COURSE SYLLABUS CRIMINAL JUSTICE 117.71 CRIMINOLOGY Winter 2009 Tuesday and Thursday 11:00 A.M. – 12:27 P.M. PLUS 12 HOURS TBA Instructor: Debra Swihart McDivitt Hall Room 144 Telephone: (517) 796-8590 E-Mail: [email protected] Fax: 796-8637 Office Hours McDivitt Hall room 144 Mondays and Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. JCC Vo-Tech Center Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Additional hours by appointment 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 2 Demonstrate the ability to comprehend and use information including written and oral forms. 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. ADO 5 Demonstrate ability to work as a member of a team to solve problems, complete tasks and evaluate roles of other team members. 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 in the JCC Bookstore PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE PURCHASED THE CORRECT TEXT! METHOD OF INSTRUCTION This course will be based on lecture, class discussion and group activities. There may also be in-class writing assignments. Students should feel free to ask questions at any time. The discussions are an important and critical element of this course. For the discussion to be successful and for you to participate you must have finished the reading assigned before you come to class. As a general rule, it is a good idea to bring your book to class. I will not simply trace the textbook.Examinations will cover lecture and class material, textbook material, handout material and video presentations. ATTENDANCE It is expected that you attend class regularly. My experience has taught me that regular class attendance is strongly correlated with survival in college. You will be responsible for what is assigned in the text and what is discussed in class. Class attendance is graded by having 5 points deducted from your overall points for each absence. I do realize that circumstances beyond one’s control can, on rare occasion, make class attendance impossible. In such cases, it is your responsibility to make yourself aware of course changes which have been announced to the class in your absence. WITHDRAWAL FROM CLASS Last day for refund with no “W” February 5, 2009 Last day to withdraw with “W” April 19, 2009 “I” INCOMPLETE GRADE A 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. STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES Students requiring special assistance (including those affected by the American with Disabilities Act) should contact the Center for StudentSuccess. This is the first step in acquiring the appropriate accommodations to facilitate your learning. EXAMINATIONS As of now, I plan to give a multiple choice/short answer test after 2 chapters/topics are completed. Make up tests will be allowed only in cases of documented emergencies. Each test will cover information from the lectures and class discussions, text, handouts, etc. No late work will be accepted. GRADING SCALE Students can accumulate 500 points: 300 points from 5 tests 100 points from prison visit and paper (or oral presentation) 100 points from internet exercises There will be periodic opportunities to earn extra credit for in-class and outside assignments. If you miss a class, no make-up work for extra credit is allowed. Examinations, attendance, and class assignments will account for 100% of your final grade. 450 plus 4.0 425 - 449 3.5 400 - 424 3.0 375 - 399 2.5 350 - 374 2.0 325 - 349 1.5 300 - 324 1.0 below 299 0.0 The instructor can change the schedule/format of the class discussion and/or format of the exams at any time during the semester in order to accommodate the class needs. COURSE SCHEDULE:JANUARY 27 Introduction to CRJ 117 Chapter 1 Crime and Criminology Chapter 2 The Nature and Extent of Crime 29 FEBRUARY 03 No Class Project Success Day 05 10 12 TEST # 1 CHAPTERS 1 AND 2 17 Chapter 3 Victims and