CRJU 320: Criminal Investigative Theory
Prerequisites: CRJU 100 or CRJU 150
Credit Hours: (3)
Study of criminal investigative theory essential to the solution of crime, including crime scene, processing, interviewing and crime specific solution strategies.
Detailed Description of Content of the Course
This course assumes an introductory course in criminal justice has been completed by each student and extracts the investigative function from each of the criminal justice sub-systems or function-police, prosecution, corrections, and the courts - for introspection. it is an inter - and multi-discipline analysis drawing upon the fields of law, history, psychology, sociology, political science, economics, and all the natural sciences to develop technologies, strategies, etc., useful in reconstructing events and data surrounding criminal acts for purposes of determining criminal and civil liability.
Detailed Description of Conduct of the Course
The course will be conducted as a lecture-discussion type course using a major criminal investigation text for daily assignments and outside readings in the professional journals. Selected appellate court case decisions reading assignments are also utilized. Some attention is also given to physical evidence in the form of recognition, preservation and analysis.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
The primary objectives and goals of this course are as follows:
1) To provide majors and non-majors a comprehensive perspective of criminal investigation as a process in a complex social control mechanism.
2) To critically evaluate the assumptions, principles, practices, etc., observed with a view towards improvement.
3) To form and improve analytical and reasoning skills while using principles of law and scientific findings.
Assessment Measures
Knowledge and understanding of the material covered in this course, as well as the ability to apply it to real life situations, may be measured using an array of assessment tools that can include tests, formal papers, informal writing assignments, and formal oral presentations. Instructors of this course can choose among these assessment tools and may develop others if they deem it appropriate.
Other Course Information
Mock crime scenes and/or tours of the state crime laboratory may be used depending on the availability of resources for travel and the availability of the lab for visits.
Review and Approval
DATE ACTION APPROVED BY
July 2005, Reviewed by Dr. Isaac Van Patten, Department Chair
