CCJ 1010 SYLLABUS
INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINOLOGY
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Introduction to Criminology
CCJ 1010
Monday 5:40 – 8:10 PM
Spring, 2012
3 Credit Hours
670370
7209
Instructor Information:
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Dr. Caryn Horwitz, Assistant Professor
School of Justice
Office: 9114
Office Hours: TBA
Phone: 305-237-1731
Email: chorwitz@mdc.edu
Course Description:
This course is an introduction to criminology, which includes definitions, historical perspectives
and the effects of crime on society. As an introduction to the field of criminology, this course will
cover basic elements of crime and methods employed by various entities to research crime trends.
Textbook:
Criminology, 7th Edition
Author: Freda Adler, Gerhard Mueller, and William Laufer
Publisher: McGraw Hill
ISBN: 978-0-07-340158-7
Class Requirements
Assignments : You will be required to write one 1,500 word research paper for our class. You
will also be required to participate in all class discussions. You will also be expected to read
weekly and daily newspapers and magazines, and be prepared to bring any interesting issues into
class. We will discuss paper requirements in class.
Late Assignment Policy: No late papers will be accepted.
Grading Scale and Policy: You can earn up to 500 points in this class.
Midterm Exam ================ 150 Points Multiple Choice
Final Exam =================== 150 Points Multiple Choice
Research Paper ================ 100 Points 1,500 Word Written Paper
Class Attendance and Participation == 100 Points You earn 6 points for attending and 3 points
for participation at each class meeting for total of up to 9 points per meeting. No points are
earned for arrivals 50 minutes after class start time.
A ====== 440 or Above Points
B ====== 390 – 439 Points
C ====== 340 – 389 Points
D ====== 290 – 339 Points
F ====== 289 or Below Points
Make-up Exam Policy: No make-up exams will be offered.
Class Policies and Methodology
Attendance: Attendance will be taken at each class meeting and is expected of each of you.
You earn points for attending and participating in class. See above.
Electronic Device Use: Please refrain from using any electronic device during class. If you must
make an emergency call, please step out of the classroom.
Email Policy: Papers need to be printed and turned into Professor. No papers will be accepted
through email. You may email the Professor for specific questions that cannot be handled during
office hours.
Equipment and Supplies: No special supplies and/or equipment to buy except for the textbook
used for our class. See above.
Professor’s Expectations: You will be expected to take a key role in your learning experience.
You will read the textbook, attend class, participate in discussions, write the research paper, and
take both the mid-term and final exam. Exams will be based on class discussions/lectures and
your reading assignments. If you miss class, please get information about covered material from
one of your colleagues in the class. Please do not write to me and ask me “Did I miss anything?”
Assume you missed something!
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Methods of Instruction: Lectures and Discussions based on textbook and class participation.
Unique Requirements of the Class: Your active participation in your learning experience by
sharing in class discussions and bringing current newsworthy issues into class.
Class Outline and Assignments: See below for reading assignments, dates for exams, and
dates for papers due.
College Policies:
ATTENDANCE REPORTING: Federal guidelines require that the faculty now report student
attendance. Students who have never attended class will be withdrawn prior to the withdrawal
date. If a student has attended class and wants to withdraw, they should do so before the
withdrawal deadline. If you have attended class but do not complete any assignments and stop,
you will receive a grade of F. If you complete an assignment and stop attending, you will receive a
grade of F.
ACADEMIC HONESTY: Each student is expected to do their own work. Cheating WILL NOT be
tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to, collaboration on exams and plagiarized papers. The
first incidence will result in a grade of zero for the assignment. A second occurrence will result in
a failing grade for the class, removal from the class and possible additional sanctions as
determined by the Dean of Students.
CLASS OUTLINE
Week 1 – Week of January 2
Class Does Not Meet
Week 2 – Week of January 9
Introduction: General Discussion
Week 3 – Week of January 16 – NO CLASS – Martin Luther King Day!
No Class
Celebrate Martin Luther King Day!
Week 4 – Week of January 23
Changing Boundaries of Criminology
Read Text, Chapter 1
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Week 5 – Week of January 30
Counting Crime and Measuring Criminal Behavior
Read Text, Chapter 2
Week 6 – Week of February 6
Schools of Thought Through-out History
Read Text, Chapter 3
Week 7 – Week of February 13
Biological and Psychological Perspectives
Read Text, Chapter 4
Week 8 – Week of February 20 – NO CLASS – Presidents Day!
No Class
Celebrate a U.S. President!
Week 9 – Week of February 27 – MID-TERM EXAM!
Mid-Term
Week 10 – Week of March 5
Strain and Cultural Deviance Theories
Read Text, Chapter 5
Week 11 – Week of March 12
The Formation of Subcultures
Read Text, Chapter 6
Week 12 – Week of March 19
Social Control Theory
Read Text, Chapter 7
Week 13 – Week of March 26
Labeling, Conflict, and Radical Theories
Read Text, Chapter 8
Week 14 – Week of April 2 – PAPERS DUE!
Environmental Theory
Read Text, Chapter 9
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Week 15 – Week of April 9
Violent Crime
Read Text, Chapter 10
Week 16 – Week of April 16 – Our Last Class!
Crimes Against Property
Read Text, Chapter 11
Week 17 – Week of April 23 –- FINAL EXAM!
Course Learning Objectives:
At the end of this course the student will be expected to:
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Describe and define crime and criminology
Explain the nature and extent of crime
Explain the factors affecting victims
Compare and Contrast various Biological and Psychological Theories of Crime
Compare and Contrast various Sociological Theories of Crime
Describe and explain the various types of violent crime, property crimes, white collar
crimes, corporate crime, and public order crime
School of Justice Learning Objectives:
1. DATA
a. Use data to support Criminal Justice Policy Development
2. CULTURE
a. Create strategies to examine Cultural Beliefs about Right and Wrong
3. ETHICS
a. Effects of Ethical Decisions on Professional Behavior
4. COMMUNICATION
a. Communicating differences about Crime Control and Due Process
5. LOGICAL REASONING
a. Use Logical Reasoning to Improve the Criminal Justice system
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Learning Outcomes:
This class will fulfill several of these learning outcomes.
As graduates of Miami Dade College, students will be able to:
1. Communicate effectively using listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
2. Use quantitative analytical skills to evaluate and process numerical data.
3. Solve problems using critical and creative thinking and scientific reasoning.
4. Formulate strategies to locate, evaluate, and apply information.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of diverse cultures, including global and historical perspectives.
6. Create strategies that can be used to fulfill personal, civic, and social responsibilities.
7. Demonstrate knowledge of ethical thinking and its application to issues in society.
8. Use computer and emerging technologies effectively.
9. Demonstrate an appreciation for aesthetics and creative activities.
10. Describe how natural systems function and recognize the impact of humans on the
environment.
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