.0 average in CRJ and CRJ-related (approved) courses in the major.
Majors should complete CRJ 1010, CRJ 2020, 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 |
Code | Course | Credits |
---|---|---|
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 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 |
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 |
---|---|---|
MAT 2021 |
Statistics IThis course prepares students for quantitative methods in their respective fields. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including estimation, hypothesis testing, linear regression and correlation are covered. Basic tools of descriptive statistics, discrete probability, binomial distribution, normal distribution, t-distribution, estimates and sample sizes, hypothesis testing, elementary correlation and regression, contingency tables are explored. Students utilize graphing calculators and spreadsheet software on a regular basis. This course fulfills a Mathematics general education requirement. Every semester |
3 |
PSY 1012 |
Introduction to Psychological ScienceA survey of a wide variety of topics studied by psychological scientists. The course objective is to introduce students to the terms, concepts and methods of psychological science. Restrictions This course is equivalent to Introduction to Psychology; students will not receive credit for both courses. This course fulfills a Social Science general education requirement. Every semester |
3 |
SOC 1010 |
Introduction to SociologyA systematic introduction to the study of social behavior and social organization. The major conceptual tools of sociology are used to explore the structure, processes, and content of social action; to provide insight into the regularity and diversity of human social behavior. This course fulfills a Social Science general education requirement. Every semester |
3 |
In-service students should discuss these requirements with their Criminal Justice Advisor and/or the Coordinator of the Criminal Justice Program. Transfer students from criminal justice programs in other schools are urged to review their transcript evaluation with their Advisor and /or the Coordinator. They must satisfy the General Education and academic major requirements, regardless of the number of criminal justice credits transferred.