Department of Social Sciences
CRJ431.48G Seminar in Criminal Justice
Robert Smith, B.S., B.S., M.C.J.,
Magistrate,
7th Judicial District,
Telephone: (252) 205-1990, rsmith@shawu.edu
Office Hours: Monday & Wednesday 6:00-7:00 PM
Spring 2006
Class meets Monday & Wednesday 8:25-9:40 P.M.
Course Description: Deals with controversial issues in crime, law and criminology. Students will be required to consider various viewpoints of an issue. The course will be conducted in a seminar format. Each student will be expected to lead the discussion on an issue.
Course Goals and Objectives: This course will focus on disseminating knowledge that is necessary for persons who are currently working or likely to work in the criminal justice system so as to examine various issues from a critical perspective. The strengths and weaknesses of different theories and perspectives will also be examined. On completing this course, students will develop critical thinking skills with respect to various legal issues
Required Texts: (i) Hickey, Thomas J.
(2006) Taking Sides. Clashing Views on Controversial Issues in Crime and
Criminology (Seventh Edition).
Recommended Text: Cole, George F., Marc
G. Gertz and Amy Bunger (2004) The Criminal Justice System.
Grades: Class Quizzes will constitute 60 percent of the grade and the final exam will represent 30 percent of the grade. Ten percent of the grade will be for class participation. There will be a series of 6 short in-class quizzes. Each class will be a direct preparation for the following classes.
Attendance Policy: Students are required to attend class regularly. Final grades will be reduced for more than three unexcused absences or the same number of incidents of being late for class. If a student is not in class when attendance is taken, then the roll will record them as absent. No attempt will be made to adjust attendance records for tardy students. Students should not leave class and return, or leave class and not return, prior to the conclusion of regular class hour; doing so will result in a tardy.
Book Policy: The required text prescribed for the course must be brought to the class. Points will be deducted from final grade for failure to comply. Each student is expected to follow the syllabus and read all materials prior to the scheduled class time. All electronic and telephonic devices with sound alarms are prohibited from activation in the classroom. Should these devices get activated more than once, you will be excused from the class.
Make-up Test Policy: There are no make-up exams. Students will be given a total of six exams. The grade for the course will be based on the average of the six exams and the final exam. Since the final exam is comprehensive; when the final exam is graded; the portion of the exam that the student missed will be counted twice to compensate for any missed scheduled exam.
Student conference policy: Office hours will be utilized for conferences pertaining to all student and class issues. Seniors are encouraged to make an appointment for a conference (progress report) before making final plans for graduation.
Examinations: There will be six course tests that will be administered as designated on the Course Syllabus and in the Registrars’ forthcoming test Schedule. Each exam constitutes 100 points. The tests will consist of questions that are true/false, multiple choices, and essay. The number of questions will be determined by the relevant subject matter. Examinations are cumulative.
Contingency assignments: The instructor reserves the right to administer unannounced quizzes in order to assess class status and standing regarding the course. Students who consistently perform poorly on these quizzes will be presumed to have failed to comply with course requirements and are required to schedule an assessment conference with this Instructor. Good study habits are a student’s responsibility. Failure to study will affect the final grade.
Assignment Schedule and Grading: The scheduled exams constitute 100 points each.
Grading scale: A=90-100
B=80-89
C=70-79
D=60-69
F= Below 59 is failure.
Class Preparation Policy: Students must
take notes during class in order to retain material for discussions and
examinations. Class lectures are appropriated to college level discussion and
examinations.
Course
Outline and Reading Assignments:
January
18 week 1 Introduction to Course and Review of Syllabus
Definitions and Explanations of Crime (Hickey)
23 Last Day to Drop a Class
23
& 25 week 2
Definitions and Explanations of Crime
30 week 3 Justice Issues and Contemporary Public Policy
February 1
6 & 8 week 4 Justice Issues and Contemporary Public Policy (Exam I)
13 & 15 week 5 Prisons Programs and Alternatives
20
& 22 week 6 Prisons Programs and Alternatives (Exam II)
27 week 7 Criminal Justice Research, Evaluation, and Policy Analysis
March 1
6 & 8 week 8 Criminal Justice Research, Evaluation, and Policy Analysis (Exam III)
13 & 15 week 9 Future Trends in Criminology and Criminal Justice
20
& 22 week 10 Future Trends in Criminology and
Criminal Justice (Exam IV)
24- Spring Break
April 2
3
& 5 week 11 Law and the Individual (Katsh & Rose)
10
& 12 week 12 Law and the Individual (Exam V)
14 - 17 Easter Break
19 week 13 Law and the State
24
& 26 week 14 Law and the State
May
1 & 3 week 15 Law and the Community and Review for Finals (Exam VI)
5 Last Day of Classes
8-11 Final Exam Periods