All of my teaching is currently conducted on-line through the Extended Learning Institute at NVCC.

Complete information regarding ALL requirements, expectations, assignments (and how to submit them), the current required books and materials, and many other important facets of on-line courses will be found in the respective, individual on-line course information.  Once you are enrolled, registered, and able to access your particular on-line course(s), you should thoroughly read ALL course presented on the opening course page.  You may then begin your work as your enrollment has started.  As all material is available on-line you do not need to wait to receive any additional mailed syllabus or data.

ADJ 100 -  Survey of Criminal Justice.  

Available through the Extended Learning Institute, NVCC.

Criminal Justice has a variety of meanings. Some scholars speak of the criminal justice system when they refer to the various agencies and individuals that on a daily basis deal with crime, victims, criminal offenders, enforcers, and all of the other individuals that are part of the criminal justice "system".  Most agree that the system is comprised of three major elements: Law Enforcement, Courts, and Corrections. 

Some say that the system works, others point to many disparities, and others are even more vocal in their criticism. Some years ago, I was surprised to hear one of my professors state, "The criminal justice system is neither just nor systematic, but it certainly is criminal"! 

This course will help you become more informed about crime and the ways that our system deals with it. It may also help you decide whether you will want to pursue a career in criminal justice. 

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

• portray the extent and type of crime in the United States. 

• illustrate the basic organization of each of the major elements of the Criminal Justice System. 

• describe the operation of the court system, from first appearance through trial.

• recognize the challenges of the law enforcement, judiciary, and corrections elements in  today's dynamic societal environment. 

• depict the variety of career opportunities available in the Criminal Justice System, and the methods for successfully obtaining employment within the system.
  

ADJ 107 - Survey of Criminology.

also available as:

SOC 236 -  Criminology.

Available through the Extended Learning Institute, NVCC.

Criminology is the scientific approach to the study of criminal behavior. This course examines the volume and scope of crime in America. It studies various theories and explanations regarding the cause of crime and criminality. It will explore the process of the making of laws, the breaking of laws, and the reaction to the breaking of laws. 

Criminology is an interdisciplinary science using scientific techniques and objective research to define crime, the cause of law violations, and methods used to control criminal behavior. Many theories and concepts have been postulated during the last two centuries. Various insights and perspectives have been gained, but many would say that little has been done that will enable us to control crime or criminal behavior. 

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

• develop an understanding of what criminology is, and what criminologists study. 

• cultivate an understanding of how crime is measured, and how crime trends and the characteristics of criminals are developed and studied. 

• acquaint the student with the diversity of existing theories and explanations of criminal behavior, and to assist the student in developing their own theory of criminal behavior. 

• familiarize the student with the different varieties of crime such as predatory crime, violent crime, street crime, crimes against property, organized crime, corporate crime, white collar crime, etcetera. 

• show the impact of crime on victims, private business, and government institutions.  

• study the role of the criminal justice agencies and the citizenry in combating the crime threat. 

• provide specific information on the nature and effect of criminal behavior in our society.

• develop specific information on criminal acts as social phenomena, and to relate criminal acts and types of crimes to various conditions and processes. 
  

ADJ 216 - Organized Crime and Corruption.

Available through the Extended Learning Institute, NVCC.

This course examines many of the problems of organized crime, particularly as they interrelate with other areas of the criminal justice system and with society as a whole. It surveys the history, structure, and growth of organized crime in America, and will explore the myriad variety of offenses traditionally considered to be a part of organized crime and corruption.  You will examine and explore many of these attributes, characteristics, traits, qualities, and behaviors that are pervasive and often appear in many of the descriptions of organized crime. 

You will also be investigating, researching, and examining a variety of illegal offenses and criminal acts that are associated with organized crime, corruption, and other often related and "grouped" activities such as the so-called "victimless" or "consensual" crimes - crimes that individuals usually choose to become involved in; as well as: "white-collar", "corporate", "occupational",  and "enterprise" crimes.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: 

• Review various concepts regarding organized crime.

• Promote an understanding of the criminal justice response to organized crime.

• Examine the history, structure, and growth of organized crime in America.   

• Develop an understanding of traditional and nontraditional organized crime.

• Review various concepts regarding organized crime.   

• Investigate the invasive and insidious hold that organized crime has on today's society.

• Develop an understanding of victimless crimes and consensual crimes; and to examine the relationship of public attitudes and specific law enforcement problems in dealing with organized crime.

• Provide an in-depth look at corruption, bribery, labor and union racketeering, vice, drugs, prostitution, pornography, gambling, bookmaking, loan-sharking, theft, and fencing.

• Develop specific attitudes regarding organized crime problems and to allow an opportunity for research and discussion.

• Demonstrate a relationship between unethical, and illegal business practices utilized by various business enterprises to further private ends, and to promote the growth of organized crime.

ADJ 234 - Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism.

Available through the Extended Learning Institute, NVCC.

This course surveys the historical and current practices of terrorism that are national, transnational, or domestic in origin. The course will provide an overview of various terrorist threats including biological, chemical, nuclear, and cyber-terrorism. It will examine various terrorist organizations, violent political groups, and issue-oriented militant movements. It will examine investigative methods and procedures utilized in counter terrorist efforts, both domestic and international.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: 

• To allow the student to review various concepts regarding terrorism. 

• To examine the history, structure, and growth of terrorism in America. and the world.  

• To develop an understanding of traditional and nontraditional investigative methods and procedures utilized in counter terrorist efforts.  

• To develop an understanding of various terrorist organizations, violent political groups, and issue-oriented militant movements.   

• To promote an understanding of the criminal justice responses to terrorism.

Available through the Extended Learning Institute, NVCC. 

This course surveys the fundamentals of criminal investigation, and introduces a variety of investigative procedures and techniques.  It will also examine and describe the crime scene search including the collection, handling, and preservation of trace materials and other evidence.  The course will cover initial investigative steps, the obtaining of information, and will examine specific offenses.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

• explain the evolution of criminal investigation and criminalistics.

• create an awareness of the impact of crime and the importance of the investigative function. 

• examine typical crime scene problems. 

• discuss the rules of evidence. 

• review the methods of modern crime scene search techniques. 

• create an awareness regarding the collection and care of evidence. 

• investigate ways of preserving the crime scene. 

• make the student aware of the importance of field notes, complete reports and follow-up investigations. 

• examine the role of the crime laboratory and the criminal investigation process. 

• examine local, state, and federal crime laboratories. 
  

Available through the Extended Learning Institute, NVCC. 

This course is an advanced continuation of the investigative material presented in ADJ 236 – (principles of criminal investigation).  It continues with the examination of the criminal investigation process, and presents an overview of specialized investigative procedures and techniques.  It examines and portrays the investigative role in regards to specific criminal offenses.  Prerequisite is ADJ 236 or approval of course instructor.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

• survey various types and categories of criminal evidence. 

• develop methods of interviewing and interrogating witnesses. 

• discuss legal implications regarding confessions and admissions. 

• discuss specialized investigations in the United States.