Other Undergraduate Course Descriptions
Courses from the following departments may be required and/or count
towards
the criminal justice degree or the forensic science option/minor:
Anthropology (ANTH)
Biology (BIOL)
Business Law (BLAW)
Chemistry (CHEM)
Communication (COMM)
Economics (ECON)
Geography (GEOG)
Health (HTLH)
Information Technology (ITEC)
Media Studies (MSTD)
Philosophy (PHIL)
Political Science (POSC)
Psychology (PSYC)
Sociology (SOCY)
Statistics (STAT)
(**The following information is taken from the 2006-2007 Catalog. While the information below is provided for reference, the official statement of undergraduate policies and curricula are contained in the Radford University Undergraduate Catalog, available online.)
ANTH-120: Physical Anthropology (3
credit hours)
The study of physical anthropology. The focus is on the
origin, development and variation of humans from a biological and
anthropological
perspective, and includes considerations of the human skeleton, human variation and
adaptation, human evolution, primates and primate paleontology. Students
who have received credit for ANTH-220 may not receive credit for ANTH-120.
ANTH-320: Human Osteology (4 credit
hours)
Prerequisite: ANTH-120
This course is an examination of the human skeletal system, including discussions of
the nature and functions of bone, techniques for the identification of bone, and methods
of study of human bone in an anthropological as well as forensic (legal) context.
ANTH-333: Experiencing
Cultural Diversity (3 credit hours)
Prerequisite: ANTH-121
Provides, through lecture, discussion, and experiential exercises, an
understanding of diverse cultures in the United States. Emphasis will be
on developing the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary for full
participation in a diverse workplace and a diverse society. Duplicate
credit will not be granted for SOCY-333.
ANTH-420: Advanced Forensic Anthropology (4
credit hours)
Prerequisite: ANTH-120,, ANTH-230, ANTH-320 or permission of
instructor
Offers advanced hands-on experience and training in the
identification of unknown human skeletal remains. Students will conduct skeletal
analyses focusing on basic vital statistical parameters like age, sex, race, and stature.
Other topics reviewed will include the role of the forensic anthropologist in crime
scene investigation and recovery of skeletonized human remains, determination of time
since death, skeletal trauma and pathology, and special techniques in forensic
anthropology.
BIOL-221: Genetics (4 credit hours)
Prerequisites: BIOL-121, or a "B" or better in BIOL-105
Examines Mendelian genetics, chromosomal structure and distribution, genic
interactions, sex and inheritance, probability and statistics, linkage, allelism and
immunity, molecular genetics and gene populations.
BIOL-310:311: Human
Structure and Function I and II (4:4 Credit Hours)
Prerequisites: BIOL-105 or BIOL-121
Focuses on the structure of the human body and the physiological mechanisms
used to maintain homeostasis. Designed to meet the needs of students
preparing for careers in physical therapy, athletic training, or any other area
requiring two four credit courses in human anatomy and physiology. Biology
310 fulfills the anatomy and physiology requirement for Communication Sciences
and Disorders majors. Students receiving credit for Biology 322 may not
receive credit for Biology 310 or 311.
BIOL-322: Human Anatomy and
Physiology (6 Credit Hours)
Prerequisites: BIOL-105 or BIOL-121
Focuses on structure of the human body and the physiological mechanisms used
to maintain homeostasis. Designed to meet needs of science, paramedical,
nutrition, dance and physical education students. Lecture devoted to
physiological processes; laboratory major vehicle for presenting structure.
Students may receive credit for only BIOL-322, or BIOL-310 and BIOL-311.
BIOL-450: Molecular Biology (4 credit
hours)
Prerequisites: CHEM-102; and any one of the following:
BIOL-221, BIOL-222, BIOL-334, or BIOL(CHEM)-471
Covers the structure and function of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), the flow of
information from DNA to ribonucleic acid (RNA) to protein, and the regulation of gene
function in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Laboratories will focus on the
techniques and application of recombinant DNA technology, including cloning and DNA
fingerprinting.
BIOL/CHEM-471:472: Biochemistry (4:3
credit hours)
Prerequisites: BIOL-105 or BIOL-121; CHEM-302
Study of the main classes of biomolecules, cellular organism, enzyme action,
bioenergetics, metabolic pathways and the flow of genetic information.
BLAW-203: Legal Environment of Business (3 credit
hours)
A survey of the legal system of the United States of America. Civil
Procedure, tort law, administrative law and criminal law are briefly surveyed.
Areas of the law studied in more depth include contracts, government regulation,
international law and agency. Business ethics and diversity are emphasized
in much of the topical coverage. (Does not include coverage of the Uniform
Commercial Code).
CHEM-301:302: Organic Chemistry
(4:4 credit hours)
Prerequisite: CHEM-102
Study of the physical and chemical properties of organic compounds.
CHEM/BIOL-471:472: Biochemistry (4:3
credit hours)
Prerequisites: BIOL-105 or 121; and CHEM-302
Study of the main classes of biomolecules, cellular organization, enzyme action,
bioenergetics, and the flow of genetic information.
COMM-114: Public Speaking (3 credit
hours)
Techniques and fundamentals of public speaking, methods for improving poise and
confidence, delivery, construction of speeches and critical evaluation of speeches and
speakers. For students who wish to improve their ability to communicate in public.
General Education Credit - Communication.
COMM-314: Organizational Communication (3 credit hours)
Prerequisites: COMM-114, 45 hours of college credit completed, or
permission of instructor
An intensive consideration of the role of human communication in
organizational effectiveness. Emphasizes both theory and practice and
focuses on information exchange, behavior regulation, negotiation and conflict
management as examples of fundamental communication practices.
COMM-332: Argumentation and Advocacy (3 credit hours)
Prerequisites: PHIL-113, 45 hours of college credit completed, or
permission of instructor
Emphasis on the development and application of critical thinking and
argumentation techniques, including argument development, use of evidence,
reasoning and argumentation strategies. In-class practice debates
facilitate implementation of critical thinking strategies by students.
COMM-333: Persuasion (3 credit hours)
Prerequisites: COMM-114, 45 hours of college credit completed or
permission of instructor
Modification of attitudes and behavior through purposeful oral communication.
Techniques studied include generation of attention and interest, motivational devices,
persuasive campaigns and development of credibility (ethos).
ECON-391: Law and Economics (3 credit hours)
Prerequisites: ECON-105 and junior or senior standing
Analyzes the application of economic theory in the American judicial system.
Investigates the choice of legal rules and regulations on the incentives faced
by individuals. Considers the influence of economic development on the
evolution of law.
GEOG-250 (ITEC-250): Introduction to GIS (3 credit hours)
Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of Internet usage
Course is designed to introduce non-technical students in geography as well
as students from other disciplines to the general concepts of Geographic
Information Systems (GIS). Course will involve the use of
Internet-available technologies to practice and work with GIS technologies.
HLTH-451: Drug Use and Drug Abuse
Education (3 credit hours)
A study of the effects of drug use and abuse upon society and the public schools.
ITEC-100: Introduction to Information Technology (3 credit
hours)
Introduces students to the fundamental concepts in information technology
and mathematical reasoning that provide the technical underpinning for
state-of-the-art applications. Widely used computer applications,
including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation software,
computer communications and networking are studied. Material is presented
through lecture, demonstration, and class discussion with supporting experiences
to reinforce and practice the presented material. Students have a choice
of two delivery modes. Please refer to Part C of the course syllabus for
details about the delivery modes. Students who have received credit from
INSY-181, CPSC-106, or CPSC-106P may not receive credit for ITEC-100.
General Education - Mathematical Sciences
MSTD-400: Media Law and Ethics (3
credit hours)
Prerequisite: MSTD-101 or ITEC-225
Examination of basic legal concepts and legal problems affecting mass media and media
professionals. Includes case studies from the areas of constitutional law, statutory
law and regulatory agency decisions. Principles and case studies in mass media
ethics explored. This is a core course required of all media studies majors.
PHIL-112: Introduction: Ethics and
Society (3 credit hours)
This course introduces students to philosophy through the study of ethics.
Readings from major philosophers focus questions about value in human life and
actions. Topics covered may include the nature of ethical reasoning and moral
obligation, the value of morality to the individual and society, how ethics helps us
understand our place in the universe, and how ethical ideas clarify moral problems facing
society. General Education credit - Humanities.
PHIL-113: Introduction: Reasoning and
Argument (3 credit hours)
This course introduces students to basic principles of reasoning and
argumentation. Students learn to distinguish between valid and invalid reasoning, to
recognize patterns of deductive and inductive arguments, to understand the way evidence is
used in reasoning, to construct deductive proofs, and to evaluate the soundness of
arguments both in everyday contexts and in writings of some major philosophers. General
Education credit - Humanities
PHIL-310: Professional Ethics (3 credit hours)
Prerequisite: Three hours of
philosophy
Examines contemporary ethical issues presented by various disciplines and
professions in light of ethical theories. This course will focus on
ethical questions and problems that arise in a variety of professions including
medicine, law, nursing, education, social work, and journalism.
PHIL-390: Ethical Theory (3 credit
hours)
Prerequisite: Three hours of philosophy
This course is an in depth examination of perennial problems and issues in ethical
theory. Texts of major philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Hume and Kant
are used to focus discussion of topics such as the nature of justice, happiness and the
good life, duty and moral obligation, and moral virtue.
POSC-120: Introduction to American Government (3 credit
hours)
Introduces students to the study of American government. Philosophical
foundations, constitutional development, institutions, and contemporary issues
will be examined. There will be an emphasis on the continuing influence of
founding principles. General Education credit - Social and Behavioral
Sciences
POSC-300: Public Administration (3 credit hours)
Prerequisite: POSC-120 for non-POSC majors/minors or POSC-120 and
POSC-290 for POSC majors/minors
Background of administration as a profession, principles that are helpful to
the administrator, and effect of political influence.
POSC-438: Constitutional Law: Governmental Powers (3
credit hours)
Prerequisite: POSC-120 for non-POSC majors/minors or POSC-120 and
POSC-290 for POSC majors/minors
Constitutional powers exercised by federal government; emphasis on
intergovernmental relations, separation of powers, role of the Supreme Court in
constitutional process and general theories of constitutional government.
POSC-439: Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties (3 credit
hours)
Prerequisite: POSC-120 for non-POSC majors/minors or POSC-120 and
POSC-290 for POSC majors/minors
Theoretical bases, popular support, judicial interpretation, and role of
civil liberties in the United States.
PSYC-121: Introductory Psychology (3
credit hours)
An introduction
to the study of behavior. Topics include essential concepts in brain function,
motivation, learning, personality, social and abnormal psychology, along with the methods
used to study them, and their applications. General Education credit - Social
and Behavioral Sciences.
PSYC-218: Adolescent
Psychology (3 credit hours)
Prerequisite: PSYC-121
Emotional, social, physical, personality and cognitive aspects of human
development in adolescence. General Education credit - Social and
Behavioral Sciences. Students may not receive credit if previously
taken PSYC-318.
PSYC-343: Social Psychology (3 credit
hours)
Prerequisite: PSYC-121
Study of the effects of others on the behavior of individuals, including social
perception, attitude change, attraction and conformity, as well as the structure and
behavior of groups including leadership, competition and decision making. Fulfills
one of the Social Sciences core requirements for the psychology major and minor. General
Education credit - Social and Behavioral Sciences
PSCY-405: Forensic Psychology (3
credit hours)
Prerequisite: PSYC-121
Course provides a survey of the forensic psychology areas. Topics will include
aggression, serial killers, jury psychology, eyewitness testimony, detecting deciption,
insanity plea, hostage negotiation, and critical incident counseling.
PSYC-439: Abnormal Psychology (3
credit hours)
Prerequisite: PSCY-121
Study of abnormal psychology that emphasizes the history, major perspectives and
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual III-R categories. Fulfills one of the Social
Science core requirements for the psychology major and minor.
SOCY-110: Introduction to Sociology
(3 credit hours)
This course introduces basic concepts and methods of sociology. It presents
significant research and theory in areas such as culture, social structure, socialization,
deviance, social stratification and social institutions. General Education
credit - Social and Behavioral Sciences.
SOCY-265: Society and
the Individual (3 credit hours)
Prerequisite: SOCY-110
This course is designed to introduce students to sociological social
psychology using a symbolic interactionist viewpoint. Approached this way,
students will explore the symbolic nature of communication, the emergence of the
self and our role in the creation and maintenance of our social skills.
SOCY-350: Criminology (3 credit
hours)
Prerequisite: SOCY-110
This course is an introduction to the study of crime and society's attempts to
control criminal conduct. It analyzes the major types of criminal conduct,
explanations of criminal behavior and the role of the police, courts, and correctional
agencies in controlling crime.
SOCY-444: Juvenile Delinquency (3
credit hours)
Prerequisites: Six hours of sociology
This course examines felony and status offenses among juveniles and focuses on
theories dealing with the impact of school, family and various subcultures on socializing
youth. The differential handling of youthful offenders is also covered. Credit
for SOCY-444 will not be granted after a student has received credit for CRJU-410,
Juvenile Justice, or the equivalent course.
SOCY-457: Law and Social Injustice (3 credit hours)
Prerequisites: SOCY-110 and junior or senior standing, or 6 hours
of sociology
This course familiarizes students with the current theories relating to the
creation and enforcement of laws. It analyzes the political, economic and
social forces that influence the creation and administration of laws.
STAT-200: Introduction to Statistics (3 credit hours)
Introduction to statistical methods; descriptive statistics, normal
distribution, estimation, hypothesis testing, correlation and regression.
Will not satisfy requirements for major in mathematics. Students who have
received credit for any of STAT-205, 208, or 211 may not receive credit for
STAT-200. General Education Credit - Mathematical Science.
