This is a web-based course in which all class activities take place online. We will rely on this course outline, e-mail, and other web-based tools to complete this course. In addition to this syllabus, much of the content in this course is included in the online classrooom designed for this course.
Course Objectives
Historical and contemporary theories of criminal behavior are examined, with emphasis on the sources of information on crime and the application of the scientific method to the explanation of crime.
Readings
Siegel, Larry (2007). Criminology: Theories, Patterns, and Typologies, 9th edition. Wadsworth.
Evaluation Criteria
- Online Exams (50%)
- Internet Activities (30%)
- Research Paper (20%)
- Class Participation and Engagement (-10)
A = 90% - 100%
B = 80% - 89.99%
C = 70% - 79.99%
D = 60% - 69.99%
F = 59.99% or below
Online Exams: (50%)
Fourteen multiple choice exams will be given throughout the semester (one for each assigned chapter in the Siegel text). Each exam will be completed in the cjcampus classroom. The same format is used for each quiz - 25 questions, 1 try, 30 minutes for each attempt. The format of these assignments provides partial credit for missed responses, so be sure to closely review information regarding format. The cjcampus calendar and clock is ruthless and will not allow you to take late exams. Missed exams are recorded as a zero. Make-up exams are given only in extreme circumstances. Please keep up with your assignments. Pace yourself. Do not wait till the last day of the week to complete your assignments.
Internet Activities: (30%)
Twelve online activities will be posted in the cjcampus online classroom. Assignments include internet activities that direct you to content that you will review and respond to in writing. These assignments will vary in difficulty and format, but will typically require web site review, various computer-related activities, outside reading, and/or other preparation. In each case a written essay will be required. Several of these activities are completed in the online forum, with submissions evaluated and commented on by classmates. The rating of these activities is an important component of the class participation score.
Research Paper: (20%)
The research paper assignment is active throughout the entire class. You will be asked to submit something related to this assignment at several points throughout the semester. Each of these submissions is designed to lead to the final research paper. You will receive up to 10 percent for each preliminary assignment and up to 70% for the final paper. Each of these submissions is designed to lead to the final research paper, which should include the following:
* Statement of the problem
* Review of previous research and literature
* Description of challenges and/or methods of addressing the problem, grounded in previous research and literature
More information will be provided in class, with all paper topics requiring approval. Papers will be peer reviewed by classmates, with eventual publication on the cjencyclopedia site, Wikipedia, or similar resource. All papers will be graded with reference to the grading rubric provided in class. It is very important to develop your scholarly research and writing skills. Several class meetings will be devoted to papers.
The paper should provide a detailed description of the topic, as well as a discussion of how it fits into the context of research discussed throughout the semester. Do not simply describe the subject of your paper. While you can include some description, the paper should also analyze, ask why, discuss consequences, make an argument supported by evidence and reasoning, and/or otherwise demonstrate critical analysis of the subject. Critical analysis of the topic does not merely repeat what the sources tell you - the strongest papers generally draw from the descriptions and analyses of various sources and then proceed to present their own coherent argument and conclusions on the subject - with conclusions supported by evidence and reasoning.
The research paper must be between 5 and 6 pages, exclusive of the title page, references, and any appendixes or diagrams. The major points in your paper must be substantiated by references to articles in academic journals, professional books, and scholarly sources found on the Internet. A minimum of 5 citations is expected, using APA format. Plagiarism rules apply and you are encouraged to use Turnitin to address any plagiarism issues prior to final submission.
Participation and Engagement: (up to 10 points may be deducted)
Students are expected to attend each class fully prepared to discuss the reading material assigned for that day. The instructor will call upon different students to share what they have learned from the readings with the rest of the class. Each student is expected to come to class with notes on the themes and main points of each of the readings. Attendance will be taken regularly and will be included in the computation of grades, but remember that the focus is on active participation rather than attendance alone.
This course will be better if you talk more and I talk less. I prefer not to dominate the discussion, so each of you will need to remain active throughout the course. You all have interesting ideas and viewpoints and we learn more by sharing and trying to understand various views. The assumption is that you will participate and remain engaged throughout the class. Failure to do so will result in a deduction of up to 10 points from the final grade.
Note that this criteria includes participation and engagement. While we may be able to assess participation through a simple count of posts, we are also interested in active engagement throughout the course. Engagement is demonstrated by remaining active each week, submitting assignments on time, joining discussions at the beginning of each week, and helping each other create a vibrant learning environment.
As noted above, several class activities are evaluated by classmates. The rating of these activities is an important component of the class participation score.
Teaching Strategies
This course has been designed as an "online learning environment." You are all familiar with the dynamic of the classroom - the professor may lecture while students listen and occasionally interact. Most classrooms are designed as "teaching environments." Students may not be an integral part of a teaching environment and in some cases the class could be held even if no students were in attendance.
In contrast, the online learning environment requires student engagement. In fact, the environment fails to function if students are not engaged. As the professor, Dr. Mentor has designed this course and included materials that if consumed, will result in learning. Like the story of "leading a horse to water," this course environment is the water. To make it work, you must each "take a drink."
You are all expected to help each other. Your professor has a great deal of knowledge about the subject matter. Each student in this class also has knowledge that can help us learn. For example, if a student posts a question to the discussion forum we do not need to wait for an "official" response form the professor. Help each other learn as we make our way through the materials.
Course Policies
Deadlines
Deadlines are not suggestions. All written material will rapidly lose points in the days following the due date. Zero points will be awarded for missed assignments.
ADA
Any student with a documented disability needing academic adjustments is requested to speak directly to Disability Support Services and the instructor, as early in the semester (preferably within the first week) as possible. All discussions will remain confidential. Please contact Disability Support Services, DF Lowry Building, Room 107, or call 910-521-6695 for an appointment. See http://www.uncp.edu/dss/ for more information.
Class Withdrawal
Class withdrawal is your responsibility. If you disappear, we will wonder where you are. However, we will not drop you from the class. Withdrawals should follow University procedure. The student is responsible for obtaining all necessary signatures on drop slips.
Academic Misconduct
A very high price can be paid when you are caught cheating. Too high to risk. All written material must be your own composition. It is not appropriate to submit work originally completed for another course. Appropriate credit must be given for sources used in developing your ideas and arguments. You must provide appropriate citations, following APA Style guidelines. It is easy to see when large sections of text have been lifted from web pages or other sources. This is quite easy to verify as well. Penalties for engaging in any of these acts of academic misconduct will be determined on a case-by-case basis but will follow general university guidelines. The UNCP Academic Honor Code information is available in the UNCP Faculty Handbook, Student Handbook, or online at: www.uncp.edu/sa/pol_pub/
Classroom Climate
Classroom climate is not solely the Professor's responsibility. We encourage each of you to engage in conversation on any issue. The University is a place for free speech, limited through individual choice. These choices may be altered with awareness of the real or potential reaction of others. However, you should not be intimidated into keeping quiet. We do not condone racist, sexist, homophobic, or other hateful speech. You are all adults, capable of understanding generally accepted rules of conduct and modifying your behavior in an effort to comply with these social or legal expectations. You are responsible for your behavior.
Final Grades
If grades are made available online, be advised that if there is any error the grade you receive from the registrar is your official grade. Grade changes will be made only in cases of data or computation error. Please do not ask, beg, or otherwise attempt to change a properly computed grade.
Course Outline
This course outline is intended to define much of what will happen throughout this course. Changes are possible. Any changes will be clearly presented to the class and will often include class discussion. Changes will apply to all students enrolled in this course, without regard to whether they were involved in the discussion.