College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences 2015-2016 Catalog

151 problem and answer the questions of interest, and implements that research approach. This is the first of a required two course sequence. In addition to class exams, during this semester students will begin the design of one research project. CJI 707: Research Methods Il (3 credits) This course is an on-line, doctoral level core course within the HSHJ at Nova Southeastern University. This course is the second part of the research methods requirement. Because a basic understanding of research methods has been addressed in the previous course, Research Methods II will provide detailed instruction on scientific methods and research designs, as applied to problems of criminal justice, as well as the superiority of scientific knowledge over other forms of human knowledge. It will cover topics such as problem conceptualization and formulation, experimental and quasi-experimental design, sampling, measurement, survey research, observation, unobtrusive measures, and methods of data management and analysis. The final product of this course can, and should, serve as a dissertation prospectus, grant proposal, or publishable article. (Prerequisite HSHJ 706). CJI 708: Program Evaluation I (3 credits) This course will examine key concepts, methods, and approaches in the field of program evaluation research. Students will be exposed to the theoretical and methodological diversity inherent in current evaluation practices across a number of substantive areas. The comprehensive range of activities involved in designing, implementing, and assessing the utility of social programs will be a primary focus of the course. CJI 709: Program Evaluation II (3 credits) This course is intended to provide students with an in-depth and comprehensive foundation in advanced program evaluation methods. Topics will include the development and use of logic models, as well as the use of quasi-experimental and randomized designs in evaluation research. A wide range of data-collection procedures, including conventional (e.g., systematic surveys) and unconventional (e.g., trained observer ratings) will be highlighted. The course will introduce a range of strategies for analysis of evaluation data that will facilitate the use of statistical procedures in evaluation research, address qualitative approaches to analysis of evaluation data, and provide guidance on the application of cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit techniques in program evaluation. (Prerequisite HSHJ 708). CJI 710: Data Analysis and Interpretation (3 credits) The purpose of this course is to provide you with a rudimentary understanding of data analysis and interpretation in order to help you read and understand research literature. No previous experience in statistics or data analysis is expected. The course is designed with a focus on you as a consumer of the research literature, not as the person doing the research (although you will get some suggestions about that as we go along). The course is designed to teach you concepts; it is not designed to teach you how to do statistics and thus it will not focus on statistical formulas or computation. Rather, this course will involve reading, writing, and, interpretation of basic research and statistical concepts and models. Specialty Tracks (15 Credits Required: Choose one track and complete the 5 courses within that track). Track I: Organizational Leadership CJI 8110 Criminal Justice Organization and Management: (3 credits) Students will explore various organizational systems such as information and communication, policy, politics and accountability, power and influence, finance, budget