SYLLABUS FOR CJSA 1312 Crime in America - Europe

SYLLABUS FOR CJSA 1312

Crime in America

Semester Hours Credit: 3

Lecture Hours: 48

Course Dates: 01 Feb 2015 – 18 March 2015

Wednesdays and Sundays

18:00 – 21:30

Instructor: Teresa Greening

Class Location: Ed Center, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait

Office Hours: 08:00 to 17:00 Monday to Sunday

Instructor Email: teresa.m.greening.mil@mail.mil

Phone: DSN 318-430-4166; Cell 9944-6076

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE:

 I started as a Reserve Officer Program Cadet with San Bernardino Sheriff’s Office,

California for 1.5 years. Upon moving to North Carolina, I worked as a Patrol

Officer for the small town of Maysville Police Department for 9 months before moving to Craven County Sheriff’s Office as part of the Narcotics Unit. I worked as a Narcotics Investigator for the next several years before joining the Army. I have been a Medic in the Army for the past 11 years with deployments to both Iraq and

Afghanistan.

RELEVANT EDUCATION:

P.O.S.T. Certification - California

B.L.E.T. Certification – North Carolina

AS and BS in Criminology and Criminal Justice – Chaminade University of Honolulu

Completion of year one Masters of Jurisprudence – Concord School of Law, Kaplan

University

I. INTRODUCTION

A.

This course will introduce students to American crime problems in historical perspective, social and public policy factors affecting crime, impact and crime trends, social characteristics of specific crimes, and prevention of crime.

B.

This course is not chronologically dependent upon other Law Enforcement courses. It is a required course for the Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice degree program.

C.

This course is occupationally related and serves in preparation for careers in law enforcement, criminal justice, and corrections.

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D.

Prerequisite(s): (None)

II. LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this course, Crime in America, the student will be able to:

A. Explain the psychological, social, and economic impact of crime in society.

B. Identify characteristics of major crimes.

C. Discuss the impact on society and the prevention thereof.

D. List crimes by definition and classification according to major sub groupings.

E. Discuss the basic theoretical and behavioral models, as well as the historical development of laws and contributions of famous law givers.

F. Define selected terms vital to the understanding of the legal terminology which will be encountered in numerous Criminal Justice courses.

III. INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

A.

The instructional materials identified for this course: Siegel, Larry J. (2011).

Criminology: The Core , Central Texas College, 4th Ed, Cengage.

ISBN:9781111399818

B.

Resources:

1.

Adler, Freda, Gerhard Mueller, & William Laufer, Criminology and the Criminal

Justice System , 4th Ed, New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2001.

2.

Schmalleger, Frank, Criminology Today , 3rd Ed, Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson

Prentice Hall, 2002.

3.

Reid, Sue Titus, Crime and Criminology , 10th Ed, New York, NY: McGraw-Hill,

2003.

4.

Siegel, Larry J., Criminology , 7th Ed, Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing, 2000.

5.

Maxim, Paul & Paul Whitehead, Explaining Crime , 4th Ed, Woburn, MA:

Butterworth-Heinenmann, 1998

6.

Palacios, Wilson, Paul Cromwell, & Roger Dunham, Crime & Justice in America ,

2nd Ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2002.

7.

Black's Law Dictionary

8.

U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and latest Amendments

IV. COURSE REQUIREMENTS

A. Your first responsibility is scholarship. The grade you receive for this course will not be the grade of the instructor, but rather the grade you and you alone make.

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B. You should attend class regularly and be prepared to participate in classroom discussions and to take unannounced quizzes relating to text assignments and lecture material presented from the beginning of the course. Please refer to ‘Class

Attendance and Course Progress’ under the Academic Policies section in our current

CTC Course Catalog: http://www.ctcd.edu/academics/catalogs/catalog-continentalinternational/academic-policies/ .

C. You are encouraged to give your best effort throughout the course. From the beginning, you should plan for a steady, organized, and continuous effort, which in the long run will prove more effective for your final grade than a last minute crashcram policy. Your course grade is not determined solely by exam grade. Such factors as class participation, initiative, attendance, and individual research papers will be considered in grade computation.

D. From time to time, special library and/or outside assignments will be made to members of the class individually and/or in groups. You are expected to read all assignments and fulfill your responsibilities to any group assignment.

E. You are expected to read all assigned material and bring your textbook to class.

Keep informed on all assignments, especially after an absence.

F. Good class notes are indispensable for earning a good grade, since both the material assigned and that discussed in class will be the basis for examination material.

G. Scholastic Honesty: All students are required and expected to maintain the highest standards of scholastic honesty in the preparation of all coursework and during examinations. The following are considered examples of scholastic dishonesty:

Plagiarism: The taking of passages from the writing of others without giving proper credit to the sources.

Collusion: Using another’s work as one’s own, or working together with another person in the preparation of work, unless such joint preparation is specifically approved in advance by the instructor.

Cheating: Giving or receiving information on examinations.

H. Special Work: A term paper or other project, per requirements of the instructor, will be required. The subject must be appropriate for the course material. Check with the instructor when you have made a selection. The value is indicated in the semester grade computation and has considerable weight on your final average.

V. EXAMS

A. There will be a minimum of two major examinations and a written paper or project as follows:

1. Mid-term exam on 22 February 2015

2. Final exam on 18 March 2015

3. Paper due on 15 March 2015

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B. A student must be present for all examinations. Students who know in advance that they will be absent from an examination due to valid reasons must arrange to take an early examination. Unexpected absences due to illness or extenuating circumstances will require the student to see the instructor about individual make-up work.

C. Students without excused absences will be given a zero for the missed examination.

D. Examinations will consist of both objective (true/false, multiple choice, fill in-theblank, and matching) and subjective (short answer and essay) questions. Students must be able to communicate both orally and in written form, thus some questions requiring the composition and writing of an essay answer will be required.

VI. SEMESTER GRADE COMPUTATIONS

The final grade in this course will be based on the following:

In-class participation/attendance

Exams (4 exams)

Written assignments (6 assignments)

Research Paper

Midterm exam

Final exam

140 points

120 points

120 points

200 points

140 points

280 points

Total possible points: 1000 points

POINTS GRADES

900 - 1000 = A

800 - 899 = B

700 - 799 = C

600 – 699 = D less than 599 = F

A term paper or term project is expected from all students. The instructor may need to teach this the term paper concept during the course.

Students may vary in their competency levels on these abilities. You can expect to

acquire these educational abilities only if you honor all course policies, attend classes

regularly, and complete all assignment work in good faith and on time.

VII. NOTES AND ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FROM COURSE INSTRUCTOR

A.

Tuition refunds are made only in the case of class cancellation or official and timely withdrawal from CTC or from a course. Please refer to the current course catalog for more details, at http://europe.ctcd.edu/library/catalog.php

.

B.

GoArmyEd students should contact their education counselor before withdrawing and are required to withdraw through the GoArmyEd portal.

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Please note: a military withdrawal does not override CTC’s grading policy.

For selfpay students , refunds are computed from the date the Application for Withdrawal or

Refund is filed with the CTC Field Representative or designated StudentServices Officer.

Special conditions apply to students who receive federal, state, and/or institutional financial aid.

Tuition and fees paid directly to the Institution by the Veterans Administration, Title

IV (Financial Aid Programs, a sponsor, donor, or scholarship shall be refunded to the source rather than directly to the students.

C.

Course Withdrawals, Student Responsibilities:

It is the student’s responsibility to officially withdraw from a course. The instructor cannot initiate a withdrawal based upon a student’s request. Rather, students must initiate the withdrawal with the designated Education Center Representative, through the CTC Field Representative or the Student Services Officer for that region.

Applications for Withdrawal will be accepted at any time before the completion of 75% of the course, after which time the student will be assigned an “FN”- “Failure for Nonattendance.”

D.

Incomplete / Course in Progress Grade Policy:

An “IP” or “Incomplete” grade may be assigned by an instructor if a student has made satisfactory progress in a course with the exception of a major quiz, final exam, or other project. The “IP” grade may also be assigned based on circumstances beyond a student’s control, such as personal illness, death in the immediate family, or military orders. Notice of absences, with supporting documentation, may be required by the instructor. The instructor makes the final decision concerning the granting of the incomplete grade. With an “Incomplete” grade, students are required to complete a set amount of work before the instructor will submit an official letter grade. This date can be determined by the instructor but must be within 45 days of the course end date. After completion of the work the instructor can then change the grade of “IP” to the appropriate letter grade. If this work is not completed by the specified date the instructor will change the grade to “F.”

E.

Cellular phones, beepers, and other electronic devices will be turned off while the student is in the classroom or laboratory unless the student is using the device for class purposes. No texting or social networking is allowed during class.

F.

Instructor Discretion : The instructor reserves the right of final decision in course requirements.

G.

Civility : Individuals are expected to be cognizant of what a constructive educational experience is and respectful of those participating in a learning environment. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.

VIII. COURSE

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Note: The instructor has the right to change the course schedule. Any changes will be announced in class. If the student misses a class period and changes are announced, it is the student’s responsibility to receive the missed information from a classmate or the instructor.

FEBRUARY 01, 2015

A. Part One : Concepts of Crime, Law, and Criminology

Chapter One: Crime and Criminology

Chapter Two: The Nature and Extent of Crime

1.

Learning Objectives Chapter 1:

After mastering the content of this chapter, a student should be able to:

1. Understand what is meant by the field of criminology .

2. Be familiar with the various elements of the criminological enterprise.

3. Know the historical context of criminology.

4. Know the difference between crime and deviance.

5. Discuss the three different views of the definition of crime.

6. Know what is meant by the term criminal law .

7. Discuss the different purposes of the criminal law.

8. Trace the development of criminal law.

9. Describe the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor.

10. Be familiar with the ethical issues in criminology.

2.

Learning Objectives Chapter 2:

After mastering the content of this chapter, a student should be able to:

1. Be familiar with the various forms of crime data.

2. Know the problems associated with collecting data.

3. Be able to discuss recent trends in the crime rate.

4. Be familiar with the factors that influence crime rates.

5. Compare crime rates under different ecological conditions.

6. Be able to discuss the association between social class and crime.

7. Know what is meant by the term aging out process .

8. Recognize that there are gender and racial patterns in crime.

9. Be familiar with Wolfgang, Figlio, and Sellin’s pioneering research on chronic offending.

10. Know what causes chronicity.

3. Learning Activities: a. Discuss course requirements and activities as contained in the syllabus b. Classroom lecture/discussion c. Reading assignment: Chapter 1 and 2 d. Assignment One

FEBRUARY 04, 2015

B.

Part One: Concepts of Crime, Law, and Criminology

Chapter 3: Victims and Victimization

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1.

Learning Objectives:

After mastering the content of this chapter, a student should be able to:

1. Describe the victim’s role in the crime process.

2. Know the greatest problems faced by crime victims.

3. Know what is meant by the term cycle of violence .

4. Be familiar with the ecology of victimization risk.

5. Describe the victim’s household.

6. Describe the most dominant victim characteristics.

7. Be familiar with concept of repeat victimization.

8. Be familiar with the most important theories of victimization.

9. Discuss programs dedicated to caring for the victim.

10. Be familiar with the concept of victims’ rights.

2. Learning Activities: a. Classroom lecture/discussion b. Reading assignment: Chapter 3 c. Assignment One Due

FEBRUARY 08, 2015

C.

Part Two: Theories of Crime Causation

Chapter 4: Choice Theory: Because They Want To

1.

Learning Objectives:

After mastering the content of this chapter, a student should be able to:

1. Describe the development of rational choice theory.

2. Describe the concepts of rational choice.

3. Discuss how offenders structure criminality.

4. Describe how criminals structure crime.

5. Be acquainted with the evidence suggesting that crime is rational.

6. Know what is meant by the term seductions of crime .

7. Discuss the elements of situational crime prevention.

8. Be familiar with the elements of general deterrence.

9. Discuss the basic concepts of specific deterrence.

10. Understand the pros and cons of applying an incapacitation strategy to reduce crime.

2. Learning Activities: a. Classroom lecture/discussion b. Reading assignment: Chapter 4 c. Assignment Two d. Exam One – Chapters 1 to 3

FEBRUARY 11, 2015

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D.

Part Two: Theories of Crime Causation

Chapter 5: Trait Theory

1.

Learning Objectives:

After mastering the content of this chapter, a student should be able to:

1. Be familiar with the development of trait theory.

2. Discuss some of the biochemical conditions that have been associated with crime.

3. Understand the linkage between aggression and neurophysiological makeup.

4. Link genetics to crime.

5. Explain the evolutionary view of crime.

6. Discuss the elements of the psychodynamic perspective.

7. Link behavior theory to crime.

8. Show why aggressive behavior may reflect cognitive processes.

9. Discuss the elements of personality that are related to crime.

10. Be aware of the controversy over the association between intelligence and crime.

11. Discuss the association between mental disorders and crime.

2. Learning activities: a. Classroom lecture/discussion b. Reading assignment: Chapter 5 c. Assignment Two Due

FEBRUARY 15, 2015

E.

Part Two: Theories of Crime Causation

Chapter 6: Social Structure Theory

1.

Learning Objectives:

After mastering the content of this chapter, a student should be able to:

1. Be familiar with the different elements of the U.S. social structure.

2. Describe the association between social structure and crime.

3. Know the elements of social disorganization theory.

4. Be familiar with the views of Shaw and McKay.

5. Know the various elements of ecological theory.

6. Be able to discuss the association between collective efficacy and crime.

7. Discuss the concept of strain.

8. Know what is meant by the term anomie .

9. Discuss the concept of negative affective states.

10. Discuss the elements of cultural deviance theory.

2. Learning Activities: a. Classroom lecture/discussion b. Reading assignment: Chapter 6 c. Assignment Three

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FEBRUARY 18, 2015

F.

Part Two: Theories of Crime Causation

Chapter 7: Social Process Theories

1.

Learning Objectives:

After mastering the content of this chapter, a student should be able to:

1. Be familiar with the concepts of social process and socialization.

2. Be able to discuss the differences among social learning theory, social control theory, and social reaction (labeling) theory.

3. Discuss the effect of family relationships on crime.

4. Understand how the educational setting influences crime.

5. Be aware of the link between peers and delinquency.

6. Be familiar with the association between beliefs and criminality.

7. Discuss the main types of social learning theory.

8. Be familiar with the principles of social control theory

9. Know the basic elements of social reaction (labeling) theory.

10. Link social process theory to crime prevention efforts.

2. Learning Activities: a. Classroom lecture/discussion b. Reading assignment: Chapter 7 c. Assignment Three Due d. Exam Two – Chapters 4 to 6

FEBRUARY 22, 2015

G. Part Two: Theories of Crime Causation

Chapter 8: Social Conflict and Critical Criminology

1.

Learning Objectives:

After mastering the content of this chapter, a student should be able to:

1. Be familiar with the concept of social conflict and with how it shapes behavior.

2. Be able to discuss elements of conflict in the criminal justice system.

3. Be familiar with the basic ideas of critical criminology.

4. Define the concept of state (organized) crime.

5. Be able to discuss the difference between structural theory and instrumental theory.

6. Know the various techniques of critical research.

7. Be familiar with the critiques of critical criminology.

8. Know some of the basic ideas of critical feminism.

9. Explain the concept of left realism.

10. Discuss peacemaking criminology and restorative justice.

2. Learning Activities:

CJSA 1312 a. Classroom lecture/discussion b. Reading assignment: Chapter 8

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c. Assignment Four d. Mid-Term Exam (Chapters 1 through 7)

FEBRUARY 25, 2015

H.

Part Two: Theories of Crime Causation

Chapter 9: Developmental Theories: Life-Course and Latent Trait

1.

Learning Objectives:

After mastering the content of this chapter, a student should be able to:

1. Discuss the history of developmental theory.

2. Distinguish between the life-course theory and the latent trait theory.

3. Be familiar with the principles of the life-course theory.

4. Explain the term problem behavior syndrome .

5. Be aware that there are different pathways to crime.

6. Discuss why age of onset is an important factor in crime.

7. Know the basic principles of Sampson and Laub’s Age-Graded Theory.

8. Define the term latent trait .

9. Be familiar with Wilson and Herrnstein’s views on crime and human nature.

10. Understand the basic principles of the General Theory of Crime.

2. Learning Activities: a. Classroom lecture/discussion b. Reading assignment: Chapter 9 c. Assignment Four Due

MARCH 01, 2015

I.

Part Three: Crime Typologies

Chapter 10: Violent Crime: Personal and Political

1.

Learning Objectives:

After mastering the content of this chapter, a student should be able to:

1. Be familiar with the various causes of violent crime.

2. Define rape and be familiar with why men commit rape.

3. Discuss the issues involving rape and the law.

4. Recognize that there are different types of murder.

5. Understand the nature and patterns of robbery.

6. Be able to discuss newly emerging forms of violence, such as stalking, hate crimes, and workplace violence.

7. Distinguish among terrorist, guerillas, insurgents, and revolutionaries.

8. Distinguish among the different forms that terrorism takes.

9. Discuss the motivation of terrorists.

10. Know about the various agencies that have been created or modified to fight terrorism and other forms of political violence.

2. Learning Activities:

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a. Classroom lecture/discussion b. Reading assignment: Chapter 10 c. Assignment Five d. Exam Three

MARCH 04, 2015

– Chapters 7 to 9

J.

Part Three: Crime Typologies

Chapter 11: Property Crimes

1.

Learning Objectives:

After mastering the content of this chapter, a student should be able to:

1. Be familiar with the history of theft offenses.

2. Recognize the differences between professional and amateur thieves.

3. Know the similarities and differences between petty and grand larceny.

4. Understand the various forms of shoplifting.

5. Differentiate between fraud and embezzlement.

6. Compare the activities of professional and amateur car thieves.

7. Understand what it means to burgle a home.

8. Know what it takes to be a good burglar .

9. Distinguish between the activities of male and female burglars.

10. Discuss why people commit arson for profit.

2. Learning Activities: a. Classroom lecture/discussion b. Reading assignment: Chapter 11 c. Assignment Five Due

MARCH 08, 2015

K.

Part Three: Crime Typologies

Chapter 12: Enterprise Crime: White-Collar, Cyber Crime, and Organized Crime

1.

Learning Objectives:

After mastering the content of this chapter, a student should be able to:

1. Know what is meant by the term enterprise crime .

2. Be familiar with the various forms of white-collar crime.

3. Be aware of the causes that contribute to white-collar crime.

4. Discuss the special problems posed by cyber crime.

5. Be familiar with the different forms of cyber crime.

6. Discuss how the Internet is used for distributing obscene material.

7. Be familiar with the various forms of Internet-based copyright infringement violations.

8. Discuss the concept of identity theft.

9. Be aware of the various forms of cyber vandalism.

10. Discuss how the makeup of organized crime has evolved.

2. Learning Activities:

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a. Classroom lecture/discussion b. Reading assignment: Chapter 12 c. Assignment Six

MARCH 11, 2015

L.

Part Three: Crime Typologies

Chapter 13: Public Order Crimes

1.

Learning Objectives:

After mastering the content of this chapter, a student should be able to:

1. Understand the association between law and morality.

2. Be familiar with the term social harm .

3. Discuss the activities of moral crusaders.

4. Be aware of the various forms of outlawed deviant sexuality.

5. Discuss the history of prostitution and indicate what the term means today.

6. Distinguish among the different types of prostitutes.

7. State the arguments for and against legalizing prostitution.

8. Explan what the terms pornography and obscenity mean.

9. Discuss the causes of substance abuse.

10. Compare and contrast the different methods of controlling the abuse of drugs.

2. Learning Activities: a. Classroom lecture/discussion b. Reading assignment: Chapter 13 c. Assignment Six Due d. Exam Four – Chapters 10 to 12

MARCH 15, 2015

M.

Part Four: Chapter 14: The Criminal Justice System

1.

Learning Objectives:

After mastering the content of this chapter, a student should be able to:

1. Discuss the formation of the criminal justice system.

2. Discuss the role of police and law enforcement.

3. Be familiar with the structure and function of the criminal court system.

4. Be familiar with the various elements of institutions of the correctional system.

5. Understand the size and scope of the contemporary justice system.

6. Trace the formal criminal justice process.

7. Know what is meant by the term criminal justice assembly line .

8. Discuss the role of discretion in the criminal justice system.

9. Understand the role of law in the criminal justice system.

10. Be familiar with the various perspectives on justice.

2. Learning Activities:

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a. Classroom lecture/discussion b. Reading assignment: Chapter 14 c. Review for Final Exam d. Course Paper Final Due Date e. Final date for all assignment turn in (to include point deduction for late work)

MARCH 18, 2015

N.

FINAL CLASS DATE:

1. Review for final exam

2. Final exam

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