CJS 102. Introduction to Criminology and Justice Studies (3)

Introduction to Criminology and Justice Studies provides an overview of the fields of criminology and criminal justice, the relationship between the two fields, and how both influence each other. Both traditional and contemporary approaches to justice will be explored, including alternatives and system reform. Furthermore, students will critically examine the purpose, components, and processes of the criminal justice system and the impact of crime on individuals, communities, and societies. Students will be introduced to various approaches for measuring and studying crime and basic theoretical paradigms related to criminal behavior. Additionally, this course incorporates a focus on the experiences of individuals impacted by the criminal justice system based on identities such as race, indigeneity, ethnicity, gender/gender identity, sexuality/sexual orientation, class, and their intersections.