CRJU 384

CRJU 384: International Wildlife Crime

Credit Hours: 3 credits

Prerequisites: CRJU 100, junior or senior standing, or permission of the instructor

Note(s): A (Cultural or Behavioral Analysis) Area

Course Description

This course will cover material related to illegal wildlife poaching and trafficking, both flora and fauna, throughout the world, with a focus outside of the United States.  This will include explanations of the forces driving wildlife crime, as well as the specific tactics and actions that poachers and wildlife traffickers use.  There will also be extensive discussion of the law enforcement challenges in dealing with this illegal market, especially as it pertains to international treaties, laws, agreements, and collaboration between agencies in different countries.

Detailed Description of Content of the Course

This course will cover material specifically related to the following issues:

1. Illegal markets and the international illegal wildlife market
2. Poaching and trafficking in animal products such as ivory, rhino horn, exotic meats, and big cat products
3. Trafficking in live animals such as amphibians, reptiles, and birds
4. The role of government corruption in contributing to the illegal market
5. The impact on ecosystems of removing species
6. Flora poaching and trafficking such as illegal logging

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

A number of instructional strategies will be employed in this course to enhance student engagement.  The course may include any or all of the following basic strategies.  

1. Lecture
2. Online content and activities
3. Case studies
4. Student presentations
5. Class discussions and small group discussions
6. Written and critical thinking assignments
7. Guest speakers
8. Video material

Goals and Objectives of the Course

Having completed this course, students will able to:

1. Explain the magnitude of the problems caused by the international illegal market in wildlife and wildlife parts
2. Discuss the cultural differences between American culture and foreign cultures as they relate to the  view of animals and plants and the exploitation thereof.
3. Analyze the factors that influence the extinction of species, and identify which ones are related to crime and law enforcement
4. Discuss and explain the factors that contribute to people’s decisions to poach and traffic wildlife
5. Identify major international wildlife protection laws and treaties
6. Discuss the challenges of international wildlife law enforcement

Assessment Measures

Assessment measures may include any combination of the following strategies:

1. Examinations
2. Presentations
3. In-class discussion and participation
4. Research papers
5. In-class writing assignments
6. Online assignments
7. Group participation
8. Quizzes

Review and Approval

August, 2020

June, 2023; Reviewed by Dr. Riane Bolin, Department Chair