This course provides an overview and analysis of the
evolving and conflicting purposes and practices associated with the topics of
criminology, crime and delinquency with an emphasis on contemporary strategies
for the prevention, remediation and control of crime and delinquency.
Learning Goals:
Understand the scientific method and the use of the
scientific method in the construction of theory; and, the differences between
theory and factual knowledge.
Develop skills to analyze, critique and construct
theory.
Understand the historical, social and political
background of the development of theories on crime.
Be able to compare and contrast the various theories,
their use and expected outcomes in criminal justice policy and decision
making.
Increase the students analytical, research and writing
skills through exposure to academic, research and practitioner writings.
Increase the students information literacy skills.
Course Requirements:
The following responsibilities apply to all students:
1.Attend class and take notes.
2.Read and prepare to discuss the assigned reading by the dates identified
in the course syllabus.
3.Complete three exams (at fifth week, mid-term and final).
4.Prepare and deliver a presentation.
5.Prepare 5-7 page, academically sound, paper on an issue identified by the
instructor.
6.Participate in class activities and discussions.
Examinations Exam one, exam two (mid-term) and
exam three will consist of multiple choice, true-false or short answer
questions. All of the material in the exam one, exam two (mid-term) and exam
three will come from the readings, lectures, videos and class discussions and
will be cumulative. An in class review will be conducted prior to the
mid-term. The final examination will consist of two essay questions and will be cumulative. The five final
questions are posted on the course website. However, only two of them will be
the final examination. The student should be prepared to answer all five at the
time of final because the two questions to be asked will be announced at the
final. Although this is not an open book test, students may use any notes
they took during class or while studying during the final examination. An in
class review will be held prior to the final. They must be the students notes
refer to the syllabus section on ethical conduct for further information. The
student MUST answer both questions. Above average and superior responses to the
final questions will include sourcing from the readings, lectures, videos and
class discussions
Extra Credit No extra credit is available for this
course.
Attendance - Within the university setting, students
are expected to attend class on a regular basis and participate in topic
discussion to enhance the overall learning experience. As participation is
directly related to attendance, students mission four (2) class session will
not receive any credit for attendance/participation. Attendance will be
recorded by a class roster that will be passed among the students during each
class. It is the students responsibility to sign the roster.
Participation Participation is ten percent of the
students final grade. Participation will be measured by the use of a student
participation log, attendance and participation in the online threaded
discussion. The participation log is available for download on the course
website. The students are expected to obtain the log and keep a record of their
participation. The log must be handed in at the time of the final; and, it may
be periodically requested by the instructor for review. Attendance will be
tracked by a sing-in sheet. It is the students responsibility to sign-in for
each class meeting. More information and hyperlinks to the threaded discussion
are available on the course website.
Issue Paper - Students will be required to prepare a
typed, 5-7 page analysis of a course related issue. The issue topic is posted
on the course website. At a minimum, it is expected that the students will
produce an academically sound and properly formatted work (APA format is
strongly encouraged) with a minimum of five sources, not including the text
book. The instructor will provide more information concerning Issue Paper
expectations during class. The paper will graded on content as well as
exposition.
Website Presentations Each student will be
assigned to conduct a review of a specific website. They will then provide a
ten minute presentation on that website, as well as a one-page briefing paper.
The student shall provide a copy of the briefing paper to each member of the
class.
Ethical Conduct - Students should be aware that
there are severe consequences for violations of academic ethical conduct.
Primarily, we are concerned with cheating and plagiarism. Students who are
determined to have cheated or committed plagiarism will face disciplinary action
as identified within CSUF regulations. For additional clarification of cheating
and/or plagiarism, refer to the CSUF website or the instructor.
Website - The course has four companion websites.
The first was developed and is maintained by the instructor. At that website
the students will find hyperlinks to the readings, important course downloads
(such as the syllabus and class log) and hyperlinks to other course related
multimedia presentations (such as PowerPoint presentations, short videos, etc).
The second website is the threaded discussion forum. It is also linked off of
the primary site. The third website is the companion to the main text book. As
part of the course orientation, the websites will be reviewed. Blackboard will
be used as a means to communicate grades.
