Criminal Justice (CJUS)
CJUS 121. Intro to Criminal Justice. 3 Credits.
The course is designed to introduce students to the criminal justice system in America and our institutionalized response to the social problem of crime. The criminal justice system comprises several unique and related components. The course will consist of an examination of the various local, state and federal agencies that make up the system with particular attention to the police, courts and corrections. The course will also examine critical questions about the roles, responsibilities and challenges of the criminal justice system.
CJUS 125. Funds of Forensic Science. 3 Credits.
This course is a survey of the forensic sciences and related disciplines. This course examines the use of forensic science in criminal investigations, and the role of forensic scientists in the investigations process and as expert witnesses.
CJUS 192. Independent Study. 3 Credits.
Provides an opportunity for students to engage in directed research and study on an individual basis rather than in a formal class environment.
CJUS 215. CJ and Community. 3 Credits.
While focusing primarily on law enforcement, this course will examine the relationship and attitudes among all components of the criminal justice system and the community. Those elements that influence how the community and the criminal justice system interact will be explored and issues affecting all entities will be examined along with factors which help develop mutual understanding and support between the justice system and the community.
CJUS 220. Intro to Corrections. 3 Credits.
The course is designed to support student understanding of the American system of corrections and the roles of federal, state, and local governments. Students will study the laws pertaining to corrections and how they are applied to offenders and correctional personnel. Students will also study the importance of community corrections and the reasons why prison populations have continued to increase.
CJUS 226. Introduction to Probation. 3 Credits.
This course provides an in-depth examination of the role of probation in the criminal justice system. Topics included are caseloads, pre-sentence investigations, practices and procedures, and issues associated with supervising offenders in the community.
CJUS 228. Diversity in Criminal Justice. 3 Credits.
This course explores the effects of social stratification on crime. It examines the relationship between social class, race/ethnicity and gender in the criminal justice system. Analysis of populations as both offenders and victims is included.
CJUS 230. Police Org and Behavior. 3 Credits.
The course is designed to develop an understanding of policing service in the United States. It provides a historical overview of how policing evolved and how it has changed. The student will understand the main types of policing agencies and comprehend their function as part of the criminal justice system. Student will develop an understanding of the organization of police agencies and analyze styles of policing and the policy it supports. Finally, the course will support students understanding the fine balance between actions, decision-making and discretion while working closely with community agencies.
CJUS 236. Intro to Research Methods. 3 Credits.
This course uses a philosophy of science approach, and introduces the basic elements of methodologies used in social sciences. Qualitative as well as quantitative methodologies are emphasized.
CJUS 292. Independent Study. 3 Credits.
Provides an opportunity for students to engage in directed research and study on an individual basis rather than in a formal class environment.
CJUS 325. American Criminal Law. 3 Credits.
This course is the study of principles, doctrines and selected rules of criminal law; the sources of substantive criminal law and historical development of common law principles of criminal responsibility; constitutional constraints on the decision to define behavior as criminal.
CJUS 330. Admin of Juv Justice. 3 Credits.
This course offers an extensive systematic interdisciplinary examination of juvenile justice and juvenile justice administration in the United States.
CJUS 335. Victimology. 3 Credits.
Criminal justice professionals, regardless of their specific role, will always come in contact with victims of crime. This course provides an introductory examination of criminal victimization in the United States via an overview of current theory, research, and trends within the context of specific victimization types. Students will examine specific crimes types, the impact of crime on victims and society, the role of victims within the criminal justice system, specific remedies, and victim rights and services. Where possible, topics will be studied within a context of current events and local models of crime victim services.
This course requires additional components when selected at the graduate level.
Prerequisite: CJUS 121 or SOCI 211 or equivalent.
CJUS 356. Sociology of Violence. 3 Credits.
This course examines contemporary forms of violence from a sociological perspective; considers the historical and social context of forms of violence ranging from bullying and harassment to police brutality and terrorism; explores individual and group responses to violence as well as the impact of media and other social institutions on these resources.
This course requires additional components when selected at the graduate level.
Prerequisite: SOCI 211 or equivalent.
CJUS 391. Special Topics. 3 Credits.
Courses not required in any curriculum for which there is a particular one-time need, or given on a trial basis to determine acceptability and demand before requesting a regular course number.
CJUS 392. Independent Study. 3 Credits.
Provides an opportunity for students to engage in directed research and study on an individual basis rather than in a formal class environment.
CJUS 413. Administration Law Enforcement. 3 Credits.
This course will examine and study law enforcement organizations and the many aspects of leading and managing the organization as it deals with personnel issues, budgeting, structure, and other functions.
CJUS 421. Criminal Justice Ethics. 3 Credits.
This course will examine ethical issues in law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Students will learn moral and ethical standards that can be used to resolve dilemmas they encounter in criminal justice system.
CJUS 427. Deviance & Social Control. 3 Credits.
This course examines the belief that deviance and social control is a diverse and controversial concept, which is of great importance to society and individuals. The course will explore definitions of deviance, theoretical perspectives, which attempt to explain deviance, and how deviance is organized and managed in our society. It will also examine how our society views the processes that create and controls deviant behavior. Contemporary forms of deviance will be analyzed and discussed.
This course requires additional components when selected at the graduate level.
Prerequisite: SOCI 211 or equivalent.
CJUS 440. Gender, Crime and Justice. 3 Credits.
This course will examine and analyze how gender interacts within crime and the criminal justice system, and what programs exist or should exist to ensure equality within the criminal justice system.
CJUS 488. Forensic Crime Lab & Beyond. 3 Credits.
This course examines forensic sciences with emphases on the non-crime lab forensic sciences, new technologies, and new directions in forensic sciences.
This course requires additional components when selected at the graduate level.
Prerequisite: CJUS 125 or equivalent.
CJUS 491. Special Topics. 3 Credits.
Courses not required in any curriculum for which there is a particular one-time need, or given on a trial basis to determine acceptability and demand before requesting a regular course number.
CJUS 492. Independent Study. 3 Credits.
Provides an opportunity for students to engage in directed research and study on an individual basis rather than in a formal class environment.
CJUS 494. Seminar. 3 Credits.
This course examines and analyzes criminal justice topics from various perspectives. This course requires additional components when selected at the graduate level. Prerequisite: CJUS 121 or SOCI 211 or equivalent.
CJUS 498. Cooperative Education. 1-12 Credits.
A planned and supervised work-learning experience in industry, business, government, or community service agencies related to the University program of study. Prerequisites: two semesters of attendance at Montana State University-Northern, approval of advisor, Dean of the College of Technical Sciences, and cooperative education coordinator. Pass/Fail Only.
CJUS 521. Criminal Justice Ethics. 3 Credits.
Examine ethical issues in law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Students will apply moral and ethical standards that can be used to resolve dilemmas they encounter in the criminal justice system.
CJUS 525. American Criminal Law. 3 Credits.
The course is a study of the principles, doctrines, and rules of criminal law; the sources of substantive criminal and procedural law; and constitutional constraints on the decision to define behavior as criminal.
If this class is taken at the 500 level, it is a graduate course and the expectations for student performance are at an advanced level. Evaluation of course requirements is more rigorous than at the lower division section of this course.
CJUS 527. Deviance & Social Control. 3 Credits.
This course examines the belief that deviance and social control is a diverse and controversial concept, which is of great importance to society and individuals. The course will explore definitions of deviance, theoretical perspectives, which attempt to explain deviance, and how deviance is organized and managed in our society. It will also examine how our society views the processes that create and control deviant behavior. Contemporary forms of deviance will be analyzed and discussed.
This course requires additional components when selected at the graduate level.
Prerequisite: SOCI 211 or consent of instructor.
CJUS 530. Administration of Juvenile Jus. 3 Credits.
The course is designed for students to understand the administration of juvenile justice. It will cover interpretations, philosophies, behavior, theory, and court cases. The process of juvenile justice will be examined and the effects of present-day issues, and evaluate the juvenile justice system.
CJUS 535. Victimology. 3 Credits.
Criminal justice professionals, regardless of their specific role, will always come in contact with victims of crime. This course provides an introductory examination of criminal victimization in the United States via an overview of current theory, research, and trends within the context of specific victimization types. Students will examine specific crimes types, the impact of crime on victims and society, the role of victims within the criminal justice system, specific remedies, and victim rights and services. Where possible, topics will be studied within a context of current events and local models of crime victim services.
This course requires additional components when selected at the graduate level.
Prerequisite: CJUS 121 or SOCI 211 or consent of instructor.
CJUS 556. Sociology of Violence. 3 Credits.
This course examines contemporary forms of violence from a sociological perspective; considers the historical and social context of forms of violence ranging from bullying and harassment to police brutality and terrorism; explores individual and group responses to violence as well as the impact of media and other social institutions on these resources.
This course requires additional components when selected at the graduate level.
Prerequisite: SOCI 211 or consent of instructor.
CJUS 588. Forensic Science CrimeLab& Bnd. 3 Credits.
This course examines forensic sciences with emphases on the non-crime lab forensic sciences, new technologies, and new directions in forensic sciences.
This course requires additional components when selected at the graduate level.
Prerequisite: CJUS 125 or consent of instructor.