COURSE SYLLABUS CRIMINAL JUSTICE 117 CRIMINOLOGY Instructor Terri A. Huffman JCC (3 credits) Winter 2009 January 13, 2009 - Instructor: Terri A. Huffman Telephone: (517) 617-7988 E-Mail: [email protected] [email protected] COURSE DESCRIPTION Provides an understanding of the cultural nature, origin, and development of criminal behavior with attention given to the psychological and sociological factors involved. This course will attempt to explore the current state of scientific knowledge about crime. Points of agreement and disagreement between policy-makers and social scientists will be explored. Theories of crime causation and responses of the criminal justice system will be explored as well. COURSE OBJECTIVES 1. To survey the major theories regarding crime in society. 2. To provide a framework for studying criminology. 3. To define the areas of criminology and discuss basic concepts. 4. To examine the nature, extent, and patterns of crime. 5. To examine and analyze the major forms of criminal behavior. 6. To examine the criminal justice process, legal concepts, and justice perspectives. ASSOCIATE DEGREE OUTCOMES (ADO’S) This class will stress the following essential skills, knowledge, and abilities expected of college educated people. ADO 4 Demonstrate the ability to examine problems and issues related to the criminal justice system and criminal behavior in particular and employ appropriate critical thinking skills. ADO7 Demonstrate the ability to think critically. ADO 8 Demonstrate the ability to make responsible decisions in personal and professional contexts. ADO 9 Demonstrate the ability to work productively with others, recognizing individual contributions to group success. ADO 10 Demonstrate an understanding of at least 3 competing theories as applied to the causes, effects and continuation of criminal behavior. REQUIRED TEXT Siegel, Larry J., Criminology The Core, Third Edition This text is available from the JCC Bookstore Please make sure you have purchased the correct text! WITHDRAWAL FROM CLASS Please refer to the JCC web for specific refund and withdraw dates Students who wish to withdraw from this class are responsible for processing their own withdrawal. I do not withdraw students from class. If you decide not to complete the course, and do not withdraw, your grade will be determined based on the grades you have earned. This can result in a grade of 0.0. “I” INCOMPLETE GRADEA student may request an “I” grade from an instructor. The request for the “I” grade may be granted if, in the opinion of the instructor, the course work is sufficient in quality and quantity to meet course objectives. All allowed make-up exams must be taken within the prescribed time unless extended by the instructor. A grade of “I” may be removed by satisfactory meeting the course objectives during either of the next full-length semesters (fall/winter) or at an earlier date specified by the instructor. If the “I” is not removed by the end of the specified time, the “I” grade will remain as a permanent entry on the student’s transcript, and the student must register and repeat the course to receive a grade and credit for degree and/or transfer purposes. Please note that purchasing the wrong book, not “getting the grade you want”, going on vacation, not having time to study, etc. are not sufficient reasons to consider an incomplete grade. STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES Students requiring special assistance (including those affected by the American with Disabilities Act) should contact the Center for Student Success. This is the first step in acquiring the appropriate accommodations to facilitate your learning. TEACHING PHILOSOPHY “Education is when you learn something that you didn’t even know that you didn’t know”. More importantly however, I truly believe that if students create their own knowledge it is much more powerful than when they are given knowledge. This course will consist of 4 chapter test. The tests are open book and will consist of multiple choice questions and are timed. There will be no makeup exams unless there is a documented medical emergency. There will be a tour of the Florence Crane Correctional Facility. Unless you are not 18 or if you have a criminal background, you are expected to attend. A two page, double spaced paper describing your prison experience will be due the week following the tour. The paper is valued at 70 points. A thorough review of what theories were relevant to each of the prisoner group participant’s criminal background is to be included in the paper. One point weekly is given for class attendance. If you leave class early you will not receive the point. There is one extra credit point available weekly for a news article that discusses criminal activity. Coming to class prepared means that you have read the chapter, have scheduled your personal business so it does not interfere with your attendance and you have looked for an article to discuss with the class for extra credit. Your success is about preparation and participation. The following schedule is subject to change: January 13 Introduction Syllabus Review Chapter one January 20 Chapter Two: The nature and extent of crime January 27 Chapter Three: Victims and Victimization February 3 PROJECT SUCCESS DAY (NO CLASS) February 10 Test over Chapters 1-2-3 Chapter Four Review: Because they want toFebruary 17 Chapter Five: Trait Theory, it’s in their blood February 24 Chapter Six: Social Structure Theory: socialized to crime March 3 Test over Chapters 4-5-6 Chapter Seven: Social Process Theories March 10 SPRING BREAK March 17 Chapter Eight: Critical Criminology March 24 Chapter Nine: Development Theories March 31 Chapter Ten: Violent Crimes Test over Chapters 8-9-10 Group Presentations April 7 Group Presentations April 14 Chapter 11: Property Crimes April 21 Tour: Florence Crane Correctional Facility April 28 Chapter 12: Enterprise Crime Tour Paper Due May 5 Chapter 13: Public Order Crime May 12 Final Exam 11-12-13 Grading policy and Procedures 94-100% 4.0 89-93% 3.5 85-89% 3.0 80-89 % 2.5 75-79% 2.0 70-74 % 1.5 65-69 % 1.0 BELOW 64 0.0 A 2.0 or “C” is a passing grade. Only courses with passing grades count toward graduation. Other colleges transfer in only courses with a 2.0 or “C”. Many financial aid sources, including most employers, require passing grades. Additionally, earning less than a 2.0 in a class results in not