SYLLABUS FOR CJSA 1312
Crime in America
Semester Hours Credit: 3
Lecture Hours: 48
Location: CTC Upper classroom
Course Dates/Days/Times:
24 Feb 2015 – 16 Apr 2015 Tu/Th 1800-2100
Instructor: Jessica Dunnigan
Office Hours: Available by appointment
Instructor Email: missjld85@gmail.com
Phone: 311-824-7793
INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY
My name is Jessica Dunnigan I am a Navy Reservist from Mobile, Al. I have been in the Navy
for 6 years as a Master at Arms and I drill in Pensacola, Fl. In my civilian job I work for the
Department of Homeland Security as a CBP agent and I currently hold a Master’s degree in
Criminal Justice. In the past I also worked as a substitute teacher part time and tutored adults
seeking their G.E.D at a local community college in my hometown. During my spare time in the
states I love to fish, ride my motorcycle, and spend time with my family.
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.
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.
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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 are viewable through
http://www.ctcd.edu/im/im_main.asp
Siegel, L. 2011. Criminology: The Core. 4th edition Mason, Oh:
Cengage Learning 2014.
ISBN: 9781305028357
B. References:
1. Adler, Freda, Gerhard Mueller, & William Laufer, Criminology and the
th
Criminal Justice System, 4 Ed, New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2001.
rd
2. Schmalleger, Frank, Criminology Today, 3 Ed, Upper Saddle River, NJ:
Pearson Prentice Hall, 2002.
th
3. Reid, Sue Titus, Crime and Criminology, 10 Ed, New York, NY: McGrawHill, 2003.
4. Siegel, Larry J., Criminology, 7th Ed, Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing,
2000.
th
5. Maxim, Paul & Paul Whitehead, Explaining Crime, 4 Ed, Woburn, MA:
Butterworth-Heinenmann, 1998
6. Palacios, Wilson, Paul Cromwell, & Roger Dunham, Crime & Justice in
nd
America, 2 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.
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.
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
Central Texas College (CTC) Course Catalog.
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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 or
projects 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/reading
materials 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.
B.
There will be a minimum of two major examinations and a written paper or project as
follows:
1.
Mid-term exam due on 26 Mar 2015
2.
Final exam due on 14 April 2015
3.
Term Paper and/or Term Project due on 7 April 2015
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.
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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:
EXAM
POINTS
Assignments & Quizzes
200
Mid-term Exam
250
Final exam
350
Participation
50
Term Paper/Term Project
150
-------------------------------------------TOTAL
1000
POINTS
900-1000
800- 899
700- 799
600- 699
0- 599
GRADES
A=4 pts/sem hr
B=3 pts/sem hr
C=2 pts/sem hr
D=1 pt/sem hr
F=0 pts/sem hr
.
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.
B. GoArmyEd students should contact their education counselor before withdrawing and
are required to withdraw through the GoArmyEd portal.
Please note: a military withdrawal does not override CTC’s grading policy.
For self-pay students, refunds are computed from the date the Application for
Withdrawal or Refund is filed with the CTC Field Representative or designated Student
Services 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
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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.
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 OUTLINE
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.
A.
Unit One: Chapter One: Crime and Criminology (24 Feb 2015)
1. Learning Objectives:
After mastering the content of this chapter, a student should be able to:
1. Explain the various elements of the criminological enterprise.
2. Differentiate between crime and deviance.
3. Discuss the three different views of the definition of crime.
4. Discuss the different purposes of the criminal law.
5. Describe the criminal justice process.
6. Identify the ethical issues in criminology.
2. Learning Activities:
a. Discuss course requirements and activities as contained in the syllabus
b. Classroom lecture/discussion
c. Reading assignment: Chapter 1
d. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
B.
Unit Two: Chapter Two: The Nature and Extent of Crime (26 Feb 2015)
1. LEARNING OBJECTIVES
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After mastering the content of this chapter, a student should be able to:
1. Discuss the various forms of crime data.
2. Analyze recent trends in the crime rate.
3. Be familiar with the factors that influence crime rates.
4. Identify the gender and racial patterns in crime.
5. Know what is meant by the term aging-out process.
6. Be familiar with the concept of chronic offending and know its causes.
2. Learning Activities:
a. Classroom lecture/discussion
b. Reading assignment: Chapter 2
c. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
C.
Unit Three: Chapter 3: Victims and Victimization (3 Mar 2015)
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 most dominant victim characteristics.
6. Be familiar with the most important theories of victimization.
2. Learning Activities:
a. Classroom lecture/discussion
b. Reading assignment: Chapter 3
c. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
D.
Unit Four: Chapter 4: Rational Choice Theory (5 Mar 2015)
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After mastering the content of this chapter, a student should be able to:
1. Describe the development of rational choice theory.
2. Explore the concepts of rational choice.
3. Explain what is meant by the term seductions of crime.
4. Discuss the elements of situational crime prevention.
5. Analyze the elements of general deterrence.
6. Discuss the basic concepts of specific deterrence.
2. Learning Activities:
a. Classroom lecture/discussion
b. Reading assignment: Chapter 4
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c. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
E.
Unit Five: Chapter 5: Trait Theory (5 Mar 2015)
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. Describe the link between genetics and crime, according to trait theory.
4. Discuss the elements of the psychodynamic perspective.
5. Show why behavior theory is linked to crime.
6. Understand the controversy surrounding the link between intelligence and
crime.
2. Learning activities:
a. Classroom lecture/discussion
b. Reading assignment: Chapter 5
c. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
F.
Unit Six: Chapter 6: Social Structure Theory (10 Mar 2015)
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After mastering the content of this chapter, a student should be able to:
1. Describe the association between social structure and crime.
2. Know the elements of social disorganization theory.
3. Be familiar with the views of Shaw and McKay.
4. Know the various elements of ecological theory.
5. Discuss the concept of strain.
6. List and compare the elements of cultural deviance theory.
2. Learning Activities:
a. Classroom lecture/discussion
b. Reading assignment: Chapter 6
c. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
G.
Unit Seven: Chapter 7: Social Process Theory (10 Mar 2015)
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After mastering the content of this chapter, a student should be able to:
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1. Be familiar with the concepts of social process and socialization.
2. Discuss the effect of family relationships on crime.
3. Understand how the educational setting influences crime.
4. Be aware of the link between peers and delinquency.
5. Contrast social learning, social control, and social reaction (labeling) theories.
6. Link social process theory to crime prevention efforts.
2. Learning Activities:
a. Classroom lecture/discussion
b. Reading assignment: Chapter 7
c. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
H.
Unit Eight: Chapter 8: Social Conflict, Critical Criminology, and Restorative Justice
(12 Mar 2015)
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After mastering the content of this chapter, a student should be able to:
1. Be familiar with the ideas that underpin critical criminology.
2. Link globalization to crime and criminality.
3. Define the concept of state (organized) crime.
4. Know the goals and findings of critical research.
5. Know some of the basic ideas of critical feminism
6. Discuss how restorative justice is related to peacemaking criminology.
2. Learning Activities:
a. Classroom lecture/discussion
b. Reading assignment: Chapter 8
c. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
I.
Unit Nine: Chapter 9: Developmental Theories: Life-Course, Propensity, and
Trajectory (12 Mar 2015)
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After mastering the content of this chapter, a student should be able to:
1. Trace the history of and influences on developmental theory.
2. Know the principles of the life course approach to developmental theory.
3. Explain the term problem behavior syndrome.
4. Articulate the principles of Sampson and Laub’s age-graded life course theory.
5. Be able to define the concept of the latent trait and assumptions of the general
theory of crime (GTC).
6. Know the principles of trajectory theory.
2. Learning Activities:
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a. Classroom lecture/discussion
b. Reading assignment: Chapter 9
c. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
J.
Unit Ten: Chapter 10: Violent Crime (17 Mar 2015)
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.
2. Learning Activities:
a. Classroom lecture/discussion
b. Reading assignment: Chapter 10
c. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
K.
Unit Eleven: Chapter 11: Political Crime and Terrorism (19 Mar 2015)
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After mastering the content of this chapter, a student should be able to:
1. Define the term political crime.
2. Identify the causes of political crime.
3. Compare espionage and treason.
4. Distinguish among terrorists, insurgents, guerrillas, and revolutionaries.
5. List and identify the various forms of terrorism.
6. Know the supposed causes of terrorism and what motivates the terrorist.
2. Learning Activities:
a. Classroom lecture/discussion
b. Reading assignment: Chapter 11
c. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
*Note* 24 March- Mid-term review
26 March- Mid-term
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L.
Unit Twelve and Thirteen: Chapter 12: Economic Crimes: Blue-Collar, WhiteCollar, and Green-Collar (31 Mar 2015)
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. Understand the various forms of shoplifting.
4. Know what is meant by the term Ponzi scheme.
5. Be familiar with the various forms of white-collar crime.
6. Discuss efforts to control white-collar and green-collar crime.
2. Learning Activities:
a. Classroom lecture/discussion
b. Reading assignment: Chapter 12
c. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
M.
Unit Fourteen: Chapter 13: Public Order Crimes (2 Apr 2015)
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After mastering the content of this chapter, a student should be able to:
1. Be familiar with the term social harm.
2. Discuss the activities of moral crusaders.
3. Be aware of the various forms of outlawed deviant sexuality.
4. Distinguish among the different types of prostitutes.
5. State the arguments for and against legalizing prostitution.
6. Discuss the causes of substance abuse.
2. Learning Activities:
a. Classroom lecture/discussion
b. Reading assignment: Chapter 13
c. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
N.
Unit Fifteen: Chapter 14: Crimes of the New Millennium: Cybercrime and
Transnational Organized Crime (7 Apr 2015)
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After mastering the content of this chapter, a student should be able to:
1. Be familiar with the concept of cybercrime and why it has become important.
2. Distinguish among cybertheft, cybervandalism, and cyberterrorism.
3. Know the various types of cybercrimes, such as computer frauds, illegal
copyright infringement, and identity theft.
4. Discuss efforts to control cybercrime.
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5. Trace the evolution of organized crime.
6. Be familiar with the activities of transnational organized crime.
2. Learning Activities:
a. Classroom lecture/discussion
b. Reading assignment: Chapter 14
c. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
*Note* Term paper due
O.
Unit Sixteen: (9 April)
1. Review for final exam
P.
Unit Seventeen (14 April)
1. Final exam
Q.
Unit Eighteen (16 April)
1. Class surveys
2. Distribute graded assignments
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