Atlanta Campus Catalog 2011-2012 - Mercer University

PUBLIC SAFETY (PSFT)PSFT 260. Contemporary Issues in Public Safety(3 hours)Prerequisites: LBST 175, 180 or equivalent.This course provides students an overview and analysis of the major components of publicsafety and includes a focus on current issues and trends in each component. Studentswill explore the major components of: criminal law, law enforcement, the judicial and correctionalprocess, probation and parole, emergency management and homeland securityas well as contemporary issues such as terrorism, crisis response, cybercrimes, gangs,and the war on drugs. In addition, students will examine the implication of these topicsto public safety and foster critical thinking skills during the formulation of recommendationsregarding each issue. Career opportunities in the field of public safety will beemphasized.PSFT 305. Crime and Difference(3 hours)Prerequisites: LBST 175, 180 or equivalent; SOCI 111.Students will examine the influence of diversity on criminal participation and criminal justiceprocessing. The doctrine of criminal justice has long been infused with racial, ethnic,and gendered meanings and in many instances structured by these distinctions. Thecourse will provide students with knowledge regarding: the concepts of difference andprivilege, and social justice, as well as categories of difference including ethnicity, socialclass, immigration, gender, sexual orientation, age, disabilities, and religion.PSFT 365. Homeland Security and EmergencyManagement(3 hours)Prerequisites: LBST 175, 180 or equivalent.This course will provide students a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of roles and functionsof the various components of homeland security and their relationships to state andlocal agencies. Students will also focus on the principles and practices of emergencymanagement at the local, state, and national levels and will explore the concepts of preparedness,mitigation, response, and recovery in response to domestic disasters.PSFT 390. Special Topics in Public Safety(3 hours)Prerequisites: LBST 175, 180 or equivalent.Students will study a significant topic in public safety which is not available through otherprogram offerings.PSFT 395. Independent Study in Public Safety(3 hours)Prerequisites: consent of advisor; LBST 175, 180 or equivalent.Students will study an area or subject not normally found in established courses.Students may also explore in greater detail a topic raised in established public safetycourses.PSFT 435. Ethics and Public Safety(3 hours)Prerequisites: LBST 175, 180 or equivalent.Students will study the history and current trends of ethical issues in the fields of publicsafety, the role of the leader in establishing an ethical climate, the use of ethical decisionCOLLEGE OF CONTINUING AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES / 133