Gwynedd Mercy University AY2020-2021 / Undergraduate Academic Catalog
CRJ-302 Violence & Criminal Justice ( 3 ) Violence in our society is not easy to define , simply because it takes place in a variety of forums . The purpose of this course is to investigate violence in several contexts , including crimes such as rape , robbery and assault , as well as crimes of the collective , including gang violence , school violence , and hate crimes . Students will examine recent trends and patterns in violent crime and explore the theoretical perspectives behind the occurrence of violent activities , and reflect on intervention and prevention efforts available for controlling violent events .
CRJ-303 Sexual Deviance ( 3 ) This course is a study of the characteristics and development of sexual deviance . In multidisciplinary fashion , the criminological , psychological and physiological components of addiction will be examined , along with the more common predatory offenders , including pedophiles , rapists , and lust murderers . In addition , specialized offenders such as juvenile offenders and cyber stalkers are examined , with the hope of shedding light not only on how these perpetrators operate but how to spot them for selfprotection .
CRJ-304 Wrongful Convictions ( 3 ) This course will cover the causes of wrongful convictions , including eyewitness misidentifications , false confessions , racism , media bias , and faulty forensic science . Students will also examine the role system variables play in such convictions such as the composition and application of police line-ups , expert testimony , witness preparation , judicial discretion and jury bias . Both case studies and contemporary research will be used to illustrate these causes .
CRJ-310 Introduction Criminal Justice Research ( 3 ) An introduction to research appropriate to the exploration of problems in the criminal justice field . Students will develop basic research skills and come to an understanding of research design and methodologies used in the works of criminal justice researchers and criminologists . Serves to prepare students for reading the professional literature and for undertaking original research projects .
CRJ-311 Organized Crime ( 3 ) This course is a study of the many facets of organized crime . The theoretical explanations behind the creation and operation of organized crime groups , and the perpetuation of this phenomenon , will be examined . Moreover , their activities and the ramifications of their business transactions will be discussed . Additionally , the operations of various organized crime groups will be reviewed , shedding light on the groups themselves and the numerous models that allow them to perpetuate their criminality . Finally , the political , legal , and enforcement initiatives created to stop this type of criminal activity will be assessed , both for application and effectiveness .
CRJ-320 Forensics Crime Scene Investigation ( 3 ) This course will examine the role of the crime-scene investigator at the crime scene . Common items of physical evidence are identified . In-depth discussions of both digital and film crime-scene photography are presented , and recognized procedures for conducting the crime-scene search are emphasized . The philosophy underlying the appropriate undertaking of a crime- scene reconstruction is detailed as exemplified by blood pattern interpretation .
CRJ-326 Criminal Procedures ( 3 )
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