CRJ 270 – C01
INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINOLOGY
Course Syllabus - Fall 2010 Semester
Revised: 8/20/2010
Revised by: Bob Morin
Number of Credits: 3
Transfers to institutions within NSHE as CRJ 270
Prerequisites: None
Students who complete a degree or certificate of achievement at WNC are expected to
demonstrate they:
1. have college-level skills in reading, writing, and oral communication appropriate to
their degree and/or emphasis.
2. have problem solving, creative, and critical thinking skills.
3. understand and apply social science principles, including an appreciation of
participation in civic affairs.
I.
INSTRUCTOR CONTACT AND COURSE INFORMATION.
Professor Bob Morin, J.D., Ph.D.
Office: Bristlecone Building, Room 350A
Phone: 775-445-4401
Fax: 775-445-3141
Email: rpmorin@wnc.edu
OFFICE HOURS:
Tuesday:
12:00 NOON to 1:00 P.M.
2:30 P.M. to 3:30 P.M.
Wednesday: 12:30 P.M. to 1:30 P.M.
Thursday: 12:00 NOON to 1:00 P.M.
and other times by appointment.
DIVISION CHAIR INFORMATION
Professor Bob Morin
Office: Bristlecone Building, Room 350A
Phone: 775-445-4401
Fax: 775-445-3141
Email: rpmorin@wnc.edu
COURSE INFORMATION:
9:30 A.M. to 10:45 A.M.
Monday and Wednesday
Bristlecone 346
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FALL 2010 SEMESTER
SYLLABUS
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II. COURSE DESCRIPTION.
Criminal Justice 270 (CRJ 270), Introduction To Criminology, examines how society
interacts with crime and delinquency through the use of the criminal justice system.
Studies effective interaction and communication between the general public and members
of the criminal justice system. Emphasizes the understanding of criminal behavior from a
sociological and psychological perspective.
III. COURSE OBJECTIVES OR OUTCOMES.
Upon successful completion of this course the student shall have an understanding of
criminal behavior from a sociological and psychological perspective with specific
attention to how society interacts with crime and delinquency through the use of the
criminal justice system. Course objectives include:
1. Developing college-level skills in reading, writing, and oral communication
appropriate to their degree and/or emphasis.
2. Developing problem solving, creative, and critical thinking skills.
3. Understanding and applying social science principles, including an appreciation
of participation in civic affairs.
IV. GRADING POLICY AND PROCEDURES.
1. Letter Grading And Definitions.
The Instructor shall employ the standard letter grading symbol system, as defined below
herein, in determining final grades for the semester.
A = Superior Work
A level of achievement so outstanding that it is normally attained by relatively few
students.
B = Above Average Work
A high level of achievement clearly better than average competence in the subject
matter/skill, but not as good as the unusual, superior achievement of students
earning an “A”.
C = Average Work
A level of achievement indicating average competence in the subject matter/skill.
This level will usually be met by a majority of students in the class.
D = Below Average Work
A level of achievement which meets the minimum requirements of the course.
F = Failure Work
A level of achievement that fails to meet the minimum requirements of the course.
Not passing.
The Instructor shall employ the plus (+) and minus (-) modifiers regarding the standard
letter grading symbol system.
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2. Cumulative Point Grading Scale.
Final grades for the semester, wherein the instructor shall employ the plus (+) and minus
(-) grading system, shall be based upon the following scale of cumulative points.
740 to 800 points = A
480 to 499 points = D
680 to 739 points = A0 to 479 points = F
654 to 679 points = B+
627 to 653 points = B
600 to 626 points = B573 to 599 points = C+
547 to 572 points = C
520 to 546 points = C500 to 519 points = D+
3. Student Evaluation And Grade Point Opportunities.
Final grades for the semester are based upon announced quizzes, examinations and
assignments. Final grades for the semester, in accordance with the above stated grading
scale, are earned and based upon cumulative points, which are calculated in the following
manner.
Announced Quizzes
100 points
Examination #1
167 points*
Examination #2
167 points*
Examination #3
167 points*
Examination #4
167 points*
Research Paper Assignment
200 points
Total Possible Points
800 Points
* NOTE: The lowest grade of the first three examination grades shall be dropped.
4. Extra Credit Grade Point Opportunity.
Each student shall be given the opportunity to earn extra credit points, which means
additional grade points, by demonstrating the incentive and desire to complete nonrequired, additional academic work. A total of 10 extra credit points will be available
during the semester. Please be advised that the extra credit grade point opportunity does
not constitute required course work. Extra credit points earned by a student shall be
added to the regular student assignment, examination and quiz points earned by the
student throughout the semester, which may enable the student to earn an enhanced or
higher final grade for this course for the semester in accordance with the above stated
grading scale. There is absolutely no penalty attached, either directly or indirectly, in the
event a student elects not to take advantage of the extra credit grade point opportunity.
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V. REQUIRED MATERIALS.
TEXT: Schmalleger, Frank 2009. Criminology Today: An Integrative
Introduction. (5th Ed.) Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson
Prentice Hall.
1. Library Reserve And Supplemental Materials.
The Instructor may place materials on reserve in the library which constitute additional,
required readings for this course. The Instructor may hand out a supplemental reading
and assignment list and/or an outline which constitute additional, required readings for
this course.
VI. COURSE OUTLINE.
The Crime Picture
1. What Is Criminology?
2. Patterns Of Crime.
3. Where Do Theories Come From?
Crime Causation
4. Classical And Neoclassical Thought.
5. Biological Roots Of Criminal Behavior.
6. Psychological And Psychiatric Foundations Of Criminal
Behavior.
Crime Causation Revisited
7. Social Structure Theories.
8. Theories Of Social Process And Social Development.
9. Social Conflict Theories.
Crime In The Modern World
10. Crimes Against Persons.
11. Crimes Against Property.
12. White Collar And Organized Crime.
13. Public Order And Drug Crimes.
14. Technology And Crime.
15. Globalization And Terrorism.
16. Future Directions.
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VII. QUIZZES AND EXAMINATIONS.
1. Announced Quizzes.
Six (6) announced quizzes shall be held throughout the semester. Quizzes may entail a
combination of testing techniques, including but not limited to (1) matching questions,
(2) true and false questions, (3) multiple choice questions, (4) short answer questions.
Announced quizzes shall cover assigned readings and materials. Each quiz shall be
worth 20 points and the lowest quiz grade of the six (6) quizzes shall be dropped.
2. Examinations.
A total of four (4) examinations shall be held throughout the semester. Examinations
may entail a combination of testing techniques, including but not limited to (1) matching
questions, (2) true and false questions, (3) multiple choice questions, (4) short answer
questions, (5) essay questions, and (6) take home essay questions. Examinations shall
cover all assigned readings, materials, and topics covered up to the date of the
examination. The lowest grade of the first three examination grades shall be dropped.
3. Rules And Procedures.
The following rules and procedures shall be applicable to all quizzes and examinations.
a. All classroom quizzes and examinations shall be closed book and materials quizzes
and examinations. Students shall not be allowed to use or consult any books or
materials of any kind or in any manner.
b. Students shall not bring into the classroom on the designated dates of examinations
any books or materials of any kind other than paper, pens, and pencils.
c. It shall be the sole responsibility of each student to be present on the designated date
and at the designated time for each examination.
d. No quizzes or examinations shall be taken either early or late.
e. No so-called “makeup quizzes” or “makeup examinations” shall be available.
f. In the event a student arrives late for a quiz or an examination, no additional time
shall be allowed for the student to complete the quiz or examination.
g. In the event a student fails to be present for a quiz or an examination, the grade
points assigned for the missed quiz or examination shall be zero (0).
h. In the event a student fails to answer a quiz or an examination question, the points
assigned for the missed question shall be zero (0).
i. The unauthorized use of any books or materials, in any form or manner, during
quizzes and examinations shall constitute cheating.
VIII. WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS.
1. Research Paper Assignment.
Course work shall require that each student complete a research paper assignment. A
handout document shall be provided to each student outlining the specific requirements
and details of the research paper assignment.
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IX. STUDENT PREPARATION, ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION.
1. Methods Of Instruction.
This course shall be conducted in a quasi lecture – seminar format. Each student shall be
required to read all assigned materials in advance of class sessions, be prepared for each
class session, and participate in class discussions. Audio-visual presentations and small
group exercises may be included in the course format.
2. Student Preparation.
In order for a student to achieve a level of performance in this course which shall be
considered as adequate work or better, the student should dedicate three (3) hours of
work outside of the classroom for each hour spent inside the classroom. This is the
expectation level established by the Instructor in the construction of the curriculum for
this course and constitutes a general rule of thumb; therefore, some students may need to
dedicate more time and other students may need to dedicate less time in preparing for this
course. The following procedures should assist a student in preparing for class
discussions and examinations.
a. Read the assigned chapter and materials for the first time prior to class discussion.
b. Read the assigned chapter and materials for a second time prior to class discussion
and write reading outline notes (a study guide) which set forth key terms, points,
theories, and concepts.
c. Attend class sessions and take good class session notes.
d. Read the assigned chapter and materials for a third time after class discussion and
supplement/revise your written reading outline notes in light of the content of the
class discussion and your class session notes.
e. Your reading outline notes and your class session notes, when combined, should
constitute an adequate study guide for this course.
f. Review your reading outline notes and your class session notes in preparation for
examinations.
3. Student Attendance.
Class attendance is expected and the Instructor shall take roll at each class session. Roll
shall be taken at each class session by virtue of a roll sheet that shall be available for
student signature. It is the sole responsibility of each student to sign the roll sheet at each
class session. The Instructor strongly recommends that each student attend all class
sessions. Please be advised that no distinction is made between “excused” absences and
“unexcused” absences. It shall be extremely difficult to earn an adequate or better final
grade in this course for the semester without regular class attendance.
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4. Student Participation.
All students shall participate in class discussions. An often-overlooked aspect of class
participation is thinking. Students shall be required to think. Higher education entails the
development of thinking and discussion interaction abilities. Student questions and
comments are an expectation and shall be entertained throughout each class session.
Your Instructor adheres to the philosophy that there is no such thing as a “stupid
question”. However, your Instructor is not sympathetic when it comes to “ignorant
questions”, those questions asked when it is obvious that a student has not completed the
assigned readings in advance of a class session discussion.
5. Effect Of Student Attendance And Participation.
Students shall not receive grade points per se for class attendance and participation. The
Instructor shall consider, as deciding factors, a student’s attendance and participation
when calculating the final grade for the semester. EXAMPLE: A student has earned a
total of 597 grade points for this course for the semester. The final grade scale provides
that this student shall receive a final grade of “C+”. In the event the student had
satisfactory levels of attendance (90% and above attendance) and participation, the
student would receive 10 additional grade points. The student would have 597 grade
points plus 10 additional grade points, resulting in a total of 607 grade points for this
course for the semester and the student would receive a final grade of “B-“ for this course
for the semester. In the event the student had unsatisfactory levels of attendance and
participation, the student would receive 0 additional grade points and would receive a
final grade of “C+” for this course for the semester.
X. STUDENT CONDUCT AND RESPONSIBILITY.
1. Academic Integrity And Student Conduct.
Student conduct shall conform to the standards of conduct as set forth in the Western
Nevada College 2010-2011 Catalog. Cheating in any form or manner shall result in an
automatic grade of “F” for this course for this semester.
2. Course Enrollment, Drops And Withdrawals.
Official and complete enrollment in this course is the sole responsibility of the student.
In the event a student is not listed on the official class roster for this course, the student
shall not attend class sessions. An official and effective drop or withdrawal regarding
this course is the sole responsibility of the student.
3. Grade Of Incomplete.
The Instructor shall not employ the use of and shall not issue the grade of “I”, a grade of
incomplete, in this course.
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XI. MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS AND CONCERNS.
1. Disability Policy.
In accordance with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and
other applicable statutory provisions, as a student with a disability you have the right to
request needed accommodations. If you have a disability for which you will need to
request accommodations, please contact the Disability Support Services office
(Bristlecone Building, Room 103) as soon as possible to arrange for appropriate
accommodations.
2. Instructor – Student Conferences.
Each student shall attend a mandatory conference with the Instructor. Attendance at the
mandatory conference shall result in the student receiving 5 points of extra credit for the
conference. The Instructor shall be available to consult with and assist students on the
following basis:
a. Prior to the start of a class session.
b. At the conclusion of a class session.
c. During posted office hours and by appointment.
3. “Real Life” Course Application.
This course shall entail class discussion utilizing practical, current, real life issues. Class
discussions shall emphasize practical examples intended to clarify and reinforce the
theories and concepts contained in the assigned readings and materials. Accordingly, the
Instructor strongly encourages each student to read newspapers, popular magazines, and
to follow the radio and/or television news on a daily basis. What a student is taught and
what a student learns should have real life and real world application. The bottom line
here is simple; this course relates to and involves the “real world”.
4. Social Science.
In the event one is of the view that this course entails a fair amount of work, that view is
correct. The fields of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences are very broad, complex, and
highly interesting. In this course the student shall also be exposed to elements and
concepts which are traditionally considered to be the domain of History, Sociology,
Political Science, Philosophy, Psychology, and Economics. A considerable amount of
overlap exists in the general area of Social Science.
5. Email and Telephone Policy.
The Instructor is available for contact via email and telephone. The Instructor shall not
address via email or telephone matters relating to grades, points or student confidential
information. Assignments and handout materials shall not be sent to students by the
Instructor via email. Student assignments shall not be sent to the Instructor by students
via email and the Instructor shall not accept assignments sent by students via email.
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6. Cell Phone, Pager, Beeper, Electronic Equipment and Food Policy.
All cell phones, pagers, beepers and other forms of electronic equipment shall be turned
off at all times during the course of class sessions. Absolutely no food shall be consumed
in the classroom. Students violating this policy shall be warned once and subsequent
violations shall result in the student being asked to leave the classroom.
7. Civility And Classroom Behavior.
Civility is a requirement. Students are expected to assist in maintaining a classroom
environment that is conducive to learning. To assure that all students have the
opportunity to gain from time spent in class, unless otherwise approved by the instructor,
students are prohibited from engaging in any form of distraction. Inappropriate behavior
in the classroom shall result, minimally, in a request to leave class.
XII. COURSE OUTLINE AND SCHEDULE.
The following course outline sets forth the course work for the Fall 2010 Semester. The
course outline and schedule is subject to change and amendment at the sole discretion of
the Instructor. Any and all amendments and changes shall be announced in class.
WEEK #1 : August 30, 2010 – September 3, 2010.
Start of Fall 2010 Semester – Monday, August 30, 2010.
First Day of Class – Monday, August 30, 2010.
Syllabus – Hand Out and Review – Monday, August 30, 2010.
Research Paper Assignment – Hand Out and Review – Monday, August 30, 2010.
Introduction – CRJ 270 Course Overview.
Questions, Concerns and Comments.
What Is Criminology?
a. Schmalleger – Chapter 1.
WEEK #2 : September 6, 2010 – September 10, 2010.
Monday, September 6, 2010 – Labor Day Holiday – No Classes.
What Is Criminology?
Patterns Of Crime.
a. Schmalleger – Chapters 1 and 2.
WEEK #3 : September 13, 2010 – September 17, 2010.
Patterns Of Crime.
Where Do Theories Come From?
a. Schmalleger – Chapters 2 and 3.
Quiz #1 – Wednesday, September 15, 2010 (20 Points)
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WEEK #4 : September 20, 2010 – September 24, 2010.
Classical And Neoclassical Thought.
a. Schmalleger – Chapter 4.
Quiz #2 – Wednesday, September 22, 2010 (20 Points)
WEEK #5 : September 27, 2010 – October 1, 2010.
Biological Roots Of Criminal Behavior.
a. Schmalleger – Chapter 5.
Examination #1 – In Class Examination – Wednesday, September 29, 2010 (167 Points)
WEEK #6 : October 4, 2010 – October 8, 2010.
Psychological And Psychiatric Foundations Of Criminal Behavior.
a. Schmalleger – Chapter 6.
Research Paper Prospectus Due – Monday, October 4, 2010 (25 Points)
WEEK #7 : October 11, 2010 - October 15, 2010.
Social Structure Theories.
a. Schmalleger – Chapter 7.
Quiz #3 – Wednesday, October 13, 2010 (20 Points)
WEEK #8 : October 18, 2010 – October 22, 2010.
Theories Of Social Process And Social Development.
a. Schmalleger – Chapter 8.
Examination #2 – In Class Examination – Wednesday, October 20, 2010 (167 Points)
WEEK #9 : October 25, 2010 – October 29, 2010.
Friday, October 29, 2010 – Nevada Day Holiday – No Classes.
Theories Of Social Process And Social Development.
a. Schmalleger – Chapter 8.
Quiz #4 – Wednesday, October 27, 2010 (20 Points)
WEEK #10 : November 1, 2010 – November 5, 2010.
Social Conflict Theories.
a. Schmalleger – Chapter 9.
WEEK #11 : November 8, 2010 – November 12, 2010.
Thursday, November 11, 2010 – Veterans Day Holiday – No Classes.
Crimes Against Persons.
Crimes Against Property.
a. Schmalleger – Chapters 10 and 11.
Quiz #5 – Wednesday, November 10, 2010 (20 Points)
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WEEK #12 : November 15, 2010- November 19, 2010.
Crimes Against Property.
a. Schmalleger – Chapter 11.
Examination #3 – In Class Examination – Wednesday, November 17, 2010 (167 Points)
WEEK #13 : November 22, 2010 – November 26, 2010.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010 – Instructional Holiday – No Classes.
Thursday, November 25, 2010 – Thanksgiving Day Holiday – No Classes.
Friday, November 26, 2010 – Family Day Holiday – No Classes.
White Collar And Organized Crime.
a. Schmalleger – Chapter 12.
Research Paper Assignment Due – Monday, November 22, 2010 (175 Points)
WEEK #14 : November 29, 2010 – December 3, 2010.
Public Order And Drug Crimes.
a. Schmalleger – Chapters 13.
WEEK #15 : December 6, 2010 – December 10, 2010.
Technology And Crime.
a. Schmalleger – Chapter 14.
Quiz #6 – Wednesday, December 8, 2010 (20 Points)
WEEK #16 : December 13, 2010 – December 17, 2010.
Globalization And Terrorism.
Future Directions.
a. Schmalleger – Chapter 15 and Epilogue.
Final Examination Week: December 13, 2010 through December 17, 2010.
Last Day of Class – December 15, 2010.
Examination #4 – In Class Examination – Wednesday, December 15, 2010 (167 Points)
End of Fall 2010 Semester – Friday, December 17, 2010.