Course work for the Prison Management Certification Program

PLSC 302C-A

Weekend seminar at the Metzger Nature Center, Bolon Hall. Topics include a variety of topics in corrections and prison management.

GEOG 248C-Introduction to Geographic Information Systems

The fundamentals of geographic information systems (GIS). Includes basic cartographic principles, an introduction to general geography concepts and spatial analysis, and the necessary hardware and software elements used in GIS. Lab exercises in various applications of GIS technology used in engineering, political science, health, environmental science, business, government, and criminal justice. Lecture topics include understanding of GIS terminology, raster and vector data structures, data sources and accuracy, methods of data acquisition, conversion, and input, working with spatial databases. Does not satisfy Social Science distribution requirement. Prerequisite: working knowledge of Windows operating system.

PLSC 201C-Introduction to American Government

Introduction to the constitutional underpinnings, political behavior, processes, and institutions of American national government.

PLSC 123C-Introduction to Corrections

Historical, philosophical and legal basis of correctional procedures and institutions. Issue oriented course and discussion topics will vary with prevailing correctional issues.

PLSC 366C-Public Administration and Policy Analysis

Bureaucrats as actors in the American political system, their sources of power, their relationship to elected public officials, the basic dynamics and problems in the policy making process and widely used analytical approaches to public policy.

GEOG 348C-Applied Geographic Information Systems

A continuation of GEOG 248, Geographic Information Systems (GIS). More advanced discussion on spatial interpolations, error and uncertainty, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and spatial model-building. Advanced knowledge of GIS theory and science. Computer lab projects will be geared toward the relevant major. Offered alternate years. Exercises require work in the computer lab outside class hours. Prerequisite: GEOG 248.

PLSC 462C-Prison Management

Intensive study of selected topics related to criminal justice. Topics may include, but are not limited to: the death penalty, legal issues in police administration and management, legal issues in corrections and correctional management, the exclusionary rule, jury selection, gangs in America, films in criminal justice. May be repeated as topic varies.

PLSC 393C- Correctional Policy Analysis

Introduction to and familiarization of the major theories of the correctional policy making process. Course examines and applies various methods of policy analysis and theory to study contemporary corrections and criminal justice issues.

PLSC 462C-Legal Issues in Criminal Justice

Intensive study of selected topics related to criminal justice. Topics may include, but are not limited to: the death penalty, legal issues in police administration and management, legal issues in corrections and correctional management, the exclusionary rule, jury selection, gangs in America, films in criminal justice. May be repeated as topic varies.

PLSC 481C-Public Service Internship Program

Field experience in the area of public service. Work in a close relationship with public offices and officials. Interns serving in a local agency receive four credit hours for ten hours of service per week. Those who work full-time for a quarter receive 16 credit hours. A maximum of 6 hours will count toward major requirements. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: Consultation with the department internship committee and completion of the application process, a 2.75 GPA, and junior or senior status.