Criminal Justice (CJ)

CJ 200. Introduction to Criminal Justice - SB3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Description: Overview of crime and the response of the United States justice system, focusing on law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Explores the impact of crime on communities and examines how the justice system responds to these issues in contemporary society.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 201. Introduction to Law Enforcement - SB3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Description: Introduction to the development of law enforcement in the United States, including its history, models, organizations, and current challenges.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 202. Introduction to Corrections - SB3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Description: Introductory examination of the history, practices, and challenges in corrections, focusing on institutional and community corrections systems in the United States.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 203. Introduction to Law and the Legal System3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Prerequisite(s): No pre-requisites This course will provide you with an overview of the major principles and functions of our legal system.

Description: This course will introduce you to the various legal fields and specialties. Legal aspects of current topics will be discussed to assist you in acquiring knowledge and appreciation of the law in our changing society. Legal Vocabulary will be emphasized. This course will introduce you to an overview of the legal profession (to include attorneys, judges, paralegals, law enforcement and professions that have significant contact with the judicial system).

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 299. Criminal Justice Occupational Courses and Learning1-24 Units

Grading Basis: Pass/Fail

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Description: The student does not register for this course. It is a receptacle course to award PLA credit upon completion of our PLA course CJ 304.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 300. Career Development and Cultural Intelligence - SB, D13 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Prerequisite(s): CJ 200.

Description: Examines career development in criminal justice by fostering awareness of cultural diversity, also known as cultural intelligence.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 301. Introduction to Digital Forensics and Media Analysis3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Prerequisite(s): CJ 160, CJ 161, and CJ 162; or consent of instructor.

Description: Introduction to the collection, preservation, and presentation of computer-based evidence for criminal law enforcement and civil litigation. Covers the role of computer forensic practitioners in investigating digital crime scenes and related legal issues.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 304. Criminal Justice Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)1-2 Units

Grading Basis: Pass/Fail

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisite(s): 12 credit hours at the University of Louisville and documentation of training record.

Description: Equip students with skills to document and assess prior learning from occupational training. Students create a Prior Learning Assessment Document (PLAD) that combines reflection and documentation for evaluation and college credit. Writing, thinking, and technology skills are emphasized.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 305. Theories of Crime and Behavior3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Description: Explores theories and research on criminality from biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 306. Criminal Procedure3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Description: Examines constitutional aspects of criminal procedure, focusing on investigation, detention, prosecution, and adjudication, including due process and the exclusionary rule.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 325. Criminal Justice Research Methods3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisite(s): CJ 200 or consent of instructor.

Description: Introduction to social research methods in criminal justice, emphasizing both quantitative and qualitative approaches.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 326. Quantitative Analysis in Criminal Justice - QR3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisite(s): The Kentucky Council on Post-Secondary Education (PCE) sets an ACT score of 19 or above as an academic readiness indicator for the area of Mathematics (Quantitative Reasoning).

Description: Other course readiness markers for this class are SAT (510) or completion of GEN 103. Introduction to statistics and analysis of criminal justice data, emphasizing measurement, descriptive, and inferential statistical methods in criminal justice research.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 335. Court Administration3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Description: Studies court organization, administration, and management through the lens of a court administrator. Focuses on the development of court systems, efficient courtroom and case flow management, and operations of trial and appellate courts.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 352. Sex Crimes3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Description: Interdisciplinary exploration of sex offenses and crimes related to sexual conduct. Topics cover sexual deviancy, client profiles and treatment, and the role of societal values and institutions in shaping sexual behavior and norms.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 354. Crime and the Media3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Description: Examines how crime is represented in mass media and how these portrayals influence public perceptions of crime and the justice system. Explores the social construction of crime through media narratives and their impact on justice policies and practices.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 355. Forensic Science and Investigative Techniques3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Description: Survey of techniques and procedures in scientific crime investigation. Covers the history of forensic investigation, research methods, data analysis, and the role of scientific expertise in the prosecutorial process.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 356. Harm Reduction and Public Safety3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Description: Explores criminological and environmental theories and methods for crime prevention and reduction. Covers the history of prevention strategies, program development, case studies, research, and loss-prevention management in the United States.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 358. Private Security Management3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Prerequisite(s): CJ 200 or consent of instructor.

Description: Study of management functions within a private security agency, including structure, personnel, legal status, budgeting, and supervision.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 360. Juvenile Justice3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisite(s): CJ 200 or consent of instructor.

Description: Explores the theories and philosophies influencing the evolution of the juvenile justice system in the United States. Examines history, key issues, and the roles of law enforcement, courts, corrections, and community in its contemporary model.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 365. Community Corrections3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Prerequisite(s): CJ 200 and CJ 202.

Description: Explores the development of community-based correctional programs beyond traditional institutions, including diversion, probation, parole, home incarceration, electronic monitoring, and other initiatives for individuals involved in the justice system.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 366. Introduction to Cyber Investigations3 Units

Description: Explores tools for network monitoring, traffic collection, and digital investigations, as well as data processing and forensic technologies in online and digital environments. Covers advanced topics in network security and digital forensics.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 370. Law Enforcement Administration3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Prerequisite(s): CJ 201 or consent of instructor.

Description: Examines police organization and administration, covering the history of law enforcement structures, the political environment of agencies, the role of law enforcement in different societies, and key management functions.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 375. Social and Restorative Justice3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Description: Links social justice and criminology while considering the causes of harm. Explores assumptions about crime and justice through retributive and restorative justice paradigms while addressing key social justice issues.

Note: Cross-listed with SCHG 375.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 390. Criminal Court Procedures3 Units

Prerequisite(s): CJ 306 or consent of instructor.

Description: Examines criminal due process and legal procedures from apprehension to sentencing. Covers key aspects of the criminal justice process, including disposition, bail, extradition, hearings, trial, and post-sentencing procedures like probation and parole.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 395. Criminal Law and Evidence3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Description: Examines criminal liability and the processes of criminalization, investigation, and prosecution, covering various offenses and defenses while emphasizing state and federal evidence rules.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 399. Criminal Justice Advanced Occupational Courses and Learning1-18 Units

Grading Basis: Pass/Fail

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Description: The student does not register for this course. It is a receptacle course to award PLA credit upon completion of our PLA course CJ 304.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 400. Legal Issues in Corrections3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Prerequisite(s): CJ 200, CJ 202, and CJ 306; or consent of instructor.

Description: Overview of legal issues related to the constitutional rights of individuals serving their sentences in the community and correctional facilities.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 403. Institutional Corrections3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Prerequisite(s): CJ 200 and CJ 202; or consent of instructor.

Description: Examines the design, management, and operation of jails and prisons in the United States, including the experiences of those incarcerated.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 405. Crimes Against Older Adults3 Units

Description: Examines federal and state laws designed to protect older adults, focusing on legal protections and the criminal justice system's response to the mistreatment and exploitation of this population.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 406. Crime Victims and Victimization3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Description: Overview of crime victimization and the criminal justice system response to victims and survivors.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 415. Drugs and Crime3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Prerequisite(s): CJ 200 and CJ 202.

Description: Explores the history, causes, and extent of substance use disorders, focusing on their connection to harmful or unlawful behavior and the role of criminal justice agencies.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 420. Computer Applications in Criminal Justice3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Prerequisite(s): CJ 200 or consent of instructor.

Description: Applied introduction to computer applications in criminal justice and criminology. Covers data collection, basic analysis, electronic research methods, and web page design, with an emphasis on the use of software and hardware in criminal justice agencies.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 421. Organized Crime3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Prerequisite(s): CJ 200 and CJ 305; or consent of instructor.

Description: Interdisciplinary exploration of key issues related to organized crime. Examines historical contexts, theoretical frameworks, and various criminal activities associated with organized crime groups.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 425. Behavioral Analysis of Violent Crime3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or consent of instructor.

Description: Examines the assessment of fatal violence, covering topics such as organized and disorganized behavioral patterns, stages of homicide, blood spatter analysis, investigative processes, media influence, and typologies of individuals involved in violent crimes.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 426. Violence in the United States3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Prerequisite(s): CJ 200 and Junior standing; or consent of instructor.

Description: Explores various forms of interpersonal violence, including intimate partner violence, child abuse, abuse of older adults, sexual violence, assault, and workplace violence. Emphasizes the criminal justice system's role in responding to and addressing these issues.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 430. Environmental Crime3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Description: Explores theoretical and practical legal issues in environmental criminal justice, with an introduction to criminological approaches to addressing environmental problems.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 435. Comparative Criminal Justice - WR3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Description: Overview of international criminal justice systems and the key issues that arise within them across different countries.

Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences Upper-Level Requirement in Written Communication (WR).

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 440. Human Trafficking3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Description: Examines the trafficking of human beings in its historical, legal, economic, political, and social contexts.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 445. Computer and Electronic Crime3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Description: Examines legal policy and technical issues related to computer and electronic crime.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 450. Internship3-6 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Prerequisite(s): Permission of chair or internship coordinator.

Description: Offers hands-on learning opportunities that highlight the application of theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts within criminal justice and related fields.

Note: Students must complete an application, receive approval, and secure an internship prior to enrolling in the course.

Course Attribute(s): CBL - This course includes Community-Based Learning (CBL). Students will engage in a community experience or project with an external partner in order to enhance understanding and application of academic content.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 460. Correctional Rehabilitation3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Prerequisite(s): CJ 200 and CJ 202; or consent of instructor.

Description: Examines techniques and methods used by the correctional system to influence and change client behavior. Topics include the history of treatment, current programs, studies on effectiveness, and the future of rehabilitation in the United States.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 471. Police Administration3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Prerequisite(s): Consent of department chair.

Description: A discussion of police administration, organization, and functions. Administration is approached from the points of view of a police executive and his or her principal aides. Emphasis encompasses both reality and theory. Contemporary management thought is emphasized.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 473. Law and Police Administration3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Prerequisite(s): Consent of department chair.

Description: Provides a detailed analysis of legal issues in police administration and management, with an emphasis on developing policies, procedures, and practices to mitigate liability in administrative operations. Case studies highlight emerging trends and current issues.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 474. Police Supervision3 Units

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 477. Police Organizational Behavior3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Prerequisite(s): Consent of department chair.

Description: Examines basic principles of human behavior with a focus on how they are applied to police work in organizational settings.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 485. Criminal Justice Senior Seminar - CUE, WR3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisite(s): CJ 200, CJ 325, and CJ 326; Senior standing or consent of instructor.

Description: Senior level seminar that explores and discusses the challenges and issues in the administration and management of criminal justice organizations.

Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).

Course Attribute(s): CUE - This course fulfills the Culminating Undergraduate Experience (CUE) requirement for certain degree programs. CUE courses are advanced-level courses intended for majors with at least 90 earned credits/senior-level status.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 493. Police and the Community3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Prerequisite(s): Senior standing or consent of instructor.

Description: Examines the relationship between communities and law enforcement, covering the history of policing, police community relations, and Community Oriented Policing.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 495. Directed Studies1-9 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Description: Directed readings or research centered on specialized interests in criminal justice issues and topics.

Note: Enrollment is limited and no more than 6 hours of credit may be counted towards a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 496. Special Topics in Criminal Justice1-9 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Description: Covers specialized topics in criminal justice.

Note: Course topics will vary (see specific semester schedule).

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 499. Criminal Justice Honors Thesis - WR3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Prerequisite(s): Senior standing and admission to department honors program.

Description: Intensive examination of a topical area in criminal justice. Students work individually with designated faculty advisor to develop and complete original research projects.

Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 500. Crime and Criminal Justice in Film3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Senior standing.

Description: Examines media representations of the criminal justice system within a historical context and global perspective, highlighting the congruence and disparities between popular film and reality.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 505. International Terrorism3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Description: Explores international terrorism and terrorist organizations, including their causes, operations, funding, and future threats. Covers biological, chemical, nuclear, and cyber terrorism, as well as the media's influence on terrorism and counter-terrorism efforts.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 507. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design3 Units

Description: Introduces Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). Emphasizes opportunity theories of crime and their application, and explores strategies for preventing crime by modifying the built environment.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 509. Crime Analysis3 Units

Description: Covers introductory techniques of crime analysis and mapping, focusing on applying theoretical concepts to crime data.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 510. Managing Conflict, Change, and Justice3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Description: Explores the interpersonal and social aspects of conflict and essential practices for conflict resolution. Analyzes human dynamics in conflicts, emphasizing the significance of conflict management in building relationships and promoting equity, fairness, and peace.

Note: Cross-listed with SCHG 510.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 516. Seminar in Juvenile Justice Issues3 Units

Description: An interdisciplinary seminar examining conflicting perspectives within the juvenile justice system and related issues. Topics include an overview of the juvenile justice system, treatment and prevention programs, unique laws affecting juveniles, and other pertinent themes.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 517. Gangs in the United States3 Units

Description: Examines gangs, including their history, definitions, and the criminal justice system's response. Covers theories of gang involvement, current trends, and prevention and intervention strategies, offering an overview of the complexities of gang activity and its impact on communities and criminal justice policy.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 519. Domestic and Family Violence3 Units

Description: Explores the dynamics of family violence, focusing on intimate partner violence, child maltreatment, and abuse of older adults across diverse family structures and life stages.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 520. Capital Punishment - WR3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Prerequisite(s): Senior standing or consent of instructor.

Description: Explores issues related to the death penalty, including constitutional questions, the impact of death row incarceration, and public attitudes, with a special focus on research findings from Kentucky.

Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 521. Corporate and Financial Crime - WR3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Prerequisite(s): CJ 200 and CJ 305, or consent of instructor.

Description: Explores corporate and financial crime, focusing on key concepts, theoretical explanations, and the extent and nature of these offenses across various sectors, including both public and private organizations.

Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 522. Serial and Mass Murder3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Prerequisite(s): Senior standing or consent of instructor.

Description: Examines serial and mass murder in the United States, focusing on the relationship between these crimes and factors such as race, gender, media portrayal, and behavioral analysis. Explores the impact of mass murder on communities, including political and religious ideologies, affected institutions, and the responses from law enforcement, community members, and policymakers.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 523. Race and Gender in Criminal Justice - WR3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or consent of faculty.

Description: Examines the dynamics of racial discrimination and disparity in the United States and their impact on the criminal justice system.

Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 530. Introduction to Homeland Security3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Description: Outlines the philosophy, purpose, and rationale for a dedicated government agency focused on domestic security. Explores issues related to international and domestic terrorism and their effects on homeland security trends.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 576. Managing Organizational Performance3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Consent of department chair.

Description: Examination of factors affecting the management of organizational performance. Designed to help participants develop conceptual diagnostic and problem solving skills required of strategic managers in contemporary law enforcement organizations.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 577. Trauma Informed Policing3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Prerequisite(s): Restricted to students enrolled in the Southern Police Institute's Administrative Officers Course.

Description: Trauma informed policing focuses on how law enforcement can improve police community interactions, service to the public, and internal operations through adopting a trauma informed approach. This course will discuss evidence-based methods to recognize, understand, and appropriately respond to trauma experienced by victims, offenders, and police officers.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 578. Criminal Justice Leadership - WR3 Units

Description: Through the use of lectures and case studies (films), participants will be provided with a cognitive understanding of leadership that emphasizes the study of leadership models and theories. Study and evaluation of various leadership styles and processes.

Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 580. International Service Learning: Criminal Justice Seminar3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Approval of program director.

Description: Study of criminology and criminal justice with a cross cultural perspective. Comparative criminal justice research regarding particular problems and issues in the host country will be conducted and examined.

Note: Travel outside the United States is required.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 596. Seminar in Criminal Justice3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Description: Explores selected topics in Criminal Justice.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CJ 597. Ethics in Criminal Justice - WR3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Prerequisite(s): Senior standing or consent of instructor.

Description: Studies ethics and ethical decision-making in the criminal justice system.

Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes