COURSE SYLLABUSCRIMINAL JUSTICE 117CRIMINOLOGYFall Semester 2011COURSE DESCRIPTIONCOURSE OBJECTIVESREQUIRED TEXTWITHDRAWAL FROM CLASS“I” INCOMPLETE GRADECOURSE SYLLABUS CRIMINAL JUSTICE 117 CRIMINOLOGY Distance Learning Course (3 credits) Fall Semester 2011 September 19, 2011 – December 18, 2011 Instructor: Debra Swihart McDivitt Hall Room 144 Telephone: (517) 796-8590 E-Mail: [email protected] Fax: 796-8637 Office Hours: Mon. 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Wed. 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tues 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Lenawee center 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 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, Fourth Edition This text is available from the JCC Bookstore Please make sure you have purchased the correct text! WITHDRAWAL FROM CLASS Last day to withdraw no “w” and refund: Last day to withdraw with “w” : Please check the JCC Website for these important dates! It is critical that you keep these dates in mind if you decide to withdraw for refunds or a “W”.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 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. 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. A Message from the Office of Learning Support Services: “Tutors and additional free services for academic success can be accessed by calling (517) 796-8415 or by stopping by the Center for Student Success, Bert Walker Hall Room 123. Faculty and tutors in the CSS will help you with writing, study skills, test anxiety, math, and reading. Students requiring special assistance (including those affected by the Americans with Disabilities Act) should contact the Center for Student Success. This is the first step in acquiring the appropriate accommodations to facilitate your learning.” Students with disability who believe they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact the Center for Student Success at 796-8415 or visit the office, BW 123, as soon as possible. Instructors need documentation from the center in order to comply with accommodations.TEACHING PHILOSOPHY “Education is when you learn something that you didn’t even know that you didn’t know” I truly believe that if students create their own knowledge it is much more powerful than when they are given knowledge. PREPARATION Flexibility of time is one of the best advantages of a distance learning course. On-line courses allow you to tailor your time to suit your own unique schedule. Time management however, is crucial in order for you to be successful in this course. • Just as in a traditional classroom course, my experience has taught me that regular class attendance and keeping up on the reading and assignments is strongly correlated with survival in college. Distance Learning records show that students who submit work on time are also more likely to complete the course than those who delay. In other words, don’t procrastinate! • Take out your planning calendar, mark your deadlines and then follow them. No late work accepted or missed exams made up without a documented excuse. A problem with technology is not an excuse. You must have a backup plan in case your computer crashes or you are unable to access the internet. The ability to access a computer with internet capability and compatible software is required. • It is my recommendation that you plan to do your assignments and take your exams BEFORE the last day they are due. If problems occur, there is time to fix them before the deadline. • For help with all technology questions, call 1-888-522-8744 Monday – Friday from 9-5. You can leave a message and they will return your call as soon as possible.How much time you spend on this course can really depend on how sharp or how rusty