STUDENT WARNING: This course syllabus is from a previous semester archive and serves only as a preparatory reference. Please use this syllabus as a reference only until the professor opens the classroom and you have access to the updated course syllabus. Please do NOT purchase any books or start any work based on this syllabus; this syllabus may NOT be the one that your individual instructor uses for a course that has not yet started. If you need to verify course textbooks, please refer to the online course description through your student portal. This syllabus is proprietary material of APUS. Criminal Justice CMRJ698 Comprehensive Exam in Criminal Justice 8 Week Course Table of Contents Instructor Information Evaluation Procedures Course Description Grading Scale Course Scope Course Outline Course Objectives Policies Course Delivery Method Academic Services Course Materials Selected Bibliography Instructor Information Table of Contents Course Description (Catalog) Comprehensive final examination for students in the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice program. The "Comprehensive Final Exam" is tailored specifically to each program and must be taken after students have completed 36 hours of study (i.e. during the semester following the final course) and successfully completed before the award of a degree. The course number for the exam will be the Area of Study or Major, followed by a 700 number (i.e. for Strategic Intelligence, the Comprehensive Exam course number is IN700, for Management, the Comprehensive Exam course number is DM703). Table of Contents Course Scope This is the comprehensive final exam administered at the conclusion of your courses in the Criminal Justice program. The examination is six hours in duration, closed book, and STUDENT WARNING: This course syllabus is from a previous semester archive and serves only as a preparatory reference. Please use this syllabus as a reference only until the professor opens the classroom and you have access to the updated course syllabus. Please do NOT purchase any books or start any work based on this syllabus; this syllabus may NOT be the one that your individual instructor uses for a course that has not yet started. If you need to verify course textbooks, please refer to the online course description through your student portal. This syllabus is proprietary material of APUS. proctored. Examinations will consist of questions relevant to core and major courses as well as electives. This examination may be taken in the final semester of coursework, or the semester immediately following. Table of Contents Course Objectives Upon completion of this course the student will be able to: Demonstrate comprehension of various core and elective criminal justice courses through the responses to examination questions based upon the degree program objectives of the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice program. Table of Contents Course Delivery Method This M.A. in Criminal Justice course delivered via distance learning will enable students to complete academic work in a flexible manner, completely online. Course materials and access to an online learning management system will be made available to each student. Online assignments are due by the last day of each week and include 2 weeks with Forums, five separate Assignments within the Assignment Folder (one being the Week 3 Assignment; practice Question, and the other four dealing with proctor requirements/notifications), and the Comprehensive Exam itself, which is due no later than Sunday of Week 8. Assigned faculty will support the students throughout this eight-week course. Table of Contents Course Materials Required Text None. Preparation for the comprehensive exam does not require any participation with other students or a professor (beyond the forums in Week 1 and 2, and the Week 3 Assignment; Practice Exam Question). Beyond this, the professor is not expected to take you through study drills. At this point, you should be sufficiently prepared to reflect upon key common concepts and theories learned during your academic. It is recommended that students review (as a minimum) all core programs. For example: Ethics, Criminology, and Research classes, etc, as these core classes and topics are heavily utilized for each student’s random comp questions. Again, it is the responsibility for all students to review all past core courses in order to prepare for the examination, as STUDENT WARNING: This course syllabus is from a previous semester archive and serves only as a preparatory reference. Please use this syllabus as a reference only until the professor opens the classroom and you have access to the updated course syllabus. Please do NOT purchase any books or start any work based on this syllabus; this syllabus may NOT be the one that your individual instructor uses for a course that has not yet started. If you need to verify course textbooks, please refer to the online course description through your student portal. This syllabus is proprietary material of APUS. well as to submit the proctor information (as stated in the Assignments Folder; via 4 different assignments), and to ultimately take the exam in the final week of class. Software Requirements Microsoft Office (MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint) Adobe Acrobat Reader (Click here for free download) Table of Contents Evaluation Procedures Grade Instruments DQs (Includes Participation) Week 5 Midterm Examination Week 6 Research Paper Week 8 Final Examination Total Percent of Final Grade 40 20 20 20 100 Table of Contents 8 – Week Course Outline Please see the Student Handbook to reference the University’s grading scale. Table of Contents Week 1 Assignment(s)/Requirements - Review Syllabus - Forum: Introduce Yourself...(Mandatory; Week 1) - Read Critical Thought article under Week 1 Lessons Tab - Forum: Week 1; Key Grading Components DUE END OF WEEK 1 STUDENT WARNING: This course syllabus is from a previous semester archive and serves only as a preparatory reference. Please use this syllabus as a reference only until the professor opens the classroom and you have access to the updated course syllabus. Please do NOT purchase any books or start any work based on this syllabus; this syllabus may NOT be the one that your individual instructor uses for a course that has not yet started. If you need to verify course textbooks, please refer to the online course description through your student portal. This syllabus is proprietary material of APUS. Note: Proctor Assignments via the Assignments Folder should be submitted as completed (these are described in further detail below this table) - Forum: Week 2; Critical Thought 2 Note: Proctor Assignments via the Assignments Folder should be submitted as completed (these are described in further detail below this table) - Complete Week 3 Sample Question (via the Assignments Folder) 3 4-7 8 Note: Proctor Assignments via the Assignments Folder should be submitted as completed (these are described in further detail below this table) Continue to prepare for Comp Exam by as a minimum reviewing past core courses : •CMRJ500 - Criminal Justice Ethics •CMRJ501 - Criminology •CMRJ505 - Research Methods in Criminal Justice and Security •CMRJ512 - Police Administration •LSTD502 - Criminal Law •LSTD503 - Criminal Justice Process Complete Comp Exam STUDENT WARNING: This course syllabus is from a previous semester archive and serves only as a preparatory reference. Please use this syllabus as a reference only until the professor opens the classroom and you have access to the updated course syllabus. Please do NOT purchase any books or start any work based on this syllabus; this syllabus may NOT be the one that your individual instructor uses for a course that has not yet started. If you need to verify course textbooks, please refer to the online course description through your student portal. This syllabus is proprietary material of APUS. As stated in the above table, prior to completing the Comprehensive Final Exam, several procedures must be followed and confirmed so that when you sit to complete the exam you will be able to access the exam. With that in mind, four ungraded assignments have been set up in your course site so that you follow the proper procedures and convey this to the professor assigned to grade your exam. For each assignment, submit the information directly into the dialog box. Do not submit an attachment to any of these assignments. Assignment 1 – Proctor Identification Submission After you have identified your proctor, submit this information to the professor by accessing the Proctor Identification Submission assignment and entering the full name, address, phone number and email address of this proctor. This should be completed no later than the start of Week 3 of the course. Assignment 2 – Online Proctor Form Acknowledgement After you have completed and submitted your Online Proctor Form, you are to convey this to your professor by accessing the Online Proctor Form Acknowledgement assignment and indicate to the professor that you have successfully submitted this form. This should be completed no later than the start of Week 3 of the course. Assignment 3 – Proctor Acceptance Confirmation After you have communicated with your proctor and the proctor indicated he/she responded electronically to AMU that he/she has agreed to be your proctor, you are to convey this to your professor by accessing the Proctor Acceptance Confirmation assignment and indicate to the professor that your proctor has successfully communicated to AMU that he/she will be your proctor. This should be completed no later than the start of Week 5 of the course. Assignment 4 – Proctor Letter Confirmation After you have communicated with your proctor and the proctor indicated he/she has received the proctor letter from AMU containing the user name and password necessary to access your Comprehensive Final Exam, you are to convey this to your professor by accessing the Proctor Letter Confirmation assignment and indicate to the professor that your proctor has received the proctor letter from AMU containing the user name and password to access your Comprehensive Final Exam. This should be completed during Week 6 of the course. Once these steps have been completed, you are now ready to sit with your proctor and complete your Comprehensive Final Exam. STUDENT WARNING: This course syllabus is from a previous semester archive and serves only as a preparatory reference. Please use this syllabus as a reference only until the professor opens the classroom and you have access to the updated course syllabus. Please do NOT purchase any books or start any work based on this syllabus; this syllabus may NOT be the one that your individual instructor uses for a course that has not yet started. If you need to verify course textbooks, please refer to the online course description through your student portal. This syllabus is proprietary material of APUS. You are required to complete the Comprehensive Final on/by the Sunday of Week 8 of this term. In order to access the Comprehensive Final, you must submit your proctor information. You will go to https://www.apus.edu/proctor/select-proctor to enter information about you and your proctor. A group of monitors within academics will monitor the process and keep track of those of you who have not identified a proctor in a timely manner. They will communicate with you that the proctor needs to be identified and confirmed before the exam timeframe. Regular reports will also be provided to the faculty member, so that he or she knows about any students who have not arranged proctors. The proctor monitors are under the guidance of AMU, and questions may be referred to AMU. The email for this is proctor@apus.edu. You may indicate on the web form that they are unable to find a proctor. If this occurs, a member of the proctor monitoring staff will contact you to discuss possible options. The requirements for a proctor are minimal, and you should be able to find someone to fulfill the role. If you indicate that there is no proctor available to the proctor monitor, the monitor will pursue the waiver if needed, and provide you with the code to enter the exam. Faculty members will not be expected to deal with the lack of a proctor in this situation. The following are the requirements for proctors: Your proctor will have overall responsibility for the security of the test administration. Your proctor must hold either a minimum of a Bachelor's degree OR one of the following professional positions: • Administrator or faculty member of any accredited institution of higher education. • School teacher, counselor, librarian, or administrator. • Local or regional librarian. • Human Resources manager, a training manager, supervisor, or manager of higher rank. • For military personnel: a DANTES test control officer, an educational services officer, a base librarian, or an officer. • Member of the clergy. Please Note: Family members are not eligible to proctor your exam. Family members are defined as: STUDENT WARNING: This course syllabus is from a previous semester archive and serves only as a preparatory reference. Please use this syllabus as a reference only until the professor opens the classroom and you have access to the updated course syllabus. Please do NOT purchase any books or start any work based on this syllabus; this syllabus may NOT be the one that your individual instructor uses for a course that has not yet started. If you need to verify course textbooks, please refer to the online course description through your student portal. This syllabus is proprietary material of APUS. • Spouse, and his or her parents; • Sons and daughters, and their spouses; • Parents, and their spouses; • Brothers and sisters, and their spouses; • Grandparents and grandchildren, and their spouses; • Domestic partner and his or her parents This is the comprehensive final exam administered at the conclusion of your courses in the Criminal Justice program. The examination is six hours in duration, closed book, and proctored. Examinations will consist of questions relevant to core and major courses as well as electives. This examination may be taken in the final semester of coursework, or the semester immediately following. You should plan on taking your exam in the final week of class. The examination is proctored and must be written without notes, books, or other references. You will answer four questions randomly selected that are related to the program objectives (objectives are identified further down in this syllabus). As such, your answers should be well thought out and comprehensive and they should include general references to books, articles, or other works that support your arguments. You need not quote source material directly as if in a research paper, but you should clearly articulate the essential points of the authors you incorporate into your answers. Your responses are expected to be well organized and free from spelling and grammatical errors. STUDENT WARNING: This course syllabus is from a previous semester archive and serves only as a preparatory reference. Please use this syllabus as a reference only until the professor opens the classroom and you have access to the updated course syllabus. Please do NOT purchase any books or start any work based on this syllabus; this syllabus may NOT be the one that your individual instructor uses for a course that has not yet started. If you need to verify course textbooks, please refer to the online course description through your student portal. This syllabus is proprietary material of APUS. CJ Comprehensive Exam responses will be scored on the following scale: Grading Rubric SYNTHESIS OF KNOWLEDGE (FOCUS/ Comp Exam) [Graduate Learning Outcomes Assessment Objective #4] FOUNDATION OF KNOWLEDGE [Graduate Learning Outcomes Assessment Objective #3] EXEMPLARY LEVEL 4 Student exhibits a defined and clear understanding of the assignment. Response is clearly defined and well constructed to help guide the reader throughout the assignment. Student builds upon the response to the exam question with wellarticulated reasoning, figures, and/or statements. ACCOMPLISHED LEVEL 3 Establishes a good comprehension of topic and in the building of the comp exam question response. Student demonstrates an effective presentation of their response to the thesis, with most support statements helping to support the key focus of assignment. Student demonstrates proficient command of the subject matter in their response to the exam question. Response shows an impressive level of depth of student’s ability to relate course content to practical examples and applications. Student provides comprehensive analysis of details, facts, and concepts in a logical sequence. Student exhibits above average usage of subject matter in the response. Student provides above average ability in relating past course content in examples given. Details and facts presented provide an adequate presentation of student’s current level of subject matter knowledge. DEVELOPING LEVEL 2 Student exhibits a basic understanding of the intended question, but the response lacks details. While the response answers some portions of the question, the reader may have some difficulty in seeing linkages between thoughts. While student has included a few facts and statements, this has limited the quality of the exam question response. The assignment reveals that the student has a general, fundamental understanding of the course material. Whereas, there are areas of some concerning in the linkages provided between reported facts and reasoning. Student generally explains concepts, but only meets the minimum requirements in this area. BEGINNNIG LEVEL 1 Exhibits a limited understanding of the question. Reader is unable to follow the logic used for the response and development of key themes. Student’s writing is weak and there is a general lack of supporting facts, reasoning, and or statements. Student tries to explain some concepts, but overlooks critical details which should be included in the question response. Response appears vague or incomplete. Student presents concepts in isolation, and does not perceive to have a logical sequencing of ideas as it regards clearly addressing the question being STUDENT WARNING: This course syllabus is from a previous semester archive and serves only as a preparatory reference. Please use this syllabus as a reference only until the professor opens the classroom and you have access to the updated course syllabus. Please do NOT purchase any books or start any work based on this syllabus; this syllabus may NOT be the one that your individual instructor uses for a course that has not yet started. If you need to verify course textbooks, please refer to the online course description through your student portal. This syllabus is proprietary material of APUS. asked. STUDENT WARNING: This course syllabus is from a previous semester archive and serves only as a preparatory reference. Please use this syllabus as a reference only until the professor opens the classroom and you have access to the updated course syllabus. Please do NOT purchase any books or start any work based on this syllabus; this syllabus may NOT be the one that your individual instructor uses for a course that has not yet started. If you need to verify course textbooks, please refer to the online course description through your student portal. This syllabus is proprietary material of APUS. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE (CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS) [Graduate Learning Outcomes Assessment Objective #5] Student demonstrates a higher-level of critical thinking necessary for graduate level work. Learner provides a strategic approach in presenting examples of problem solving or critical thinking, while drawing logical conclusions which are not immediately obvious. Student provides wellsupported (but not necessarily referenced, as again this is a closed book exam) ideas and reflection with a variety of current and/or world views in the assignment. Student presents a genuine intellectual development of ideas throughout assignment. Student exhibits a good command of critical thinking skills in the presentation of material and supporting statements. Response demonstrates the student’s above average use of relating concepts by using a variety of factors. Overall, student provides adequate conclusions, with 2 or fewer errors. Student takes a common, conventional approach in guiding the reader through various linkages and connections presented in the response. However, student presents a limited perspective on key concepts throughout the response. Student appears to have problems applying information in a problem-solving manner. Student demonstrates beginning understanding of key concepts, but overlooks critical details. Learner is unable to apply information in a problem-solving fashion. Student presents confusing statements and facts in their response. No evidence or little semblance of critical thinking skills. STUDENT WARNING: This course syllabus is from a previous semester archive and serves only as a preparatory reference. Please use this syllabus as a reference only until the professor opens the classroom and you have access to the updated course syllabus. Please do NOT purchase any books or start any work based on this syllabus; this syllabus may NOT be the one that your individual instructor uses for a course that has not yet started. If you need to verify course textbooks, please refer to the online course description through your student portal. This syllabus is proprietary material of APUS. ORGANIZATION OF IDEAS/FORMAT Student thoroughly understands and excels in explaining all major points. An original, unique, and/or imaginative approach to overall ideas, concepts, and findings is presented. Overall format of assignment includes an appropriate introduction, body, and conclusion (using headings in accordance with th APA 6 edition). Finished response demonstrates student’s ability to respond to the exam question in a logical sequence. Student explains the majority of points and concepts in the response. Learner demonstrates a good skill level in formatting and organizing thoughts in the response. Student presents an above average level of preparedness, with few formatting errors. Learner applies some points and concepts incorrectly. Student uses a variety of formatting styles, with some inconsistencies throughout the question response. Response does not have a continuous pattern of logical sequencing. Response reveals formatting errors and a lack of organization. Student presents an incomplete attempt to provide linkages or explanation of key terms as it regards responding to the exam question being asked. STUDENT WARNING: This course syllabus is from a previous semester archive and serves only as a preparatory reference. Please use this syllabus as a reference only until the professor opens the classroom and you have access to the updated course syllabus. Please do NOT purchase any books or start any work based on this syllabus; this syllabus may NOT be the one that your individual instructor uses for a course that has not yet started. If you need to verify course textbooks, please refer to the online course description through your student portal. This syllabus is proprietary material of APUS. WRITING SKILL [Graduate Learning Outcomes Assessment Objective #2] Student demonstrates an excellent command of grammar, as well as presents a response which represents a clear and concise writing style. Presents a thorough, extensive understanding of word usage. Response is errorfree and reflects student’s ability to prepare graduatelevel writing for possible publication in a peer-reviewed (refereed) journal. Student provides an effective display of good writing and grammar. Response reflects student’s ability to select appropriate word usage and presents an above-average presentation of a given topic or issue. Response appears to be well written with no more than 3-5 errors. Student provides a good final product that covers the aboveminimal requirements. Exam question response reflects basic writing and grammar, but with more than 5 errors. Key terms and concepts are somewhat vague and not completely explained by student. Student uses a basic vocabulary in assignment. Student’s writing ability is average, but demonstrates a basic understanding of the subject matter (i.e., question being asked) Topics, concepts, and ideas are not coherently discussed or expressed in the response. Student’s writing style is weak and needs improvement, along with numerous proofreading errors. Response lacks clarity, consistency, and correctness. In order to meet minimum writing expectations the student would need to review and revise the response. STUDENT WARNING: This course syllabus is from a previous semester archive and serves only as a preparatory reference. Please use this syllabus as a reference only until the professor opens the classroom and you have access to the updated course syllabus. Please do NOT purchase any books or start any work based on this syllabus; this syllabus may NOT be the one that your individual instructor uses for a course that has not yet started. If you need to verify course textbooks, please refer to the online course description through your student portal. This syllabus is proprietary material of APUS. STUDENT WARNING: This course syllabus is from a previous semester archive and serves only as a preparatory reference. Please use this syllabus as a reference only until the professor opens the classroom and you have access to the updated course syllabus. Please do NOT purchase any books or start any work based on this syllabus; this syllabus may NOT be the one that your individual instructor uses for a course that has not yet started. If you need to verify course textbooks, please refer to the online course description through your student portal. This syllabus is proprietary material of APUS. Evaluation criteria The distribution of grades for each of the four questions you answer will be of the following categories: 1. “Pass with Distinction.” This grade is assigned for essays that are clearly demonstrate an understanding of the issue beyond what is typically expected of the graduate student. 2. “Pass.” This grade is assigned for essays that meet the requirements for a graduatelevel essay. 3. “Fail.” This grade is assigned for essays that clearly do not meet the requirements for a graduate-level essay. The final grade for the exam will be compiled among the four questions (randomly selected, and unknown to a student until they take the exam): “Pass with Distinction.” If a student passes three of the four questions “with distinction,” and at least passes the fourth question, he or she will pass the exam “with distinction.” A student will graduate “with honors” if a grade of “passed with distinction” and a minimum grade point average of 3.75 is earned. “Pass.” If a student at least passes three of the four questions, he or she will pass the exam. “Fail.” If a student fails two or more questions, he or she will fail the exam. Such a student will be offered a second examination containing new questions with a different faculty member. If a student fails the exam twice, he or she will not be permitted a third attempt and will not graduate. A different combination of the six study questions will be used for a second examination. The student has the right to appeal issues related to the comprehensive examination in line with the standard APUS appeals process. The final grade will be entered at the end of the semester. Your grade will not be entered in the system until that time in order to comply with AMU’s policy in this area. Table of Contents STUDENT WARNING: This course syllabus is from a previous semester archive and serves only as a preparatory reference. Please use this syllabus as a reference only until the professor opens the classroom and you have access to the updated course syllabus. Please do NOT purchase any books or start any work based on this syllabus; this syllabus may NOT be the one that your individual instructor uses for a course that has not yet started. If you need to verify course textbooks, please refer to the online course description through your student portal. This syllabus is proprietary material of APUS. Grading Scale Please see the student handbook to reference the University’s grading scale. Table of Contents Course Online Your exam must be completed prior to the end of the semester. It is due on/by the last scheduled day of the semester on/by 11:55pm eastern time. Comprehensive examination questions are based on the following program objectives: Distinguish between the major systems of Criminal Justice and how the functions of police, prosecution, courts, and corrections interface. Analyze the various biological and psychological theories and philosophies of criminal behavior as they influence modern developments in punishment, sentencing, and corrections. Evaluate the various definitions, objectives, and issues of new or emergent criminal threats, such as terrorism, and how they compare and contrast with traditional criminal behavior theories. Assess the rule of law and changes to it as it pertains to direct and indirect influence and impact on social reactions to crime, corrections, and victims of crime. Critically examine landmark criminal justice cases, from the Supreme Court down to local levels, and determine their cultural, social, and economic impact. Apply the concepts of professional and ethical behavior within the criminal justice system. Table of Contents Polices Please see the student handbook to reference all University policies. Quick links to frequently asked about policies are listed below. Drop/Withdrawal Policy Plagiarism Policy STUDENT WARNING: This course syllabus is from a previous semester archive and serves only as a preparatory reference. Please use this syllabus as a reference only until the professor opens the classroom and you have access to the updated course syllabus. Please do NOT purchase any books or start any work based on this syllabus; this syllabus may NOT be the one that your individual instructor uses for a course that has not yet started. If you need to verify course textbooks, please refer to the online course description through your student portal. This syllabus is proprietary material of APUS. Extension Process and Policy Table of Contents Selected Bibliography Johnson, W., Rettig, R., Scott, G. & Garrison, S. (2004). The criminal justice student writer’s manual (3rd ed.). New York: Prentice Hall. Knowles, M., Swanson, R., Holton, E. & Holton, E. (2005). The adult learner: The definitive classic in adult education and human resource development. Burlington, MA: Elsevier Science & Technology Books. Prins, H. (1999). Will they do it again?: Risk assessment and management in criminal justice and psychiatry. New York: Taylor & Francis. Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.). (2010). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. Tannen, D. (2001). You just don’t understand: Women and men in conversation. New York: Quill. Table of Contents