CCJ 3666 SYLLABUS
VICTIMOLOGY
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Victimology
CCJ 3666
Monday and Wednesday, 11:15 AM – 12:30 PM
Spring, 2013
3 Credit Hours
728394
9210
Instructor Information:
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Dr. Caryn Horwitz, Assistant Professor
School of Justice
Office: 9114
Office Hours: Mon: 7:00 AM – 8:10 AM, 11:05 AM – 11:15 AM, 12:40 PM – 2:30 PM
Office Hours: Mon: 4:10 PM – 5:40 PM
Office Hours: Tues: 10:00 AM – 2:20 PM
Office Hours: Wed: 7:00 AM – 8:10 AM, 11:05 AM – 11:15 AM, 12:40 PM – 2:20 PM
Office Hours: Also by Appointment
Phone: 305-237-1731
Email: chorwitz@mdc.edu
Course Description:
This course is a comprehensive study of victimization; analysis of contemporary victim-assistance
and victim compensation programs and related research; review of the historical importance of
victim restitution as a basis for punitive criminal law. Prerequisite: CCJ 1191.
Textbook:
Crime Victims: An Introduction to Victimology, 8th Edition
Author: Andrew Karmen
Publisher: Wadsworth/Cengage Learning
ISBN: 978-1-133-04972-2
Welcome to Class
Thank you for registering for this class. I look forward to having you join our adventure in
discovering victimology. After this class, I hope you end up with more questions to ask about the
world around us, in general and victimology, in particular. Students often want to know a little bit
about their teacher so here is some information I thought might interest you.
I was born and raised in New Jersey, but since I went away to college at the age of 17, I have
lived in many different states: California, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, and now Florida!
I have lived in many major cities: Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and
now Miami. I have visited and spent time in almost all major American cities except I have never
visited any cities in Alaska or Hawaii. I have also visited many cities in Canada, various European
countries, and Egypt. I just came to Florida about two years ago, so I still have a lot to discover
about the Sunshine State.
I have four college degrees: B.A. in History from the University of Pennsylvania, M.A. in Criminal
Justice from State University of New York, Albany, M.Phil. in Criminology from University of
Cambridge, England, and Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Delaware. Obviously I love
school, and am a strong believer in getting a college education and beyond.
I have always been interested in Crime and Social Justice. Ever since I watched “Perry Mason”
on TV when I was five years old and saw “To Kill A Mockingbird” when I was also a youngster, my
fascination and curiosity never stopped. When I was younger, I thought perhaps I would be a
lawyer and /or a police officer. But since there were few models for women as police, I always
thought I would end up as a lawyer. Also, I was too much of a chicken to actually be a police
officer. But I also hated the formality of the courtroom so I did not think lawyering would suit me
best, either. Then somehow along the way in college, I discovered you could actually study
Criminology as a discipline and realized that is where I wanted to put my energy and career. I
also realized how much I loved being involved in a college community. And then my moment
came together: I could become a college professor of crime and justice. And luckily I am here
now in this class with you doing exactly what I love doing!
Class Requirements
Assignments: You will be required to take two in-class exams. Additionally, you will participate
in one group power point presentation based on a research topic approved by your professor.
You will also write a research paper based on your research topic. You will also be required to
participate in all class discussions. You will be expected to read weekly and daily newspapers
and magazines, and be prepared to bring any interesting issues into class. We will discuss group
presentation and writing requirements in class.
Late Assignment Policy: No late presentations can be done nor will late papers be accepted.
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Grading Scale and Policy: You can earn up to 500 points in this class.
Midterm Exam ==================================== 100 Points
Final Exam ======================================= 150 Points
Group Presentation ================================== 90 Points
Research Paper ==================================== 100 Points
Class Attendance and Participation ====================== 60 Points You can earn 2
points for each class meeting. Arrivals 10 minutes after start time and/or departures before the
class ends will only earn you a maximum of 1 point for that class meeting. Please see below for
electronic device use policy. If I need to ask you to put away your electronic device, you will only
earn a maximum of 1 point for that class meeting. Thus, you have the potential of getting 0 to 2
points per class meeting even if you are partially in attendance. For example, if you arrive late
and I need to ask you to put away your phone, you will earn NO points for that class meeting.
Please keep track of your attendance (including late arrivals, early departures, and “caught by
professor” electronic use violations).
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: Copies of papers and presentations need to be printed and turned into professor.
You may email the professor for specific questions that cannot be handled before and/or after
class. Also please note the office hours, and visit the professor as often as you want during these
hours for specific questions, help with the course, and/or discussion about future education and
career plans.
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, research your topic for your
presentation and participate with your group in the making and presenting of the material, write
your 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 then
stop attending, you will receive a grade of F. If you complete an assignment and stop attending,
you will receive a grade of F.
ACADEMIC HONESTY: You are expected to do your own work. Cheating WILL NOT be
tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to, collaboration on exams or quizzes 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.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The course outline below is subject to change by the professor.
CLASS OUTLINE
Week 1 – Week of January 7
Introduction: General Discussion
Week 2 – Week of Januray 14
What is Victimology?
Read Text, Chapter 1
Week 3 – Week of January 21
The Rediscovery of Crime Victims
Read Text, Chapter 2
Week 4 – Week of January 28
Special Focus: Victims of Hate
Read Special Articles assigned by Professor
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Week 5 – Week of February 4
Victimization in the United States: An Overview
Read Text, Chapter 3
Week 6 – Week of February 11
Violent Crimes: Murders and Robberies
Read Text, Chapter 4
Week 7 – Week of February 18
Victim Blaming vs. Victims Defending
Read Text, Chapter 5
Week 8 – Week February 25
Victims and the Criminal Justice System: The Police
Read Text, Chapter 6
Week 9 – Week of March 4 - MID-TERM on Wednesday
The Police: Continued
General Discussion and Prepare for Mid-Term
Week 10 – Week of March 11
Victims and the Criminal Justice System: Courts and Corrections
Read Text, Chapter 7
Week 11 – Week of March 18
Victimized Children
Read Text, Chapter 8
Week 12 – Week of March 25
Victims of Violence by Lovers and Family Members
Read Text, Chapter 9
GROUP PRESENTATIONS – ALL Copies of Presentations Due on Wednesday
Week 13 – Week of April 1
Victims of Rapes and Other Sexual Assaults
Read Text, Chapter 10
GROUP PRESENTATIONS
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Week 14 – Week of April 8
Other Groups of Victims and Special Problems
Read Text, Chapter 11
GROUP PRESENTATIONS
Week 15 – Week of April 15
Repaying Victims
Read Text, Chapter 12
GROUP PRESENTATIONS
Week 16 – Week of April 22 – Our Last Classes!
Victims in the Twenty-First Century: Alternative Directions
Read Text, Chapter 13
Week 17 – Week of April 29 –- FINAL EXAM
Course Competencies:
Competency 1: The student will analyze the principles of the theories of victimology by:
a. defining victimology
b. researching past and current research on victimology
c. comparing and contrasting the differences between victimology and criminology
d. defining victim assistance and compensation programs
Competency 2: The student will analyze crime data sources by:
a. reviewing the Uniform Crime Report to determine patterns of victimization
b. researching Self Reports
c. reviewing the National Victimization Survey for limitations
d. describing patterns of victimization
Competency 3: The student will be able to explore the effects of fear and violent
victimization by:
a. explaining the affective consequences of violent crime
b. defining the behavioral consequences of violent crime
c. explaining the cognitive consequences of violent crime
d. identifying the impact on secondary and tertiary crime victims
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Competency 4: The student will be able to apply laws to the study of victimization by:
a. recognizing similarities, in relationship to regulations, standards and policies
b. citing examples of compliance and non-compliance in regards to violence in the workplace,
domestic violence, date stalking/rape, and school violence
c. identifying victim defenses in court
d. defining Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Competency 5: The students will be able to discuss victimology from a theoretical
perspective by:
a. defining the research of Mendelsohn
b. explaining Luckenbill’s Situated Transaction Model
c. analyzing the research of Von Hentig
d. evaluating the research of Cohen and Folson Routine Activities Theory
Competency 6: The student will be able to analyze the criminal justice response to crime
by:
a. defining the acronym S.A.U.C.E.R. and its socio-demographic characteristics
b. analyzing the roles and responsibilities of law enforcement as “first responders”
c. comparing the role and responsibility of the courts and the judiciary
d. debating the role and responsibility of probation, corrections and parole
Competency 7: The student will be able to synthesize victim legislation by:
a. reviewing the Victim and Witness Protection Act
b. defining the Victim’s Crime Act
c. debating the Victims Right and Restitution Act of 1992
d. reviewing the Violence Against Women Act of 1991
Competency 8: The student will be able to describe intimate violence by:
a. discussing domestic violence
b. comparing and contrasting stalking and cyberstalking
c. identifying elder and child abuse
d. citing examples of school violence
Competency 9: The student will be able to describe “stranger” violence by:
a. discussing psychopharmacological incidents
b. identifying gun availability as a contributing factor
c. analyzing the Southern Hypothesis
d. profiling characteristics of strangers in robbery, burglary, carjacking and homicide
Competency 10: The student will be able to understand the importance of crime prevention
and protection principles by:
a. identifying victims’ rights
b. identifying psychological, social, financial, and medical needs of victims
c. reviewing prevention strategies of re-victimization
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Student Learning Outcomes:
The School of Justice, Academic Programs will focus on the following Student Centered Learning
Outcomes as a measure of student and program success:
1.
DATA
a. Use data to support the varying types and amounts of victimization in our society
2.
CULTURE
a. Create strategies to examine proper criminal justice responses to victims
3.
ETHICS
a. Effects of programs to help victims
4.
COMMUNICATION
a. Communicating differences about the reasons of victimization and the varying
responses of the criminal justice system
5.
LOGICAL REASONING
a. Use logical reasoning to explain the impact of victimization on society
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