Page 1 of 7 Cedar Crest College Addictions, Psychopathology and Crime Course: CRJ 201 Credits: 3 Scott A. Hoke Phone: 610-606-4666 x4454 E-Mail: [email protected] Course Description The primary objective of this course is to focus on the linkages between substance addiction, the psychopathology of addictive behaviors and its impact on crime. Specific content areas will highlight current trends in substance abuse; the influence substance use/abuse has had on behavior, on the criminal justice system and on trends in law enforcement. Course Objectives Through this course, the intent is to assist the student to develop and use critical thinking skills to: 1. Gain a more in depth understanding of how substance abuse affects behavior. 2. Understand the key elements of addiction itself and what factors are critical in the accurate measurement of use/abuse. 3. Develop an understanding of how the body itself deals with substance use and how it contributes to the cycle of addiction. 4. Develop an understating of the different categories of drugs, how their use impacts the human body; how their use influences behavior; how their use of the drug affects crime; and what specific affects any given category or drug has on the human body. 5. Better understand the most commonly recognized theories of abuse.Page 2 of 7 6. Better understand the most commonly recognized theories that seek to relate substance abuse and crime. 7. Identify the current trends in substance use/abuse. 8. Evaluate whether the war on dugs has had a positive or negative impact on society and if there is any correlation between enforcement and crime rates. Course Outcomes Students will demonstrate an understanding of the elements of substance abuse and how those elements contribute to individual behavior. Assessment: Students will read selected material, watch related media presentations, participate in class discussion and excel in a written examination. Students will be able to identify the specific factors researches attempt to measure when trying to explain substance abuse. Assessment: Students will read selected material, watch related media presentations, participate in class discussion and excel in a written examination. Students will be able to identify the 5 main categories of drugs of abuse; identify what the affects are on the body; what the effects are on behavior; and what the impact of the individual drug has had on the law enforcement community. Assessment: Students will read selected material, watch related media presentations, participate in class discussion and excel in a written examination. The student will be able to identify the major theories of substance abuse and of the relationship substance and crime may or may not share. Assessment: Students will read selected material, watch related media presentations, participate in class discussion and excel in a written examination. Students will be able to identify and critically analyze the current social, political, and law enforcement challenges and controversies associated with today’s drug trends.Page 3 of 7 Assessment: Students will read selected material, watch related media presentations, participate in class discussion and prepare a class presentation on an assigned topic. Texts and Readings Goldberg, R. (Ed.). (2008). Taking sides: Clashing views in drugs and society.(8th ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill. Student Assignments Each student is expected to do high quality work in completing the following assignments: 1. To regularly attend all class periods and read all assigned readings. 2. Students will take two written examinations that will cover all of the readings, lectures and other educational material which is presented in class. 3. Students will be responsible for creating a class presentation on an assigned topic, and provide an essay explanation as to the concepts of their assigned topic. 4. Students will be required to evaluate the presentations of their fellow classmates. Classroom Protocol Appropriate classroom behavior is implicit in the Cedar Crest College Honor Code. Such behavior is defined and guided by complete protection for the rights of all students and faculty to a courteous, respectful classroom environment. That environment is free from distractions such as late arrivals, early departures, inappropriate conversations and any other behavior that might disrupt instruction and/or compromise students’ access to their Cedar Crest College education. Furthermore: Students are expected to have prompt and regular classroom attendance in accordance with the policy stated on the syllabus. Faculty are expected to make clear on the first day of class reasons for specific classroom decorum and repercussions for non-compliance. Faculty should be aware of setting boundaries and procedures for exceptions to expectations stated in the syllabus.Page 4 of 7 Sleeping, or the appearance of sleeping is strictly prohibited. Any student who is observed sleeping will receive a zero for the class participation portion of the course. Repeated events will result in any student failing the course. Any student who is observed sleeping during a guest lecture will fail the course without question. Students need to understand that open discussion is encouraged and expected in order to foster an advanced learning environment. However, all students should use caution when sharing personal information. There is a point to which personal experiences are detrimental to the learning environment. Written assignments are due 10 calendar days after the date assigned in class. The dates presented on the syllabus are intended to serve as an outline only, recognizing that the speed of student learning cannot be predicted in advance. All assignment dates will be clearly discussed in class. Any assignment handed in late will be assessed a 10 point reduction in the grade for each day that it is late. A zero will be received once the assignment is five days late. An assignment is considered late if it is not handed in by the time the class period expires on the announced date of the assignment. All late assignments must be sent to me via email and will not be accepted in any other format. Additionally, late assignments will be graded without comment. Honor Philosophy The Cedar Crest College Honor Philosophy is based upon the principle that, as a self-governing body,