This course provides a comprehensive overview of juvenile law, focusing on the unique legal principles and procedures that apply to minors in the justice system. Students will explore the historical development of juvenile justice, the philosophical foundations, and the differences between juvenile and adult criminal processes. Key topics include the rights of juveniles, juvenile court procedures, delinquency and status offenses, the role of law enforcement and social services, and current issues and trends in juvenile justice. Through case studies, legal analysis, and discussions, students will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and complexities of juvenile law, preparing them for careers in law, criminal justice, social work, and related fields.

This designation is for courses offered as electives in the Undergraduate Honors Program, and may include both Honors-only courses and augmented Honors versions of courses that are offered elsewhere in the catalog. Courses have limited enrollment and content reflects Honors Program course outcomes around rigorous critical engagement, interdisciplinarity, effective communication, and meaningful collaboration.

This course offers an overview of contemporary group counseling theories, focusing on applying various theoretical aspects to practical use. This course will equip students with essential knowledge and practical skills for effective group counseling. Students will engage in critical thinking and creative problem-solving through diverse counseling theories. Practical components such as case studies, role-playing, and group facilitation techniques will offer hands-on experience.

A sociological study of the family with an emphasis on historical trends, cultural variations, and current family issues.

A study of the key concepts in criminology, measurement of crime, historical and contemporary theories of crime; criminal behavioral systems, and an overview of the adult criminal justice system.

An overview of the history and structure of the Pennsylvania and Federal criminal courts. Included is an in-depth analysis of criminal court procedures including initiation of charges, bail, summary proceedings, preliminary hearing, pre-trial motions, trial and sentencing using the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure with case reviews. The course will also focus on the various roles and tasks of the court personnel at each stage of the criminal process. (Pre-requisite: SOC 217)

This course examines the ethical foundation upon which the American system of Criminal Justice operates. During the course, students examine numerous societal issues which directly concern the criminal justice practitioner and the application of discretionary powers. In addition, this course will examine the ethical issues specifically related to the criminal justice profession. Issues include professional communications including government regulation and policy, free speech, client/victim/investigative privacy, accuracy in media and the impact of science and technology on communications.

A sociological examination of rule-breaking behavior, the nature and extent of deviance, and the seven major perspectives on deviance and social control measures. An in-depth analysis of the many varieties of crime, substance abuse, sexual behavior, mental disorders, suicide, and disability.

Examination of the meaning and scope of juvenile delinquency; a comparison of the adult and juvenile justice systems; and a review of the chronological development of delinquency theories with a major focus on gang delinquency processes.

Examination and discussion of the writings of major theorists, such as Durkheim, Simmel, Mead, Weber, Mills, and Parsons. These individuals and others are used as a basis for discussion of issues and schools of thought in sociology. (Prerequisite: Senior and Junior majors, minors or permission of the instructor)