Course Search (BHS)

Course Descriptions

Behavioral and Social Sciences

CJ101

INTRODUCTION TO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

(4 credit hours)

FallPrerequisites: EN152

The study of the evolution and contemporary operations of criminal justice agencies and how different parts of the system interrelate; major policy issues and problems facing the system from policing through probation and parole and the use of discretion.

CJ200

CRIMINOLOGY

(4 credit hours)

WinterPrerequisites: CJ101

Examines the analysis, research design, problem-solving approaches, conceptualization, and implementation of various methodologies in the field of criminal justice, and applies these methods in a guided research project

CJ202

ADMINISTRATION OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

(4 credit hours)

SpringPrerequisites: CJ101

Justice administration in the United States including determinate sentencing laws and community policing and corrections; exploration of the roles and responsibilities of the police in society with special emphasis on leadership and community relations; legal, technical, and administrative topics in justice administration.

CJ203

ADMINISTRATION OF THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM

(4 credit hours)

FallPrerequisites: CJ101

Organization and administration of the juvenile justice system in the United States; a review of criminological theories, organizational decision-making, and a consideration of contemporary justice policies with specific attention to juveniles.

CJ205

ADMINISTRATION OF CORRECTIONS

(4 credit hours)

FallPrerequisites: CJ101

An overview and analysis of the United States correctional system: history, evolution, and philosophy of punishment and treatment; operation and administration in institutional and non-institutional setting; and issues in constitutional law.

CJ220

CRIMINAL LAW AND PROCEDURE

(4 credit hours)

WinterPrerequisites: CJ101

Overview of the development of law and legal institutions from historical, comparative and contemporary perspectives; legal issues associated with investigation of crime, collection of evidence, adjudication, sentencing and appellate rights.

CJ230

INTRODUCTION TO INVESTIGATION

(4 credit hours)

WinterPrerequisites: CJ101

Review and critique of methods used for constructing criminal acts using information derived from people, physical evidence and records; scientific, organizational and legal considerations in conducting such investigations.

CJ235

INTRODUCTION TO VICTIMIZATION

(4 credit hours)

WinterPrerequisites: CJ101

Surveys the historical development of victimology as a field of study. Analyses the victim-offender relationship, trends in crime victimization, and the identification of primary victimization data sources. Explores criminal justice reforms in victims’ advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels, including restorative influences.

CJ240

POLICE ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT

(4 credit hours)

FallPrerequisites: CJ202

An exploration of the functions, management and organization of police and related investigative agencies, with special emphasis given to those on the local level; understanding the nature and experience of being a police officer.

CJ255

EXPLORING ETHICS IN THE JUSTICE SYSTEM

(4 credit hours)

FallPrerequisites: CJ202

Examines ethical theories and their relevance to the criminal and juvenile justice systems, including the system of laws, enforcement, courts, corrections, probation, and parole. Considers the larger role ethics plays through application of normative ethical theories.

CJ260

CONSTITUTIONAL LAW

(4 credit hours)

SpringPrerequisites: CJ202

The development of United States constitution al law and legal institutions from historical and contemporary perspectives; interrelationships o flaw, custom, morality and social change. The legal profession is also explored.

CJ270

CRISIS INTERVENTION AND DEVIANT BEHAVIOR

(4 credit hours)

FallPrerequisites: CJ202 or PS330 or consent of instructor

The application of theories and multidisciplinary approaches to planning for crisis intervention for incidents which threaten the safety and security of both the public and individuals; causes and consequences of social deviancy and its impact on the individual, group and society.

CJ276

CRIMINAL PROFILING

(4 credit hours)

WinterPrerequisites: CJ270 or PS330 or consent of instructor

Examines theories of crime causation with respect to crimes committed by the most violent offenders in society. Identifies research done, and the history of Criminal Personality Profiling, beginning with the earliest explanations through the beliefs of modern science, as well as psychological and sociological explanations. Identifies various known offenders, examines their backgrounds, and explains how current research into homicide, sexual offenses and serial killers can provide clues to the identity of unknown offenders.

CJ300

DIGITAL CRIME

(4 credit hours)

WinterPrerequisites: CJ202 & CJ220

An introduction to computer crime and computer crime investigative techniques. Topics will include cybercrime, computer terminology, the history of computer crime, legal and social issues relating to computer crime, computer forensic science, and the hardware and software used to solve computer crimes.

CJ301

TERRORISM

(4 credit hours)

SpringPrerequisites: CJ202, CJ220, CJ260

An introduction to the complex issues surrounding terrorism and homeland security. The student is challenged to come to grips with the reality of terrorism and to be prepared to confront it as a criminal justice professional

CJ302

CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE/CRIME ANALYSIS

(4 credit hours)

SpringPrerequisites: CJ101, CJ200, CJ220

Reviews the applied research design and implementation process. Discusses the legal use, limits of intelligence collection and requirements for deleting information. Introduces crime analysis, pattern recognition, hypothesis testing, and strategic assessment of problem-solving initiatives.

CJ303

SPECIAL TOPICS

(4 credit hours)

FallPrerequisites: Sophomore Standing

Used to address any special issues addressing society as well as used for providing CPR certification / first aid certification as well as classes from (FEMA) federal emergency management. These classes allow for a number of certifications that will give students an edge for employment at state emergency management centers.

CJ400

CAPSTONE

(4 credit hours)

As NeededPrerequisites: Senior standing

Integrates the concepts, issues, methodologies, policies and practices learned about the criminal justice system, subsystems, and processes. Culminates in the completion of a community-based action research project and formal presentation to community and professional partners. This course has been designated as a Writing Intensive course.

CJ401

CRIMINAL JUSTICE INTERNSHIP

(4 credit hours)

As NeededPrerequisites: Senior standing

Observation and participation in the work of a criminal justice agency, public or private; work is supervised by a faculty member as well as management personnel of the agency.

CJ494

CONTEMPORARY TOPICS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE

(4 credit hours)

As NeededPrerequisites: 12 hours in criminal justice and consent of instructor

Critical study of a select topic concerning specific aspects of criminal justice. Emphasis will be placed on the use of primary sources. May be repeated once for credit.

HS119

WORLD HISTORY

(4 credit hours)

SummerPrerequisites: EN121 or placement

An introduction to the concept, definition, and applicability of the terms history and world history and an examination of select historical developments, cross-cultural contacts, and political, social and cultural events of modern civilizations.

HS122

UNITED STATES HISTORY SINCE 1865

(4 credit hours)

FallPrerequisites: EN121 or placement

A historical survey of the social, economic, political and intellectual development of the United States from the end of the Civil War to the present time.

HS231

AFRICAN HISTORY

(4 credit hours)

FallPrerequisites: Sophomore standing

A survey of African civilization from pre- colonial through the modern period of emerging independent nations. Select countries will be used to illustrate the varying patterns of colonialism and nation building in Africa.

HS241

SURVEY OF LATIN AMERICAN CIVILIZATION

(4 credit hours)

FallPrerequisites: Sophomore standing

A survey of the development of Latin American civilization from its origins to the present time. The course gives an overview of the political, social, economic, cultural, and intellectual developments of Latin America with emphasis on the traditions of indigenous people, the nature and impact of European intrusions, colonial institutions, evolution of the modern nation states, and current challenges.

HS251

SURVEY OF MIDDLE EASTERN CIVILIZATION

(4 credit hours)

SpringPrerequisites: Sophomore standing

A survey of the development of Middle Eastern civilization from its origins to the present time. This course gives an overview of the political, social, economic, cultural, and intellectual developments of the Middle East with emphasis on the traditions of indigenous people, their cultural and political impact on regional and world history, imperial expansions and invasions, evolution of the modern states and movements, and current challenges.

HS326

CONTEMPORARY AMERICA

(4 credit hours)

WinterPrerequisites: One history course or PL101 & Junior standing

A description and critical analysis of contemporary America, including social, cultural, economic, intellectual and political conditions of the United States since 1945.

HS336

AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY

(4 credit hours)

SummerPrerequisites: Junior standing

A survey of African-American history from its African background until modern times. The evolution and legacy of slavery, the significance of Reconstruction and its opposition, the rise of discrimination, self- help organizing by African-Americans, two World Wars and major northward migrations, and the civil rights and nationalist movements will be analyzed.

HS491

TOWARDS A GLOBAL COMMUNITY

(4 credit hours)

SpringPrerequisites: One history course & Junior standing

A description, analysis and interpretation of 20th century world history with emphasis on a global perspective. This course focuses on the interaction and interdependence of contemporary civilizations and regions, inter-and intra-cultural tensions, the emergence of a global society confronted with demographic, technological, environmental, and ideological challenges with emphasis on the time since 1945.

HS493

READINGS IN HISTORY

(4 credit hours)

As NeededPrerequisites: 12 hours in History, Senior standing and consent of instructor

Directed intensive reading with focus on a select topic. May be repeated once for credit.

HS494

TOPICS IN AMERICAN HISTORY

(4 credit hours)

As NeededPrerequisites: One 300 level course in history and consent of instructor

Critical study of a select topic concerning specific aspects of American history. Emphasis will be placed on the use of primary sources. The topics will vary. May be repeated once for credit.

PL101

INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

(4 credit hours)

Fall/Winter/SpringPrerequisites: PREREQUISITE OR EN151

An introduction to the study of the United States national government. Course consists of a general survey of the constitutional basis of American government and the development of representative, judicial and administrative procedures. An exploration of contemporary trends and problems of the democratic process are identified.

PL103

STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT: POLITICS AND POLICIES

(4 credit hours)

WinterPrerequisites: PREREQUISITE OR EN151

This course covers structure and characteristics of state and local governments, revenue-generating methods to maintain state and municipal solvency, and problems caused by such federal policies as revenue sharing and income tax.

PL203

POLITICAL GEOGRAPHY

(4 credit hours)

SummerPrerequisites: PL101

A critical survey and evaluation of global, hemispheric and regional structures of natural geographic patterns and the role such factors play in understanding socio-political, economic and cultural developmental processes of peoples and nations.

PL214

POLITICS: PUBLIC OPINION, PRESSURE GROUPS, AND POLITICAL PARTIES

(4 credit hours)

WinterPrerequisites: PL101

Basis, formation, structure, and expressions of public opinion and influence of corporate and public sector lobby groups; an analysis of their potential influence in the formulation of perceived interests, subsequent public policy and political implementations.

PL226

AMERICAN POLITICAL BEHAVIOR

(4 credit hours)

SpringPrerequisites: PL101

Structure and functioning of political parties at the local, state, and national levels; impact of socio-economic, demographic, cultural, and religious trends upon the political process.

PL310

DEVELOPMENT OF POLITICAL THOUGHT

(4 credit hours)

WinterPrerequisites: PL101 & Junior standing

A study of major political theories, including anarchism, conservatism, liberalism, nationalism, fascism, socialism, communism, postmodernism and religious political movements. A survey of major political and social theorists will also be explored such as Plato, Ibn Khaldun, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, French revolutionaries, John Stuart Mill, Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson, Karl Marx, Lenin, Mao as well as contemporary political movements in Asia, Africa, and Central/South America.

PL311

WORLD POLITICAL SYSTEMS: IDEAL AND ACTUAL

(4 credit hours)

WinterPrerequisites: PL101 & Junior standing

A study of the geo-political and socioeconomic characteristics of world political ideologies and systems such as democracy, capitalism, socialism, absolute and constitutional monarchy, theocratic and secular states, fascism and dictatorship.

PL313

POLITICS OF AMERICAN MINORITIES

(4 credit hours)

Fall/WinterPrerequisites: PL101 & Junior standing

A survey and critique of sociopolitical activities of American minorities with special emphasis on the African-American, Hispanic- American and similar ethnic and social minority communities in the United States. Comparison of the potential application of contemporary international human and minority rights law, as contrasted with the more conventional use of domestic civil rights legislation, in addressing the concerns of such populations will be explored.

PL317

AMERICAN CONSTITUTION AND THE SUPREME COURT

(4 credit hours)

WinterPrerequisites: PL313

An examination of the function of the U.S. Supreme Court and its historical and contemporary impact on American society. Emphasis will be given to cases and developments which directly influence current concerns and issues.

PL381

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS |

(4 credit hours)

SpringPrerequisites: PL101 & Junior standing

A comprehensive study of selected topics related to international affairs and diplomacy, economic and political power relations among developed and developing nations of the world, their respective foreign and defense policies, and the role of international organizations. Particular emphasis will be devoted to the current operations and challenges of the United Nations and its allied human rights, development, peacekeeping and humanitarian activities.

PL461

THE MODERN NATION STATE

(4 credit hours)

SummerPrerequisites: PL311

An examination of the assumptions of structure and functioning of the modern nation state and the strengths and limitations of addressing current national and global challenges; the impact of multinational corporations, environmental and health issues, and demographic shifts will be analyzed; issues concerning regional globalism and global regionalism will also be discussed.

PL493

READINGS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE

(4 credit hours)

As NeededPrerequisites: Senior standing, 12 hours in political science and/or history and consent of instructor

Directed intensive readings with focus on a selected topic. May be repeated once for credit.

PL494

CONTEMPORARY TOPICS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE

(4 credit hours)

As NeededPrerequisites: One 300 level course in political science and consent of instructor

Critical study of a select topic concerning specific aspects of political science. Emphasis will be placed on the use of primary sources. May be repeated once for credit.

PS101

INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

(4 credit hours)

Fall/Skip one quarter & repeatPrerequisites: PREREQUISITE OR EN151

Analysis and description of the structure and content of psychology and the application of scientific method in the study of human behavior and mental processes. A review of the biological, cognitive and environmental factors that influence human behavior and development.

PS201

CHILD DEVELOPMENT

(4 credit hours)

WinterPrerequisites: PS101

A general introduction to physical, intellectual, emotional, social and personality development through early adulthood.

PS202

EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY

(4 credit hours)

SpringPrerequisites: PS101

This course covers conditions and factors of learning as described in the basic theories, growth and development of the learner, and the issues of retention and transfer of learning.

PS204

THINKING AND WRITING IN PSYCHOLOGY

(4 credit hours)

FallPrerequisites: PS101

Introduction to thinking, writing, and career options in psychology and related fields. Serves as an orientation to the psychology major. Emphasizes academic skills such as critical thinking In the field of psychology, writing in APA style, effective communication, and making logical arguments. Provides resources and tools to effectively use a psychology degree. A writing intensive course.

PS310

URBAN PSYCHOLOGY

(4 credit hours)

FallPrerequisites: PS101 & Junior standing

The application of psychological concepts and social research techniques in the study of urban problems. A review of the psycho-historical evolution of modern American cities and their subsequent ecological impact on the individual, family, community and institutional development.

PS311

LIFE SPAN DEVELOPMENT

(4 credit hours)

FallPrerequisites: PS101 & Junior standing

The scientific study of life span themes and the multimodal domains of human development. The course will explore the varied theories associated with human development, as well as the biological, cognitive, psychological, socio-cultural and life cycle forces. Students will cover the varied dimensions of human development from infancy into childhood and from childhood into adolescence and late adulthood.

PS321

SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY

(4 credit hours)

SpringPrerequisites: PS101 & Junior standing

Survey of research and theory in representative areas of social psychology including verbal and non-verbal communication, conformity, attitude development and change.

PS322

ETHICS IN PSYCHOLOGY

(4 credit hours)

SpringPrerequisites: PS101 & Junior standing

Focuses on ethical principles and standards in psychology. Explores application of ethical principles, professional ethical codes, and legal considerations to case examples involving psychology professionals in their work with research participants and clients, including effects on all stakeholders and affected parties.

PS330

ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY

(4 credit hours)

FallPrerequisites: PS101 & Junior standing

The study of human behavior is considered on a continuum ranging from normal to abnormal. Description, treatment and prevention of adult behavior abnormalities including character disorders, neuroses, psychoses, organic disorders, and psycho-physiologic, autonomic and visceral disorders are covered.

PS340

COGNITIVE/BEHAVIOR PSYCHOLOGY

(4 credit hours)

WinterPrerequisites: PS101 & Junior standing

Introduces behavioral psychology and addresses the basic principles of learning theory. Applies these theories to clinical practice in terms of the treatment of mental disorders through behavior modification in diverse environments. Introduction to cognitive psychology. Topics include the history and methods of cognitive psychology, cognitive neuroscience, attention, knowledge representation, language, problem solving, decision-making, cognitive development, and human and artificial intelligence. Emphasizes developing an understanding of how cognitive psychologists study the human mind and on appreciating the wonder, complexity, and creativity of the human information processing system.

PS341

THEORIES OF PERSONALITY

(4 credit hours)

SummerPrerequisites: PS101 & Junior standing

An analysis of major humanistic, behavioristic and psychoanalytic theories of personality. This course focuses on the study of personality development over the life cycle including principles of personality assessment.

PS342

INTRODUCTION TO NEUROPSYCHOLOGY

(4 credit hours)

SummerPrerequisites: PS101 & Junior standing

Introduction to human neuropsychology. Topics covered include foundations of neuropsychology, structure of the nervous system, brain-behavior relationships, functional specialization of the brain, cognitive functions, and assessments of brain disorders and related bio-psychological conditions.

PS346

MOTIVATION

(4 credit hours)

FallPrerequisites: PS101 & Junior standing

This course covers the methods, results and interpretation of varied forms of research which are designed to explore basic motivational processes in animal and human subjects. An exploration of various sociopsychological, cognitive, behavioral, biogenetic models and experimental paradigms will be undertaken.

PS410

EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

(4 credit hours)

SummerPrerequisites: PS101 & Junior standing

This course covers the design, conduct and interpretation of experiments in varied areas of psychology, experience in laboratory procedures and statistical analysis.

PS412

PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING

(4 credit hours)

SummerPrerequisites: PS101 & Junior standing

A survey of representative techniques and instruments used in psychological testing; emphasis is placed on the concepts of test objectivity, standardization, reliability and validity. Students will be exposed to basic instruments in assessing intelligence, personality, and career interest.

PS491

CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN PSYCHOLOGY

(4 credit hours)

As NeededPrerequisites: Senior standing, 12 hours in psychology, and consent of instructor

Directed intensive reading with focus on a selected topic. May be repeated once for credit.

SC101

INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY

(4 credit hours)

Fall/Winter/SpringPrerequisites: PREREQUISITE OR EN151

This course covers major concepts and theories about human social behavior, its relationship to socialization and social change, social institutions and values. The application of the scientific method and data gathering techniques in the study of social behavior will be explored.

SC201

SOCIALIZATION

(4 credit hours)

FallPrerequisites: SC101

An interdisciplinary approach to socialization; the interrelated effects of maturity and understanding; and the role of culture, peer, family and reference groups.

SC202

GROUP PROCESSES

(4 credit hours)

SpringPrerequisites: SC101

A participation approach to basic group contacts, understanding the individual’s role as a group member, leadership roles and styles, effectiveness and strategies for encouraging group involvement and achievement of group goals.

SC212

INTRODUCTION TO ANHROPOLOGY

(4 credit hours)

WinterPrerequisites: SC101

The study of man, evolution of human beings, physical differences in races, cultural development and selected topics are covered.

SC311

POPULATION AND HUMAN ECOLOGY

(4 credit hours)

WinterPrerequisites: SC101 & Junior standing

The interdependence of population, environment, technology and patterns of social organization; interrelationship of human, natural and man-created resources; and a consideration of current theories, problems, issues and possible solutions, trends in population dynamics, fertility, mortality and migration are discussed.

SC312

HUMAN RELATIONS

(4 credit hours)

SpringPrerequisites: SC101 & Junior standing

A study of the interaction of people in the business and industrial complex. Emphasis is placed on the necessity for a cooperative environment to satisfy individual needs as well as to increase production efficiency.

SC313

ENVIRONMENT OF THE COMMUNITY

(4 credit hours)

SummerPrerequisites: SC101 & Junior standing

The technological and ecological systems in the urban community; the interrelated effects of socio-political actions, conflicts and programs; changes in the urban environment; the environment as a conditioning agent in human life; and an analysis of the relationship of mental health and social well-being to urban systems are discussed.

SC315

COMMUNITY HEALTH ISSUES

(4 credit hours)

SpringPrerequisites: SC101 & Junior standing

Cover issues of the medically uninsured, socially differential access to health care and clinical trials, medicalization of deviance, the opioid addiction epidemic, emergent contagious diseases such as Ebola and SARS, the sociology of the training of medical professionals, water quality crises in cities such as Flint, Michigan, the prevalence of gun violence as a public health issue in Chicago, the rise of depression among young people, how big health care and pharmaceutical industries dictate government health policies, disparities in life expectancy by zip code in Chicago.

SC320

INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK

(4 credit hours)

FallPrerequisites: SC101 & Junior standing

This course is an introduction to the social work profession through an identification of the major human problems in society and the role of both society and social service in response to such problems. Students will have the opportunity to critique the management and operations of a social service agency and evaluate current ways in which agencies interpret problems and administer services.

SC322

CRIME, SOCIETY, AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

(4 credit hours)

FallPrerequisites: SC101 & Junior standing

An evaluation of current theories and philosophical frameworks concerning crime, types and frequencies of crimes, the adult and juvenile offender and an overview of current programs for rehabilitation and prevention. Such an analysis is done within the context of recognizing society’s obligation to maintain an appropriate balance between its need to maintain legitimate forms of social control while striving to ensure social justice for every citizen.

SC333

SOCIAL PROBLEM SOLVING

(4 credit hours)

FallPrerequisites: SC101 & Junior standing

Theories of interpersonal, group and social conflict, analysis of communication patterns and diffusion processes, sources of conflicts, agents of change and applied intervention strategies are covered.

SC335

SOCIAL RESEARCH METHODS

(4 credit hours)

SummerPrerequisites: SC101, MT153 OR MT154 & Junior standing

An overview of basic data collection, research design and analysis techniques as they pertain to the major forms of social research. A pilot study project is required to familiarize the student with research design techniques and subsequent statistical and/or related options for data analysis.

SC363

THE FAMILY

(4 credit hours)

WinterPrerequisites: SC101 & Junior standing

An interdisciplinary, cross-cultural focus on the family as a social, psychological, political and economic unit; patterns of communication and respect; roles and adjustments of members; parent and child relationships; and the effects of culture and urban stress on family units.

SC371

WOMEN IN SOCIETY

(4 credit hours)

FallPrerequisites: SC101 & Sophomore standing

A sociological inquiry into the status, problems and prospects of women in contemporary society. Explores feminist political activities and female power resources.

SC384

SOCIETY AND CULTURE

(4 credit hours)

FallPrerequisites: PS101 & Junior standing

A survey of representative techniques and instruments used in psychological testing; emphasis is placed on the concepts of test objectivity, standardization, reliability and validity. Students will be exposed to basic instruments in assessing intelligence, personality, and career interest.

SC424

ISSUES IN WELFARE

(4 credit hours)

FallPrerequisites: SC101 & Junior standingCorequisites: SC430

A general overview of welfare programs from historical time to the present and legislative proposals presently under consideration by the federal government. Includes an in-depth study of federal policy process, program planning, budgeting, design and implementation of social welfare programs.

SC430

SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE I

(4 credit hours)

Winter/SummerPrerequisites: SC320Corequisites: SC424

This course provides students with a structured practice experience in a social agency setting. Theory from classroom is used and integrated with BEGINNING PRACTICE SKILLS.

SC431

SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE II

(4 credit hours)

SummerPrerequisites: SC430

Builds on practice experience acquired in SC430. There is continued emphasis on integration and use of classroom theory.

SC494

CONTEMPORARY TOPICS IN SOCIOLOGY

(4 credit hours)

As NeededPrerequisites: One 300 level course in sociology and consent of instructor

Critical study of a select topic concerning specific aspects of sociology. Emphasis will be placed on the use of primary sources. May be repeated once for credit.

Behavioral and Social Sciences

Ready to Change Your Course in Life?

If you are a prospective student, continue your journey with us.