The learning objectives encompass the following:
Objective 1: Describe and explain the mechanisms, dynamics and situational and social context of the criminal justice system in the United States, including the law, police, courts and corrections.
Objective 2: Identify and consider the effectiveness of various methods of prevention and treatment.
Objective 3: Analyze major issues, theories and research about the criminal justice system in the United States with a special emphasis on making links between theory and research findings about how the system operates
Objective 4: Describe and provide examples of how the media shapes public discourse about crime.
Objective 5: Hone research and communication skills in the discipline of criminal justice and offer substantive analysis of major criminal justice issues. Show sensitivity to special populations, such as the disabled, minorities, and other historically disempowered.