Criminal Justice 382

I. Course Title: Wildlife Crime and Conservation and Law Enforcement

II. Course Number: CRJU 382

III. Credit Hours: 3 credits

IV. Prerequisites: CRJU 100, declaration of Conservation Law Enforcement minor, or permission of the instructor.

V. Course Description:

Introduces students to environmental crimes revolving around illegal hunting, fishing, trapping and trafficking in wildlife and the law enforcement issues that accompany these crimes.

Note(s): Cultural or Behavioral Analysis designated course.

VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:

1. Students will study the historical development of wildlife crimes and conservation law enforcement efforts. 
2. Students will learn about the variety of North American wildlife crimes.  This material will cover the criminological, ecological, biological and social implications of these crimes.  
3. Students will learn the rationale and justifications of conservation laws and regulations as well as how those laws are enforced. 
4. Self reflection:  Students will be able to think critically about the impact of human activities and overexploitation of natural resources on the survival of plant and animal species.

VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:

A number of instructional strategies will be employed in this course to enhance student engagement.  The following basic strategies will be used in the course, but the instructor is not limited to using only these strategies. 

1. Lecture
2. Online assessments
3. Case studies-audio/visual and printed
4. Student presentations
5. Class discussions
6. Group learning projects
7. Oral communication activities
8. Written assignments
9. Guest speakers

VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:

Having completed this course, students will be able to:

1. Explain the historical development of conservation laws
2. Demonstrate an understand the relationships between human behavior and animal and plant populations
3. Be able to explain the role of law creation and law enforcement in protecting natural resources
4. Describe the specific challenges of conservation law enforcement agencies
5. Engage in critical examination of conflicting views of conservation criminal justice issues
6. Apply analytic skills to conservation crime and law enforcement issues
7. Apply verbal and written communication skills

VIII. Assessment Measures:

Assessment measures may include any combination of the following strategies:

1. Examinations
2. Quizzes
3. Online assessments
4. Presentations
5. In class discussion and participation
6. Written assignments
7. Research procurement
8. Group participation

Review and Approval

2021

August 2020

March 01, 2021