Structural Foundations of CJ

Prerequisite: CRJU 101 and CRJU 150 and CRJU 202 The criminal justice system was developed and has evolved in response to changes in political and economic structures in American society. This course examines the underlying social foundations of state formation and policy, as well as economic and class structures of slavery, industrialization, class conflict, deindustrialization, social protest and economic crises, which have been central to developments in the criminal justice system. Students will gain a better understanding of the ways in which historic changes related to the economy, the development and evolution of the modern state, and political efforts to address poverty, crime and social inequalities have impacted the criminal justice system and its policies and practices. Offered fall and spring semesters.