Interesting article from the Chronicle concerning Criminal Justice breaking off from Sociology. This was destined to happen just as it happened with Social Work, Womens Studies, etc....and a variety of other disciplines.
I read this article a while back, so this was a good refresher. Obviously Criminal Justice is the moneymaker in regard to university profits, but I believe that it is essential for Criminal Justice to remain closely associated with Sociology. Sociology should be the foundation for Criminal Justice curriculum, so that they may have a better understanding of critically important concepts; such as Social Norms, Deviance, and Anomie. This education is essential to become a successful law enforcement officer.
I absolutely agree about the basics. Sociology is not doing a very good job at being applied to the social world so break offs will occur. One thing that remains constant in society is change itself. Change hopefully equates to progress which is the direction I would like to see things go...:)
Being new to criminology and fairly new to sociology, I really can’t choose sides on this issue, but I can understand both sides. Sociology offers the basic understanding of societies, which I would think would be needed to study the criminal aspect in society. But having several psychology courses, I would also think that psychology would fit into both fields, especially criminology for trying to understand the evil that man can do. As far as a college degree, a degree under sociology could offer more and varied job opportunities than criminology but criminology might offer a more secure job field. But for those seeking jobs associated with the criminal aspect I can understand seeking a program that specializes in that area. Yet a well rounded education can open different avenues to understanding the nature of man and societies. In some points criminology and sociology intersect, but yet spiral out in very different spheres. But times do change and universities try to keep pace with current trends, just as Wesleyan is separating criminal justice and sociology. Back in the 70’s a sociology degree meant being a social worker, and criminal justice was becoming a police officer. Now the fields have expanded and open so many avenues I can see the need for separation as the fields become more specialized.
The report from the American Sociological Association (ASA) seems to taking pot shots at Criminal Justice programs in my opinion. I do not know a lot about either program, but I am taking Introduction to Sociology course along with Introduction to Criminal Justice this semester. I read this article twice and in my opinion the ASA is heavily biased and paints Criminal Justice programs as only being a money maker for universities. As a student I want to go into a field where I know I can have more job opportunities. I believe that the ASA does not like how popular criminal justice programs have become. I would tend to argue that the ASA report was designed to favor sociology. I do agree that sociology has a lot to offer the criminal justice field, but I tend to think that this is more about funding and it seems that each program has different motives. I tend to disagree with the thinking that advocates a background of liberal arts. It sounds to me the ASA is trying to shape criminal justice programs by influencing the curricula. Having a background of sociology is necessary in the field of criminology, because it adds to the understanding of organizational behavior.
Before commenting on the Sociology vs. Criminal Justice article, I want to state my great respect for Sociology as an Academic program. However, the time has come for Criminal Justice as a Science to stand on its own merits. Criminal Justice is not a vocational program. Here on our campus, the head of the new Criminal Justice Department has a Doctorate in Sociology, and I believe the beneficial and relevant aspects of Sociology will not be neglected in the C. J. undergraduate curriculum. The new Department on the campus of Texas Wesleyan University has resulted in dramatically increased enrollment and financial benefit. TWU is providing a well-rounded education for a much in demand, growing and diverse field. According to the article, the American Sociological Associations Special Task Force has issued a report that states the associations concerns associated with the growing number of stand-a lone accredited CJ undergraduate programs across the county. CJ critics of the ASA’s conclusions state that the report is no more than sour grapes. I agree. I believe the report does not speak for many in the field of Sociology. Both respective fields can grow through a supportive partnership, but not through subordination and disrespect. What is seen by all is a desperate attempt to hold onto a cash cow. The ASA’s report advocates solutions which ironically personify all of the classic characteristics of an abuser towards his or her victim. For the first time, we have an honor society of our own and the academic rigors of a certified program that meets the standards of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences. We are intelligent, dedicated men and women who chose a degree in Criminal Justice, not because it was all we could do, but because we had a choice and wanted more for our futures.
Sociology is the CORE foundation on which the criminal justice and criminology fields lie. Anyone who has decided to devote their life's work to the criminal justice field knows that society is ever so changing and it will continue to do so until the end of days. Compiled statistical data in the criminal justice system are part of sociology... Sociology is an important field and classes in this field of study need to be REQUIRED in ANY DEGREE, sociology not only teaches us the changing patterns in ours and others society's it opens us up to the religious, moral, and ethical basis that ALL society's were built on and gives us a better understanding into the human psyche, only allowing us to take this knowledge and further help the specific field we choose to study... in this and my case, Criminal Justice.
I took my first criminal justice class this summer at TCC and I absolutely loved that class. The cource was about juveniles and the courts. It was very interesting to me, so this semester I signed up for Intro to Criminal Justice and once again I have enjoyed this class very much. I honestly think if I would have really known about criminal justice when determining my degree, I would have chosen to major in that instead of what I am majoring now. In all my classes at Texas Wesleyan this was the largest class, I can see how so many students would be very interested in these courses.
Its amazing that we are constantly being taught that we must adapt to life changes. This is exactly an example to which one should be aware of it. What is in the best interest to consider. Everything happen for a reason and purpose. I believe both will benefit and created a curriculum suited for both fields. I truly believe they both are important and provides essential concepts and perspectives to know about the criminal field. I am thankful to experience both.
would like to start off by saying thank you to Dr. Gullion for posting this article, its nice to reassured about the job potential and ive been pondering the difference for a while now; I’ve spoken to Dr. Horsfall on this topic actually. Now, "What the report signals is that sociology is worried about losing intellectual jurisdiction over this very important and popular area," said Chris Uggen, a criminologist who is chair of sociology at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, why does this matter. Yes, it was admitted that areas of criminal justice involves areas of sociology but criminal justice is indeed a entity of its own. I would like to pay my respects to the sociology field and Dr. Horsfall for all the research we have today but to say that criminal justice needs to stay under sociology is elementary in today’s society. It sounds like it has been a long time coming. For a while now about 2/3 of sociologist have had concentrations in criminology. Why are schools not prepared for the demand of criminal justice? Now admirations have to deal with the ethical issue of jump starting criminal justice programs not allowing time and funding for research, transitioning to less than adequate education. I don’t want my words to be mistaken; I do agree that some sociology courses should be prerequisites for criminal justice classes but as far has criminal justice staying under the umbrella of sociology I don’t agree. G. Monsanto
What I would find interesting to see is how the curriculum of the CRJ major looks now that it has branched off from Sociology. I never thought about that until reading this article. It is important to me to receive my minor in Sociology because I feel that all CRJ, Sociology, and Forensics classes have prepared me to be the best in going into the field of law enforcement. They are both intertwined but the student ultimately has to decide which major will lead them into the career they want.
And my career goals begin with my major in criminal justice. I do feel well-rounded though with the sociology. Sociology in my opinion should not dictate the curriculum for the criminal justice. They are two different fields.
I read this article a while back, so this was a good refresher. Obviously Criminal Justice is the moneymaker in regard to university profits, but I believe that it is essential for Criminal Justice to remain closely associated with Sociology. Sociology should be the foundation for Criminal Justice curriculum, so that they may have a better understanding of critically important concepts; such as Social Norms, Deviance, and Anomie. This education is essential to become a successful law enforcement officer.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree about the basics. Sociology is not doing a very good job at being applied to the social world so break offs will occur. One thing that remains constant in society is change itself. Change hopefully equates to progress which is the direction I would like to see things go...:)
ReplyDeleteBeing new to criminology and fairly new to sociology, I really can’t choose sides on this issue, but I can understand both sides. Sociology offers the basic understanding of societies, which I would think would be needed to study the criminal aspect in society. But having several psychology courses, I would also think that psychology would fit into both fields, especially criminology for trying to understand the evil that man can do. As far as a college degree, a degree under sociology could offer more and varied job opportunities than criminology but criminology might offer a more secure job field. But for those seeking jobs associated with the criminal aspect I can understand seeking a program that specializes in that area. Yet a well rounded education can open different avenues to understanding the nature of man and societies. In some points criminology and sociology intersect, but yet spiral out in very different spheres. But times do change and universities try to keep pace with current trends, just as Wesleyan is separating criminal justice and sociology. Back in the 70’s a sociology degree meant being a social worker, and criminal justice was becoming a police officer. Now the fields have expanded and open so many avenues I can see the need for separation as the fields become more specialized.
ReplyDeleteC. Meeke
ReplyDeleteThe report from the American Sociological Association (ASA) seems to taking pot shots at Criminal Justice programs in my opinion. I do not know a lot about either program, but I am taking Introduction to Sociology course along with Introduction to Criminal Justice this semester. I read this article twice and in my opinion the ASA is heavily biased and paints Criminal Justice programs as only being a money maker for universities. As a student I want to go into a field where I know I can have more job opportunities. I believe that the ASA does not like how popular criminal justice programs have become. I would tend to argue that the ASA report was designed to favor sociology. I do agree that sociology has a lot to offer the criminal justice field, but I tend to think that this is more about funding and it seems that each program has different motives. I tend to disagree with the thinking that advocates a background of liberal arts. It sounds to me the ASA is trying to shape criminal justice programs by influencing the curricula. Having a background of sociology is necessary in the field of criminology, because it adds to the understanding of organizational behavior.
Before commenting on the Sociology vs. Criminal Justice article, I want to state my great respect for Sociology as an Academic program. However, the time has come for Criminal Justice as a Science to stand on its own merits. Criminal Justice is not a vocational program. Here on our campus, the head of the new Criminal Justice Department has a Doctorate in Sociology, and I believe the beneficial and relevant aspects of Sociology will not be neglected in the C. J. undergraduate curriculum. The new Department on the campus of Texas Wesleyan University has resulted in dramatically increased enrollment and financial benefit. TWU is providing a well-rounded education for a much in demand, growing and diverse field.
ReplyDeleteAccording to the article, the American Sociological Associations Special Task Force has issued a report that states the associations concerns associated with the growing number of stand-a lone accredited CJ undergraduate programs across the county. CJ critics of the ASA’s conclusions state that the report is no more than sour grapes. I agree. I believe the report does not speak for many in the field of Sociology. Both respective fields can grow through a supportive partnership, but not through subordination and disrespect. What is seen by all is a desperate attempt to hold onto a cash cow. The ASA’s report advocates solutions which ironically personify all of the classic characteristics of an abuser towards his or her victim.
For the first time, we have an honor society of our own and the academic rigors of a certified program that meets the standards of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences. We are intelligent, dedicated men and women who chose a degree in Criminal Justice, not because it was all we could do, but because we had a choice and wanted more for our futures.
Sociology is the CORE foundation on which the criminal justice and criminology fields lie. Anyone who has decided to devote their life's work to the criminal justice field knows that society is ever so changing and it will continue to do so until the end of days. Compiled statistical data in the criminal justice system are part of sociology... Sociology is an important field and classes in this field of study need to be REQUIRED in ANY DEGREE, sociology not only teaches us the changing patterns in ours and others society's it opens us up to the religious, moral, and ethical basis that ALL society's were built on and gives us a better understanding into the human psyche, only allowing us to take this knowledge and further help the specific field we choose to study... in this and my case, Criminal Justice.
ReplyDeleteI took my first criminal justice class this summer at TCC and I absolutely loved that class. The cource was about juveniles and the courts. It was very interesting to me, so this semester I signed up for Intro to Criminal Justice and once again I have enjoyed this class very much. I honestly think if I would have really known about criminal justice when determining my degree, I would have chosen to major in that instead of what I am majoring now. In all my classes at Texas Wesleyan this was the largest class, I can see how so many students would be very interested in these courses.
ReplyDeleteIts amazing that we are constantly being taught that we must adapt to life changes. This is exactly an example to which one should be aware of it. What is in the best interest to consider. Everything happen for a reason and purpose. I believe both will benefit and created a curriculum suited for both fields. I truly believe they both are important and provides essential concepts and perspectives to know about the criminal field. I am thankful to experience both.
ReplyDeleteI have spoken to Dr. Horsfall about this topic actually. Gio
ReplyDeletewould like to start off by saying thank you to Dr. Gullion for posting this article, its nice to reassured about the job potential and ive been pondering the difference for a while now; I’ve spoken to Dr. Horsfall on this topic actually. Now, "What the report signals is that sociology is worried about losing intellectual jurisdiction over this very important and popular area," said Chris Uggen, a criminologist who is chair of sociology at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, why does this matter. Yes, it was admitted that areas of criminal justice involves areas of sociology but criminal justice is indeed a entity of its own. I would like to pay my respects to the sociology field and Dr. Horsfall for all the research we have today but to say that criminal justice needs to stay under sociology is elementary in today’s society. It sounds like it has been a long time coming. For a while now about 2/3 of sociologist have had concentrations in criminology. Why are schools not prepared for the demand of criminal justice? Now admirations have to deal with the ethical issue of jump starting criminal justice programs not allowing time and funding for research, transitioning to less than adequate education. I don’t want my words to be mistaken; I do agree that some sociology courses should be prerequisites for criminal justice classes but as far has criminal justice staying under the umbrella of sociology I don’t agree. G. Monsanto
ReplyDeleteWhat I would find interesting to see is how the curriculum of the CRJ major looks now that it has branched off from Sociology. I never thought about that until reading this article. It is important to me to receive my minor in Sociology because I feel that all CRJ, Sociology, and Forensics classes have prepared me to be the best in going into the field of law enforcement. They are both intertwined but the student ultimately has to decide which major will lead them into the career they want.
ReplyDeleteAnd my career goals begin with my major in criminal justice. I do feel well-rounded though with the sociology. Sociology in my opinion should not dictate the curriculum for the criminal justice. They are two different fields.
ReplyDelete