Elective Courses

Criminology/Criminal Psychology is one of four classes that satisfy the electives requirement for academy students. Students analyze Criminology and Criminal Psychology and apply their understandings of these disciplines to criminal justice. The class provides both the essential content and the critical tools necessary to understand the interaction between these interrelated disciplines as they relate to the overall study of crime. Emphasis is placed on understanding the study of crime as an overarching interdisciplinary construct that includes multiple related studies. Extensive reading, research and writing are required.

Forensic Science is one of four magnet classes that satisfy the electives requirement for all academy students. Students explore the use of forensic science and anthropology to assist law enforcement in solving crimes. The concepts covered in this class include crime scene preservation, DNA/blood splatter analysis, fingerprinting, taphonomy (the study of biological decay), toxicology, entomology, ballistics, trace elements, and chain of custody. Extensive reading, laboratory work, field work and writing are required.

Mock Trial/Moot Court is one of four magnet classes that satisfy the electives requirement for all academy students. Students analyze formalized dispute resolution systems including civil procedure, the administrative law process, the appeals process, and alternate dispute resolution. Through this analysis students learn about pleadings, discovery, motions, trial procedures, administrative law procedure, formalized dispute resolution processes, and appellate practice. The class provides both the essential content and the critical tools necessary to understand how these constructs articulate the proper resolution of issues under the social contract. Extensive reading, research and writing are required.