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Course Description:

 This course will explore techniques used to evaluate data and information typically used by criminal justice supervisors, managers and policy makers.  The course will focus on the application of social science research, economic models, and the use of statistical methods in evaluating policy and procedures.  Topics include conceptual, methodological, bureaucratic, political and organizational factors in evaluation processes as well as specific program evaluation research techniques.

 Learning objectives:

As a result of this course, the learner should:

 1.         increase their analytical, writing and verbal communication skills.

2.         increase their information and technology literacy skills.

3.         understand the common methods of policy, program and procedure analysis.

4.         be able to compare and contrast multiple research and analytical

            methodologies.

5.         be able to place the analysis of information in the broader context of

            criminal justice management.

 Required Readings:

A goal of this course is to increase the information and technology literacy skills of the learner.  To that end, all readings are available online through research databases provided by the Union Institute and University.  Moreover, when conducting research associated with this course learners are encouraged to use Union Institute and University online resources. 

Assignments:

 This online course is divided into four modules.  If you are taking the semester course a module is due roughly every month.  For Session learners, a module is due every two weeks.  Note that there are two types of assignments Module Specific Assignments and Final Project Assignments. 

 Module Specific Assignments:        The four papers should be between 3-5 pages,

                                                            each.  APA style is strongly encouraged.  

Final Project Assignments:              During each module you will be completely a

                                                            small  portion of a final project.  Each Final

                                                            Project Assignment is designed to help you

                                                            complete a final project that should be an

                                                            8-10 page report.

Method of Evaluation:

Each Module Specific Assignment will constitute 15% of your final grade.  The final project will be 40%.

Learning Agreement:

You must download, review, sign and submit a learning agreement prior to the end of the first week of the course.

American Heroes News

According to the book description of The Administration and Management of Criminal Justice Organizations: A Book of Readings, “Administrators of contemporary criminal justice organizations must balance their finite resources among an ever-changing list of infinite demands. Challenges come from a diverse range of constituent groups within an agency as well as from offenders and the community, often resulting in contradictory requests. The articles in this outstanding collection introduce the reader to the complexity of court, police, and correctional organizations, resulting in an appreciation of the role of the administrator. They question traditional methods and practices as administrators meet the organizational demands of the twenty-first century. These ideas permeate the five sections of the text. The first section places criminal justice organizations in the context of their structure and function. Section two examines the role of the individual by stressing the importance of an individual’s adaptation to organizational composition and demands. Section three covers group behavior, emphasizing the links between formal and informal elements within criminal justice organizations. Section four highlights the importance of criminal justice processes for an understanding of criminal justice administration. Finally, section five examines change within criminal justice organizations, noting that many reforms bring about unintended consequences for both criminal justice administrators and society.”