Emails and Teacher-Student Correspondence:



CJ 404/504: Theoretical CriminologySections 101 & 102Fall 2010Dr. Kimberly DeTardo-BoraOffice: Smith Hall 734Office Phone: 304.696.3084 Fax: 304.696.3085Email: detardobora@marshall.eduWeb: Office Hours: Mondays 12-2:00, Tuesdays 9:30-12:30, & Wednesdays 1-4:00 (or by appointment)COURSE DESCRIPTION A critical analysis of major criminological theories and their empirical foundations. Current theory and research receive greater emphasis than historical development. Capstone experience. Prerequisites: NoneWriting IntensiveCJ 404/504 convenes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10:00-10:50 (sec. 101) and 11-11:50 (sec. 102) in Smith Hall 416COMPUTER REQUIREMENTSStudents must have a computer or access to one, as well as access to the Internet to send and receive email messages. If you are using an email account other than your Marshall email account, (i.e., hotmail, yahoo, aol, etc.) you must set your Marshall email account to forward to your other account. In addition, students will be required to have access to WebCT in order to complete the necessary quizzes and assignments in this course. Make certain that you use a computer that is compatible for completing any online course requirements. Moreover, all students are responsible for knowing the University Computing Services’ Acceptable Use Policy.REQUIRED TEXTSAmerican Psychological Association [APA] (2010). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.). Washington, DC. (*Required for both undergraduate and graduate students.) Brown, S. E., Esbensen, F., & Geis, G. (2010). Criminology: Explaining crime and its contexts. (7th ed.). Newark, NJ: Lexis Nexus. (*Required for both undergraduate and graduate students.)*Additional readings may be assigned and placed on reserve at the library or online. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE & CRIMINOLOGY PROGRAMUpon completion of the Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice, and in part emphasized and reinforced through this course, undergraduate students will be able to:increase their knowledge of criminological theory and its role in the analysis of adult and juvenile delinquent and criminal behavior and in the practice of justice, including the role of theory in the practice of law enforcement, the practice of law, adjudication, and sentencing, and in the practice of corrections.increase their knowledge of research methods and the relationship of research to the practice of law enforcement, law, and corrections in both the adult and juvenile systems.develop or enhance their critical thinking skills related to the theory and practice of law enforcement, courts, and corrections.develop or enhance their skills in written communication.develop or enhance their skills in obtaining, understanding, critically evaluating, and applying information from scholarly research as it relates to material presented in the classroom.Upon completion of the Master of Science degree in criminal justice, and in part emphasized and reinforced through this course, graduate students will be able to:develop advanced knowledge of criminological theories.enhance their critical thinking skills related to criminal justice theory and practice.enhance their oral communication skills.enhance their written communication skills.enhance their research skills by evaluating scholarly literature via the library database and internet database searches.develop or enhance their awareness of sensitivity to the complex nature of social problems that relate to crime and to the practice of criminal justice and criminology.examine, evaluate, and apply ethical principles of the discipline in regard to research, use of sources, collaboration with colleagues, and principled decision/policy making.STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR THIS COURSEUpon completion of this course, students will be able to: articulate principles and concepts of various criminological perspectives, which include deterrence, rational choice, biological, psychological, social learning, social control, conflict, labeling, social disorganization, anomie, strain, critical, postmodern, feminist, and integrated theories.develop basic scientific inquiry skills, particularly the link between theory, research, and policy implications.examine the utility of criminological theory by applying it to a crime/criminal behavior.develop an advanced knowledge base of criminological theories through various forms of writing, both informal and formal.develop and enhance critical thinking skills through various forms of writing, both informal and formal.conduct research using the library databases and to summarize refereed journal articles about crime/criminal behavior and theoretical explanations for crime.develop and enhance professional writing skills and to use effectively the APA publication guidelines by completing a case study of crime/criminal behavior.OUTLINE OF THEORETICAL COURSE CONTENTThe theoretical content of the course is divided into four parts. Each part is explained in more detail below.Part I”Introduction to Theory and Theory Evaluation” (5%)The first part of the course is based largely on learning the basic elements of theory and the necessary criteria used in theory evaluation. We will discuss theoretical and conceptual issues as they relate to research methods and policy implications as well.Part II“Rational Thinkers, Biological Bad Boys, & Criminological Minds” (25%)The first group of theories will allow you to trace the thinking of social scientists and their understanding of crime from the 1700s to the present day. During this portion of the semester you will be introduced to deterrence, rational choice, biological, and psychological theories.Part III “Social Learning, Failed Socialization, & Social Ecology Theories” (45%)This part of the course provides each student with the information about how crime is learned, the impact of socialization, and labeling. You will learn that crime can be explained from an ecological perspective and that society can be associated with crime rates.Part IV“The Influence of Capitalism, Postmodern, and Integrated Theories” (25%)The final section of the class consists of a discussion about how crime is related to capitalism and the influence of Marxist theory. Moreover, you will learn about feminist and peacemaking theories as well as how to integrate theories. ASSESSMENT MEASURES AND DETERMINATION OF GRADESEach student learning outcome is assessed in the following manner:Quizzes (5%)The grading scale is as follows:3 Exams (45%)100%-90%= A69%-60% = DInformal Writing Assignments (20%) 89%-80% = BBelow 60% = FTerm Paper (30%) 79%-70% = CQUIZZESI reserve the right to administer unannounced quizzes when necessary even though I have noted several quizzes in the tentative course outline. Points obtained from quizzes will count as 5% of your final grade. There are no make-ups for quizzes unless a verified legitimate excuse has been obtained from the Dean of Student Affairs, MSC 2W38 (see Attendance Policy).EXAMSThere are three exams. The exams are worth 15% each or 45% total of your final grade. The final exam is non-comprehensive. All exams may consist of a variety of response formats such as, multiple choice, true/false, matching, listing, short answer, essay and/or any combination of the above. Graduate exams will include an essay portion. Exam & Make-up Exam Policy:Examinations must be taken during the periods designated in the syllabus. If a student arrives late for an exam, the student can complete the exam but only in the original time frame specified in class. However, if a student arrives after another student has completed the exam, the student who was late will not be allowed to take the examination, because the exam has been compromised. In other words, the student cannot take the exam or make up the exam; the student will receive a grade of zero for the examination. Deviations from this policy are possible if the student makes provisions with the instructor before the test date. It is the student’s responsibility to notify me if he/she is unable to take an examination.? Students must contact me prior to the administration of the exam. (If I am not contacted prior to the exam or if you do not show up to take the exam, you will receive a failing grade for the exam.) For those students who do contact me and have a legitimate excuse from the Dean of Student Affairs (see Attendance Policy), an alternative time to take the exam will be determined.? The format of the make-up exam will be left to my discretion. INFORMAL WRITING ASSIGNMENTSSeveral informal writing assignments will be completed throughout the course in order to build the final term paper. These assignments will strengthen your understanding of the writing process [and criminological theory] as well as how to use proper citations based on the APA publication manual. Assignments may be both in-class and out-of-class. Unless told otherwise, papers must be typed and double-spaced. Page numbers are a must! Standard margins and fonts should be used. Late assignments will not be accepted. Informal writing assignments (e.g., portfolios of drafts, references, APA quizzes, concept map, article summaries, writing center session slips, etc.) are worth 20% of your final grade. Portfolios:For all informal (and some formal) writing assignments, students must submit their work in a portfolio. This portfolio should be a small three-ring binder (one-inch). The papers inside the portfolio should be neat and hole-punched in an orderly way. Also, please do not put any of your work in plastic cover sheets as it makes it difficult for grading and when writing comments.Important due dates for the informal writing assignments are presented below.Due September 20: Portfolio (A)References Article summariesDue October 1: Portfolio (B)Prior references and summariesThesis statement, concept map, and introduction Due October 15: Portfolio (C)1st Writing Center session slipPrior references and summariesThesis statementIntroductionConcept mapFirst draftDue November 10: Portfolio (D)All writing materials as listed in “C” above plus the final term paper2nd Writing Center session slip*Please note that your final paper at this point is considered “formal” writing and will count for a larger percentage of your course grade (see Term Paper below).Mandatory Writing Center Sessions:Students are required to visit the Writing Center for a minimum of two, 30-minute sessions. You may go on more than two occasions if you would prefer. Note that you will receive credit for each visit. That is, you will receive 50 points for attending each session. To make an appointment, please visit the Writing Center’s appointment page at . Your first session should occur on any date from September 21 through October 9 (weeks 5, 6, or 7). At this appointment you should be working on or have a working draft of your introduction, a description of the crime, and a description of the theory you chose. For the second session, which can take place from October 19 through November 6 (weeks 9, 10, or 11), you will be strengthening the draft to create a more polished and final paper. Here, you will be putting on the finishing touches and writing and revising the conclusion. At the end of each 30-minute session, you will need to obtain a “Session Report” from your tutor, which must be submitted with your portfolios (October 15 and then again on November 10).The Writing Center is a privilege and a student-friendly service that is provided to you. Please do not take out your frustration on the Writing Center staff. Be aware that the tutors will not write or fix your paper for you. I advise that you bring your references, the directions for the term paper, your draft(s), and any other documents that will be helpful during your scheduled appointment. Also, the tutors are not obligated to review APA citation style as meticulously as I would. For help with APA citations and referencing, the criminal justice graduate students will be able to assist you in SH 423 (keep an eye out for the signup sheets on the library door). TERM PAPEREach student is expected to critically examine a type of crime (e.g., arson, child abuse, prostitution, stalking, etc.) and apply a theory to explain that crime producing a paper that is original in thought and analysis. The paper must be a minimum of 10 pages typed, starting with the introduction and ending with the conclusion. For graduate students the paper is to be 15 pages in length minimum (but no longer than 20 pages). The term paper is due November 10, 2010 and will be submitted in a portfolio along with your second writing center session slip, your first draft and any subsequent drafts or materials. The term paper is worth 30% of your final grade. The paper outline and specific criteria will be discussed in class at a later date. ADDITIONAL GRADUATE STUDENT WRITING REQUIREMENTSGraduate students are expected to summarize five different chapters from the textbook (Chapters 5, 6, 7, 8, & 9). In essence, you will complete what is called a “double entry” journal. The journal does not have to be typed, but it must be legible (if you prefer to type your journal it must be formatted into two columns). The journal will take the following format: The left-hand side of the journal will contain notes about what you read (i.e., the chapter). That is, this part will chronicle the main ideas from the chapter. The second part of the journal will document what you thought about the chapter or “on the [right]-hand side, students are to create an interactive commentary on the material-posing questions, raising doubts, making connections, seeing opposing views, linking course materials with personal experience, expressing confusion, and so forth”(Bean, 2001, p. 108). These journals must be submitted at the beginning of class before the theoretical perspective has been covered, and then swapped with another graduate peer for comments (I suggest that the reviewer uses a different color pen when writing additional comments). Journals should be submitted that following class period after the reviewer has had a choice to read through it and make additional comments. Each journal is worth 10 points each (5 assignments x 10 points = 50 points total). The journals also will be a part of the writing assignments grade and worth 20% of your final grade. ADDITIONAL POLICIESEmails and Teacher-Student Correspondence:If you have any questions about the course material, exams, or assignments you may email me, visit me during my office hours, or schedule an appointment. If you email me, under most circumstances, I will get back to you within 24 hours. However, there may be times when I am out of the office (for meetings, class, or conferences), hence, delaying my response. Attendance:Students are expected to attend class and participate regularly. I understand that there are circumstances that may arise throughout the semester that prevent a student from attending class. Documentation of an excused absence can be obtained from the Dean of Student Affairs, MSC 2W38. Excused absences include: death or illness of an immediate family member, pre-approved university sponsored activity, athletics, academic activities, short-term military obligation, jury duty/court appointment, and/or religious holiday (see MU Undergraduate Catalog). Nonetheless, if you miss class it is your responsibility as a student to obtain any lecture notes or assignments that you missed on that day. Academic Dishonesty:I assume that every student is familiar with MU’s Academic Dishonesty policy. Academic Dishonesty includes cheating, fabrication and falsification of data or information, plagiarism, bribes/favors/threats, and complicity (i.e., helping or attempting someone commit an act of dishonesty). As stated in the policy, “A student, by voluntarily accepting admission to the institution or enrolling in a class or course of study offered by Marshall University accepts the academic requirements and criteria of the institution. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of policies regulating academic conduct, including the definitions of academic dishonesty, the possible sanctions and the appeal process. For the purposes of this policy, an academic exercise is defined as any assignment, whether graded or ungraded, that is given in an academic course or must be completed toward the completion of degree or certification requirements. This includes, but is not limited to: Exams, quizzes, papers, oral presentations, data gathering and analysis, practica and creative work of any kind” (MU Undergraduate Catalog). If a student violates this policy, discretion will be used by the instructor; the possible sanction to be applied will be a failing grade for the assignment, exam, or paper. For those of you, who need a reminder about the policy, please refer to the MU Undergraduate Catalog. Extra Credit:There is one opportunity to receive extra credit in this course. That is, students who present their theory paper at the WVCJEA conference on Friday, November 5 at WVU-Parkersburg may earn up to 10 points added to their final course grade. In addition, students who simply attend the conference may earn up to 5 points which will be added to their lowest exam score. Abstracts for presentations and papers for the state competition are due Friday, October 22.Policy for Students with Disabilities: Marshall University is committed to equal opportunity in education for all students, including those with physical, learning and psychological disabilities.? University policy states that it is the responsibility of students with disabilities to contact the Office of Disabled Student Services (DSS) in Prichard Hall 117, phone 304-696-2271 to provide documentation of their disability.? Following this, the DSS Coordinator will send a letter to each of the student’s instructors outlining the academic accommodation he/she will need to ensure equality in classroom experiences, outside assignment, testing and grading.? The instructor and student will meet to discuss how the accommodation(s) requested will be provided.? For more information, please visit or contact Disabled Student Services Office at Prichard Hall 11, phone 304-696-2271.Affirmative Action Policy: This course will follow Marshall University’s policy on Affirmative Action, which can be found in the MU Undergraduate Catalog and MU Graduate Catalog. Specifically, all students will be afforded equal opportunity without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, national origin, or sexual orientation. Inclement Weather Policy: Students can find information concerning Marshall’s policy regarding inclement weather on the university website and in the MU Undergraduate Catalog. Please note that a two-hour delay means that classes that begin at 10:00 a.m. begin on time. Classes that begin at 9:30 a.m. meet at 10:00 a.m. and continue for the remaining period of that class.Classroom Civility:All students are expected to be in class on time (including exam days).All pagers, cell phones, electronic games, radios, tape or CD players, or otherelectronic devices such as IPods or MP3 players must be turned off before you enter the classroom.2a. This also means no text messaging or tweeting during class or during exams.All individual conversations are not permitted.Any questions that pertain to the syllabus, assignments, or grades should be asked before or after the lecture/discussion begins. Questions asked during the lecture must be relevant to the topic being discussed. Respect different opinions and keep an open mind. All students are expected to abide by the academic dishonesty policy-this means no cheating or plagiarizing!Students are expected to speak one at a time. Do not be disruptive.Working on other materials during class time is considered disruptive not only to the instructor but to other classmates as well.Do not use class time to catch up on your ZZZZZ’s.No food or alcoholic beverages are permitted (non-alcoholic beverages are acceptable).Students are prohibited from leaving the classroom once the lecture or discussion has started. Only in the case of an emergency can a student leave the room. If you need to leave class early for some reason, notify the instructor in advance.Support your fellow classmates and reward each other with positive remarks/comments.The DeTardo-Bora Policy:As students have a code of conduct to follow, I believe the instructor should follow one as well. Throughout this course, I will make an effort to see that the following responsibilities are carried out (these responsibilities were adapted from McKeachie, 1999).1. I will encourage the free pursuit of learning2. I will demonstrate respect for students3. I will respect confidentiality4. I will model the best scholarly and ethical standards5. I will foster honest academic conduct and ensure fair evaluation6. I will avoid exploitation, harassment, or discriminationPlease note this course can be very challenging and was designed for students in their junior or senior year. To achieve the objectives of this course, you will need to engage the material as an active learner, that is, you must be diligently reading and writing. Because this course is writing intensive, you will need to spend a significant amount of time reading, writing, reflecting, and developing your own thoughts in a logical and coherent manner. There is a lot of material that will be covered in this class, which means that it may be difficult for those of you who do not pay attention, miss class, or study on a regular basis. I suggest that you make it a habit to come to class, pay attention, and ask questions. It is important that you keep up with the readings and complete all required assignments. Given the opportunities I will provide you, and your dedication to being an active learner, there is no doubt in my mind that you will enhance your critical thinking skills.Tentative Course Outline: CJ 404/504Dates/Course TopicsAssignments/ReadingsDue DatesWeek 1: 8/23, 8/25, 8/27Review SyllabusIntroduction to Theory Read Ch. 1 & Ch. 2 Access the Online Course via WebCT (8/27)Week 2: 8/30, 9/1, 9/3Classical, Neoclassical, & Rational Choice Theories (quiz)Read Ch. 5 Topic Due (9/1)Week 3: 9/6, 9/8, 9/10(obtain and order references)NO CLASS MONDAY-LABOR DAYReview of Term Paper Requirements Born to be Bad: Biological Theories (quiz)Read Ch. 6 pp. 193-220Week 4: 9/13, 9/15, 9/17 Born to be Bad: Biological Theories (cont.)APA Review APA Online Quiz due 9/17 by midnightWeek 5: 9/20, 9/22, 9/24(draft crime description)Criminal Minds: Psychological Theory (quiz)Read Ch. 6 pp. 220-229APA Online Quiz due 9/24 by midnightPortfolio (A) (references + summaries) due 9/20Week 6: 9/27, 9/29*, 10/1*(draft introduction)Exam #1Writing Lab10/1-CJ Skills Assessment –undergrads only *denotes SCJA ConferencePortfolio (B) (prior work + thesis statement, introduction, and concept map, etc.) due 10/1Week 7: 10/4, 10/6, 10/8(draft theory & application) The Sick Society: Anomie & Strain (quiz)Read Ch. 7 pp. 235-258Week 8: 10/11, 10/13, 10/15(revise and submit draft)Social EcologyLearning Criminal BehaviorRead Ch. 7 pp. 258-266Read Ch. 8 pp. 273-293Writing Center visit completed by 10/11Portfolio (C)/1st Draft and session slip due 10/15Week 9: 10/18, 10/20, 10/22*(tweak and polish draft)Learning Criminal Behavior (cont.)Failed Socialization and Culture Conflict*WCJEA abstracts and papers dueRead Ch. 8 pp. 293-311Week 10: 10/25, 10/27, 10/29(tweak and polish draft)Failed Socialization and Culture Conflict (cont.)Exam #2Week 11: 11/1, 11/3, 11/5*(draft conclusion)Student Appointments-Re: Term Paper *denotes WVCJEA Conference (11/4 -crime scene competition)Week 12: 11/8, 11/10, 11/12(revise and submit final paper)Social Reaction, Conflict, and Critical Theories Read Ch. 9Writing Center visit completed by 11/8Portfolio (D)/Term Paper due 11/10Week 13: 11/17, 11/19, 11/21Integrated and Developmental TheoriesRead Ch. 10Week 14: 11/24, 11/26, 11/26NO CLASS-THANKSGIVING BREAKWeek 15: 11/29, 12/1, 12/3Theory videoWeek 16: 12/6The Future of Criminological TheoryFinal Exam ReviewFinal ExamSec. 101 December 13 (10:15-12:15)Sec. 102 December 14 (10:15-12:15) ................
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