Criminal Justice

This course examines the history and roles of police in American society, including the philosophy, policy, structure and methods of law enforcement at the local, state, and federal levels. Special emphasis will be placed on police interaction with the community, focusing on public trust, engagement, and collaborative problem-solving, as well as challenges, best practices, and current debates shaping law enforcement today.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of criminal punishment and correctional practices in the United States. Students explore the historical and contemporary purposes of punishment as well as social, ethical, and legal implications. Students then examine the implementation of punishment via the corrections system, studying its history and the goals, methods, and institutions that characterize it today. Specific topics include clients and officers, programs and facilities, life in and after incarceration, community corrections, and reform, including innovation in policy, programs and techniques. Through case studies, policy analysis, and applied exercises, students critically evaluate punishment approaches and correctional practices to identify effective, fair, and humane responses to crime.

This course will prepare students for field experiences and internships in criminal justice settings. All criminal justice students seeking field experiences or internships must satisfactorily complete this course prior to registering for CRIM4960.

This course introduces the field of victimology, examining key concepts, theories, and contemporary developments as they relate to the criminal justice system. Students examine theories and research on victimization, the experiences and needs of crime victims, and the historical development of victims’ rights. Topics include vulnerable populations, reporting and help-seeking behavior, system and community responses, restorative justice, and current policy debates. Christian perspectives on justice, compassion, and human dignity are woven throughout the course, encouraging students to consider how faith-informed principles can shape advocacy, policy, and service to victims.

This course provides an introduction to criminal law, including an historical overview and a survey of general legal principles. It covers basic elements of common and statutory law, and discusses specific categories of offenses and defenses used against prosecution for them.

With emphasis on NNU’s Mission and Values, students integrate knowledge from their education thus far with readings, reflection, discussion, and practical exercises to develop strategies for ethical decision-making and effective leadership. They will explore moral reasoning, professional responsibility, integrity, and accountability, emphasizing values such as justice, compassion, and service to others as they prepare to navigate the opportunities and challenges of modern criminal justice careers.

This course requires 45 hours per credit in an approved setting of intensive experience-based learning. Course is designed to give students in-depth, work-setting knowledge of an aspect of the field of criminal justice. Students assume career-related duties as deemed appropriate by their site-supervisor and approved by their major advisor. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.