Chairperson: J. Johnston
Professor: A. Bertotti Metoyer
Associate Professors: M. Bahr, A. Bruns, M. Deland, V. Gumbhir, J. Johnston, N. Morlock, W. Hayes
Assistant Professors: A. Brower, A. Inlow, C. Schwarz
Professors Emeriti: J. Rinehart, E. Vacha
Professor: A. Bertotti Metoyer
Associate Professors: M. Bahr, A. Bruns, M. Deland, V. Gumbhir, J. Johnston, N. Morlock, W. Hayes
Assistant Professors: A. Brower, A. Inlow, C. Schwarz
Professors Emeriti: J. Rinehart, E. Vacha
The department offers one major and one minor:
Bachelor of Arts, Criminology major
Minor in Criminology
The Criminology program introduces students to sociological perspectives on the causes, consequences, and control of criminal behavior. Course work focuses on the development and organization of criminal justice institutions, especially the police, courts, and corrections. Students examine pressing social issues, such as racial profiling, mass incarceration, and prisoner re-entry.
The program fosters a commitment to social justice and the common good as students develop a sociological imagination and learn to critically consume information, theorize social contexts, create new knowledge, and communicate with and for others. In addition to providing opportunities for academic research and analysis, students gain the knowledge base and skills for pursuing careers in criminal justice institutions and related policy and non-profit fields.
Lower Division
A critical analysis of the way the American criminal justice system operates, focusing on the nature of law, the police, and the courts.
Examines current issues in law enforcement such as corruption, brutality, use of deadly force, politics and policy administration, resource management, stress, community relations, and major court decisions.
A hands-on class conducted by a Superior Court Judge. Students observe actual trials and are instructed about the proceedings by the judge.
Topic to be determined by instructor.
The First-Year Seminar (FYS) introduces new 91Թ students to the University, the Core Curriculum, and 91Թ’s Jesuit mission and heritage. While the seminars will be taught by faculty with expertise in particular disciplines, topics will be addressed in a way that illustrates approaches and methods of different academic disciplines. The seminar format of the course highlights the participatory character of university life, emphasizing that learning is an active, collegial process.
Topic determined by instructor.
Upper Division
This course assists students in thinking theoretically about crime, criminal justice, and social control, focusing on the articulation between theoretical constructs, research strategies, and claims to knowledge. We explore the ways in which the theoretical resources of the social sciences can be brought to bear upon the phenomena of crime and criminality, their occurrence and distribution, and their contested character. Offered every semester.
Prerequisite:
CRIM 101 Minimum Grade: C
Knavery, skullduggery, cheating, crime, malingering, cutting corners, immorality, dishonesty, betrayal, wickedness, and all other unconventional activities are forms of deviance. All known societies have members who become deviants. This course introduces students to several theories explaining deviance and examines the life styles of a variety of deviants.
Equivalent:
SOCI 350 - OK if taken since Fall 2019
A study of crime and criminal offenders in America. Special attention will be given to criminal statistics, theoretical explanations, and public policy.
An examination of the U.S. correctional system, from its origins to the present day. Focuses on philosophical and policy issues and debates that confront our society in attempting to deal with criminal offenders. Field trips to correctional facilities.
Equivalent:
CRIM 452 - Taken before Fall 2001
An investigation of the nature and extent of juvenile delinquents in the United States. Special attention will be given to theoretical explanations; the effect of family, peers and school; and the history of the juvenile justice system in handling juvenile offenders.
Prerequisite:
CRIM 101 Minimum Grade: D
Equivalent:
SOCI 353 - OK if taken since Fall 2019
This course examines deviance and crimes committed by organizations and the rich and powerful. The nature, extent and societal effects of various types of elite and white collar deviance are examined.
Equivalent:
SOCI 355 - Successful completion
SOSJ 323 - OK if taken since Fall 2015
SOSJ 323 - OK if taken since Fall 2015
This course examines law enforcement in American society with a focus on empirical research and sociological and criminological theory. Students will review the historical development of policing in the United States, the roles of the police in contemporary society, the structure and responsibilities of law enforcement agencies in this country, and the interaction between institutional and individual aspects of police work. Students will also be exposed to research and theory on controversial issues in law enforcement, including the use of force, police deviance, the use of discretion, the impact of social inequality on enforcement, and policing in the mass media.
Prerequisite:
CRIM 101 Minimum Grade: D
or SOCI 101 Minimum Grade: D
Equivalent:
SOCI 356 - OK if taken since Fall 2019
This course examines the relationship between inequality and crime in America’s inner cities. Students will consider how cultural, economic, educational, legal, political, and other factors shape life in urban areas, and how these factors reproduce crime and inequality in America’s inner cities.
Equivalent:
SOCI 357 - OK if taken since Fall 2019
SOSJ 325 - OK if taken since Fall 2015
SOSJ 325 - OK if taken since Fall 2015
This course examines the causes and consequences of mass incarceration in the United States from a sociological perspective. Particular attention will be paid to racial/ethnic and socioeconomic inequalities in imprisonment. The impact of mass incarceration on incarcerated individuals, their families, and society, more broadly will be examined. Spring.
Equivalent:
SOCI 358 - OK if taken since Fall 2019
SOSJ 330 - OK if taken since Fall 2021
SOSJ 330 - OK if taken since Fall 2021
This course introduces students to various forms of criminal violence (e.g., homicides, robbery, terrorism, and gang violence). Students will gain a deeper understanding of the criminological and social mechanisms and frameworks that underlie their occurrence, including (sub)cultural context and situational dynamics.
Prerequisite:
CRIM 101 Minimum Grade: D
This course introduces students to the history of gangs, their individual and group characteristics, lifestyle, and the strategies of gang control. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the theoretical mechanisms and frameworks that underlie various gang processes, including membership, violence, and disengagement.
Prerequisite:
CRIM 101 Minimum Grade: D
An exploration of the ways in which gender influences who is and is not considered criminal, why women are often socialized to be the victims of crime and men the perpetrators of such actions, and how such behaviors are used to maintain and support pre-existing inequalities. As such, special attention will also be paid to how issues of social class, ethnicity, and sexual orientation often temper these societal outcomes.
This course will take an in-depth and critical examination of the role that race/ethnicity plays in crime and justice process. The theories, causes, and statistics behind disparities in the crime and justice system will be examined. Furthermore, the discrimination against black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) in the contexts of police-minority contact, sentencing, and corrections will be discussed at length.
Prerequisite:
CRIM 101 Minimum Grade: D
The United States holds the problematic distinction among Western societies of being the only jurisdiction to retain death as a form of punishment in the majority of its states, at the federal level, and in the military. This course is designed to illustrate the empirical background of capital punishment, from its early history to present day.
This course will examine the effect that drugs, both legal and illegal, have on the legal justice system. Critical analysis, select lectures, in-class discussion, and writing will be the formats used to address issues such as the effect of the "war on drugs," the decriminalization debate, the relationship between drugs and violence, how drugs relate to law enforcement, sentencing, and corrections within the U.S. legal justice system, and the impact of drugs on individual users.
Equivalent:
HEAL 364 - OK if taken since Spring 2023
SOCI 364 - OK if taken since Spring 2023
SOCI 364 - OK if taken since Spring 2023
A comparison of criminal justice systems from around the world using the Internet and a seminar format.
This course investigates the relationship between multiple intersecting identities (including race, gender, religion, class) and mass trauma, genocide, and human suffering. We will explore a range of mass traumas in diverse cultural and political settings, primarily focusing on the twentieth century. Throughout the semester, the importance of collective memory will be brought to bear on the study of mass trauma and genocide. Fall, odd years.
Equivalent:
SOCI 366 - OK if taken since Fall 2023
This course is an introductory level course to the field of forensic psychology, the branch of psychology which focuses on the application of psychological research data and principles within the legal arena. Students will be introduced to the process of applying psychological knowledge, concepts, and principles within the civil and criminal court systems. This course will include an introduction to an overview of topics such as the history of forensic psychology, an overview of the legal system, consultation to legal parties, ethical issues, eye witness testimony, assessment, evaluation of malingering, competency in criminal proceedings, civil commitment, child custody, psychologist testimony in courtroom settings, assessment of sexual offenders, assessment of violent and homicidal behavior, treatment of crime victims, police and investigative psychology, and careers within this field. A variety of formats will be used including lecture, readings, presentation by class members on selected topics, and guest speakers from within the legal arena. Offered upon sufficient demand.
Disclaimer:
This course by virtue of its topic will address issues related to criminal activity and the subsequent legal proceedings. Although it may seem obvious, each person should consider carefully whether the content is suitable before enrolling in the course as the lectures, readings, and other materials may at times involve topics related to violence and sometimes sexual material which may be offensive to some people.
Equivalent:
PSYC 376 - OK if taken since Fall 2020
PSYC 402 - OK if taken since Fall 2019
PSYC 402 - OK if taken since Fall 2019
The central question of this course is how do social policies that contribute to the common good come to be written into law in some times and places and not others? The course analyzes an array of political, economic, social, and cultural factors that combine to shape policy development. Case studies will include education, welfare, health care, the environment, and/or other policy domains.
Equivalent:
SOCI 385 - OK if taken since Fall 2019
Substantive criminal law; principles, functions, and limits; basic crime categories with extensive case analysis; state and national legal research materials.
A hands-on class conducted by a Superior Court Judge. Students observe actual trials and are instructed about the proceedings by the judge.
Course content to be determined by instructor.
Specific topics to be chosen by instructor.
Specific topics to be chosen by instructor.
Specific topics to be chosen by instructor.
Specific topics to be chosen by instructor.
Specific topics to be chosen by instructor.
The Core Integration Seminar (CIS) engages the Year Four Question: “Imagining the possible: What is our role in the world?” by offering students a culminating seminar experience in which students integrate the principles of Jesuit education, prior components of the Core, and their disciplinary expertise. Each section of the course will focus on a problem or issue raised by the contemporary world that encourages integration, collaboration, and problem solving. The topic for each section of the course will be proposed and developed by each faculty member in a way that clearly connects to the Jesuit Mission, to multiple disciplinary perspectives, and to our students’ future role in the world.
Full court case preparation in a year-long mock trial team environment, including knowledge of the law, opening and closing statements, directs, redirects, cross-examinations, courtroom procedure and demeanor. Formal American Mock Trial competition takes place during spring semester, at the end of which credit will be granted for successful completion of the course. Intended only for those with a serious interest in law. Cannot be repeated for credit.
Equivalent:
CRIM 380 - Taken before Summer 2015
Supervised readings in criminal justice.
Students with at least a 3.70 GPA in the Criminology major and at least a 3.30 overall GPA who wish to graduate with Departmental Honors in Criminology must enroll in CRIM 494 two semesters prior to their graduation and complete an honors thesis. The thesis may be a significant expansion of the student's work in SOCI 204 or CRIM 499. A committee of three faculty members will direct the thesis. Two members of the committee must be from the Criminology/Sociology Department, and one may be from another department. The chair of the committee will be the instructor of record. The committee's decision about whether to award Departmental Honors is independent of the course grade.
The course involves a 40 hour training academy and a commitment of at least 20 hours a month to the Spokane Police Department. Students will provide low priority responses to citizen needs such as property recovery and accident reporting. Student must be enrolled in this course prior to beginning the academy training. This course may be taken twice, for up to 2 credits total.
Supervised experience for Criminology majors in selected criminal justice agencies such as the Spokane County Prosecutor's Office, the Spokane County Public Defender's Office, or the Spokane County Juvenile Court.
Practical experience working in the Criminal Justice field. Internships are individually arranged and may be done in a wide array of settings.
An advanced class in criminological theory and methods. In a seminar format, students will review and discuss current criminological research and theories. Required of all Criminology majors and fulfills the comprehensive examination degree requirement.
Prerequisite:
CRIM 101 Minimum Grade: D
and CRIM 312 Minimum Grade: D
In addition to their major and minor areas of study, all undergraduate students follow a common program designed to complete their education in those areas that the University considers essential for a Catholic, Jesuit, liberal, and humanistic education. The University Core Curriculum consists of forty-five credits of course work, with additional designation requirements that can be met through core, major, or elective courses.
The University Core Curriculum is a four-year program, organized around one overarching question, which is progressively addressed through yearly themes and questions. Hence, core courses are best taken within the year for which they are designated. First year core courses encourage intellectual engagement and provide a broad foundation of fundamental skills. Second and third year courses examine central issues and questions in philosophy and religious studies. The fourth year course, the Core Integration Seminar, offers a culminating core experience. Taken at any time throughout the four years, broadening courses intersect with the core themes and extend students’ appreciation for the humanities, arts, and social and behavioral sciences. Finally, the designation requirements (writing enriched, global studies, and social justice) reflect important values and reinforce students’ knowledge and competencies.
Overarching Core Question: As students of a Catholic, Jesuit, and 91Թ, how do we educate ourselves to become women and men for a more just and humane global community?
Year 1 Theme and Question: Understanding and Creating: How do we pursue knowledge and cultivate understanding?
- The First-Year Seminar (DEPT 193, 3 credits): The First-Year Seminar (FYS), taken in the fall or spring of the first year, is designed to promote an intellectual shift in students as they transition to college academic life. Each small seminar is organized around an engaging topic, which students explore from multiple perspectives. The FYS is offered by many departments across the University (click for list of FYS courses).
- Writing (ENGL 101, 3 credits) and Reasoning (PHIL 101, 3 credits): The Writing and Reasoning courses are designed to help students develop the foundational skills of critical reading, thinking, analysis, and writing. They may be taken as linked sections. Writing (ENGL 101) carries one of the three required writing-enriched designations (see below).
- Communication & Speech (COMM 100, 3 credits): This course introduces students to interpersonal and small group communication and requires the application of critical thinking, reasoning, and research skills necessary to organize, write, and present several speeches.
- Scientific Inquiry (BIOL 104/104L, CHEM 104/104L, or PHYS 104/104L, 3 credits): This course explores the scientific process in the natural world through evidence-based logic and includes significant laboratory experience. Students pursuing majors that require science courses will satisfy this requirement through their major.
- Mathematics (above Math 100, 3 credits): Mathematics courses promote thinking according to the modes of the discipline—abstractly, symbolically, logically, and computationally. One course in mathematics, above Math 100, including any math course required for a major or minor, will fulfill this requirement. MATH 100 (College Algebra) and courses without the MATH prefix do not fulfill this requirement.
Year 2 Theme and Question: Being and Becoming: Who are we and what does it mean to be human?
- Philosophy of Human Nature (PHIL 201, 3 credits): This course provides students with a philosophical study of key figures, theories, and intellectual traditions that contribute to understanding the human condition; the meaning and dignity of human life; and the human relationship to ultimate reality.
- Christianity and Catholic Traditions (RELI, 3 credits). Religious Studies core courses approved for this requirement explore diverse topics including Christian scriptures, history, theology, and practices as well as major contributions from the Catholic intellectual and theological traditions (click for a list of approved courses) .
Year 3 Theme and Question: Caring and Doing: What principles characterize a well lived life?
- Ethics (PHIL 301 or RELI, 3 credits): The Ethics courses are designed to help students develop their moral imagination by exploring and explaining the reasons humans should care about the needs and interests of others. This requirement is satisfied by an approved ethics course in either Philosophy (PHIL 301) or Religious Studies (click for a list of approved courses).
- World/Comparative Religion (RELI, 3 credits): Religious Studies courses approved for this core requirement draw attention to the diversity that exists within and among traditions and encourage students to bring critical, analytical thinking to bear on the traditions and questions considered. These courses carries one of the required two global-studies designations (see below) (click for a list of approved courses).
Year 4 Theme and Question: Imagining the Possible: What is our role in the world?”
- Core Integration Seminar (DEPT 432, 3 credits). The Core Integration Seminar (CIS) offers students a culminating core experience in which they integrate the principles of Jesuit education, prior components of the core, and their disciplinary expertise. Some CIS courses may also count toward a student’s major or minor. The CIS is offered by several departments across the University (click for list of CIS courses).
The Broadening Courses
- Fine Arts & Design (VART, MUSC, THEA, 3 credits): Arts courses explore multiple ways the human experience can be expressed through creativity, including across different cultures and societies. One approved course in fine arts, music, theatre, or dance will fulfill this requirement (click for a list of approved courses).
- History (HIST, 3 credits): History courses are intended to develop students’ awareness of the historical context of both the individual and the collective human experience. One course in History (HIST 101, HIST 102, HIST 112, HIST 201, HIST 202) will fulfill this requirement.
- Literature (3 credits): Literature courses foster reflection on how literature engages with a range of human experience. One approved course in Literature (offered by English, Classics, or Modern Languages) will fulfill this requirement (click for a list of approved courses).
- Social & Behavioral Sciences (3 credits): Courses in the social and behavioral sciences engage students in studying human behavior, social systems, and social issues. One approved course offered by Criminal Justice, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, or Women and Gender Studies will fulfill this requirement (click for a list of approved courses).
The Designations
Designations are embedded within already existing core, major, minor, and elective courses. Students are encouraged to meet designation requirements within elective courses as their schedule allows; however, with careful planning students should be able to complete most of the designation requirements within other core, major, or minor courses.
- Writing Enriched (WE; 3 courses meeting this designation): Courses carrying the WE designation are designed to promote the humanistic and Jesuit pedagogical ideal of clear, effective communication. In addition to the required core course, Writing (ENGL 101), which carries one of the WE designations, students must take two other WE-designated courses (click for a list of approved courses).
- Global-Studies (GS; 2 courses meeting this designation): Courses carrying the GS designation are designed to challenge students to perceive and understand human diversity by exploring diversity within a context of constantly changing global systems. In addition to the required core course, World/Comparative Religion (RELI 300-level), which carries one of the GS designations, students must take one other GS-designated course (click for a list of approved courses).
- Social-Justice (SJ; 1 course meeting this designation): Courses carrying the SJ designation are designed to introduce students to one or more social justice concerns. Students must take one course that meets the SJ designation (click for a list of approved courses).
Major-specific adaptations to the University Core Curriculum
All 91Թ students, regardless of their major, will complete the University Core Curriculum requirements. However some 91Թ students will satisfy certain core requirements through major-specific programs or courses. Any major-specific adaptations to the core are described with the requirements for the majors to which they apply.