This course is designed as an introduction to the study of crime and criminal behavior. One segment covers concepts of crime and criminology, the nature and extent of crime, and victims and victimization. A second segment covers theories of crime causation, including choice and trait theories, social structure, social process, and social conflict theories, and developmental theories. A third segment covers crime typologies, including violent crimes, property crimes, enterprise crimes (white-collar, organized, and cyber crimes), and public order crimes. The final segment looks at the criminal justice system, including various functions of the system as well as different models applied to the field. Available online only

This class is designed to introduce students to the basic concepts underlying criminal law. Topics covered will include the origins of criminal law, the basic requirements of a criminal act, the limitations of criminal liability, types and classifications of criminal law, and procedural defenses. Additional topics covered include constitutional limits on law, inchoate crime, and criminal culpability levels. Available online

A study of law enforcement that emphasizes police work at the community level. Students will review the history and evolution of law enforcement, the criminal justice system and the future of law enforcement. Particular areas of study include criminal law, responsibilities of law enforcement, community relations, accountability and corruption, values and judgment and careers in law enforcement. Available online only

This course looks at the relationship between the criminal justice system, cultural and other diversity, and police/community dynamics. Focusing on positive police/citizen contacts, the principle emphasis will be on the importance of a continuing dialogue between law enforcement and all segments of the community. Students will acquire an understanding of cultural norms and their impact on criminal justice interactions. Other relevant issues such as hate crimes and racial profiling will be covered. Available online only

An introduction to the procedural rules governing the adjudication of criminal cases, with emphasis on fundamental constitutional doctrines. Topics include charging decisions, discovery, pre-trial motions, plea negotiations, the rights of the defendant at trial, jury selection, the role of the jury, sentencing, appeal, and post-conviction. Available online only

This course provides an overview of the American corrections system including its history, processes, purposes and goals. Course study will introduce the student to institutional and penal systems that include detention facilities, jails, prisons, and work release facilities. This course provides both a practical and theoretical perspective of the need and purpose for offender confinement and post-conviction jurisdiction within a free society. Supervision and management of confined and released offenders, juvenile and adult will be reviewed. Available online

This is an introductory course in forensic science. Forensic science or criminalistics applies the knowledge and technology of science for the definition and enforcement of laws, and to the solution of criminal offenses. Course study will include development of the principles and techniques used to compare and identify physical evidence collected at crime scenes. The course will explore services performed by evidence collection teams as well as activities of forensic scientists in the crime labs. Available online only

An overview of the techniques and approaches to crisis intervention for entry-level criminal justice professionals. Covers initial intervention, defusing and assessment, resolution and/or referral, with emphasis on safety. Includes personal effectiveness, recognition of threat levels, voluntary compliance, verbal and non-verbal communication, active listening, and mediation. Available online only

This course concentrates on the fundamentals of criminal investigation. The responsibilities of the preliminary crime scene investigator will be thoroughly studied. Areas of specific review will include: crime scene management; the collection, preservation, and recordation of recovered evidence; interview techniques; surveillance operations; follow-up investigations; report writing; and court procedures. Available online only

This course examines the major concepts of ethics and its relationship to criminal justice system functions. The course will focus on the values, morality and ethics that guide today's criminal justice professional. Supplementing the text will be case studies from Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training and other current sources. Available online only

This course provides an examination of the role of the U.S. Constitution in the development of criminal law and procedures. Emphasis is placed on relevant historic and political factors that have influenced constitutional criminal procedures, and the practical effect that case law has on the methods and extent to which the criminal justice community performs its duties. Available online only

This course provides an introductory perspective of the historical and contemporary aspects of juvenile corrections. Topics covered include the components of the juvenile justice system and its philosophy, functions and goals, the role of law enforcement, the courts, community based corrections, and custodial facilities. Included is an overview of the ongoing debate over the Balanced and Restorative Justice approach in the juvenile justice system, especially as it relates to safety/security issues and public concern. Available online only

This is a course in forensic science and criminalistics. Forensic science applies the principles and technology of various scientific disciplines to the definition and enforcement of laws and to the solution of criminal offenses. Criminalistics is the collection of disciplines of forensic science commonly practiced in the modern crime lab and in laboratory services applied at crime scenes. This course will build upon basic principles of evidence processing and analysis covered in earlier coursework and integrate them with more advanced and individualizing techniques in forensic science. These include bloodstain pattern analysis, forensic toxicology, trace evidence processing and analysis, DNA, arson investigations and computer forensics. Available online only

This course covers the full range of psychoactive drug use, from legal medicinal use to criminal recreational use, from casual use to addiction. Emphasis is on the sociological perspective, explaining the drug phenomenon supported by recent data from a wide range of sources. Available online only

This course provides introductory perspectives of parole, probation, and community corrections. The course investigates the purposes of parole and probation as alternatives to incarceration of criminal offenders. Issues related to sentencing recommendations, terms and conditions of probation, day treatment options, group homes, and criteria for violating status are examined. Available online only

Qualified students work at training sites that provide experience appropriate to their major. These experiences will provide the opportunity for students to gain knowledge of the various tasks performed in their career field. A student may take any number of CWE credits per term, not to exceed 13 credits per year.