Central Texas College
FOR STUDENTS OF
T H E R E A L WO R L D
Caserma Ederle, Italy
CJSA 1312 Syllabus
Course: CJSA 1312 Crime in America
Term: Fall 2013, Term 2
Course Dates and Times: October 28 – Dec 18, 2013, Mon & Wed, 1800-2100
Instructor: Mr. Stuart N. Sword
Phone: 380 436 8130 cell or stuart.n.sword.mil@mail.mil or sns12345@aol.com
Office Hours: Mon & Wed, 1745 -1800 and 2100 -2115
Mr. Stuart Sword has five years of law enforcement experience and over three years as a
U.S. Army certified senior instructor. He has earned an Associate’s Degree in Criminal
Justice from Tidewater Community College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice
from Troy University and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Forensic Science
from Saint Leo University. His operational experience includes work with the Virginia
Beach Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security Special Response
Teams (Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles).
I.
A.
Introduction
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 required for the Associates in Applied Science degree in Criminal
Justice.
C.
This course is occupationally related and serves in preparation for career(s) in
Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, and Corrections.
II.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, Crime in America, the student will:
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
The textbook will be CRIMINOLOGY, THE CORE, Fourth Edition (2011). Seigel,
Larry. ISBN: 1111399816 or 9781111399818
B. References:
1. Adler, Freda, Gerhard Mueller, & William Laufer, Criminology and the Criminal
th
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: McGraw-Hill, 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: ButterworthHeinenmann, 1998
nd
6. Palacios, Wilson, Paul Cromwell, & Roger Dunham, Crime & Justice in 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. Your first responsibility is scholarship. The grade you receive for this course
will not be the grade of the professor but rather the grade you earned.
B. You should attend class regularly and be prepared to participate in classroom
discussions and to take unannounced quizzes relating to the text assignments
and lecture material presented from the beginning of the course.
C. You are encouraged to give your best effort throughout the semester. 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 crash-cram 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 yourself informed on all assignments, especially after an absence.
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F. Good class notes are indispensable for earning a good grade, since both the
material assigned and the class discussion will be the basis for examinations.
G. Special work: A term paper or other research project, per requirements of the
instructor, will be required. The subject must be appropriate for the course
material. See section VIII of this syllabus for more information. The value is
indicated in the semester grade computation and has considerable weight on your
final average.
V.
Examinations
A. There will be three examinations for the course. Each examination will consist of
between 10 and 20 questions (true/false, multiple choice, fill in the blank or short
answer). Criminal Justice students must be able to communicate both orally and in
written form.
Semester Grade Computations
EXAM
POINTS
Second-week
100
Mid-semester
200
Paper-Presentation
200
Final exam
300
*Incentive Points
50
Special Work
150
TOTAL
1000
VI.
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
Course Outline
A.
The textbook will be CRIMINOLOGY, THE CORE, Fourth Edition (2011). Seigel,
Larry. ISBN: 1111399816 or 9781111399818
B.
Section I: Concepts of Crime, Law and Criminology
C.
1.
Chapters
a. Chapter 1 Crime and Criminology
b. Chapter 2 The Nature and Extent of Crime
c. Chapter 3 Victims and Victimization
3.
Learning Activities:
a.
Classroom lecture/discussion
b.
Student homework study
c.
Reading assignments: Preface and Chapters 1-3
d.
Exam
Section II: Theories of Crime Causation
1.
Chapters
a. Chapter 4
Choice Theory
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b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
3.
D.
Trait Theory
Social Structure Theory
Social Process Theory
Social Conflict and Critical Criminology
Developmental Theories: Life-course and Latent Trait
Learning Activities:
a.
Classroom lecture/discussion
b.
Student homework study
c.
Reading assignment: Chapters 4-9
d.
Midterm
Section III: Crime Typologies
1.
3.
E.
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapters
a. Chapter 10
b. Chapter 11
c. Chapter 12
d. Chapter 13
Violent Crime: Personal and Political
Property Crimes
Enterprise Crime
Public Order Crimes
Learning Activities:
a.
Classroom lecture/discussion
b.
Student homework study
c.
Reading assignment: Chapters 10-13
d.
Term paper rough draft due
Section IV: The Criminal Justice System
1.
3.
Chapters
a. Chapter 14
The Criminal Justice System
Learning Activities:
a.
Classroom lecture/discussion
b.
Student homework study
c.
Reading assignment: Chapter 14
d.
Final Examination
e.
Term paper due
Class Schedule:
OCT 28 – Introduction and Chapter 1
OCT 30 – Chapter 2
NOV 4 – Chapters 3
NOV 6 – Exam/Chapter 4
NOV 11 – Veterans Day/No class – NOTE: a make-up class will be scheduled
NOV 13 – Chapter 5
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NOV 18 – Chapters 6 & 7
NOV 20 – Chapter 8
NOV 25 – Chapter 9
NOV 27 –Mid-term exam
DEC 2 – Chapters 10/Term Paper rough draft
DEC 4 – Chapter 11
DEC 9 – Chapter 12
DEC 11 – Chapter 13
DEC 16 – Chapter 14/Review all Chapters
DEC 18 – Final exam/Term Papers due/Course Critique
VIII.
Notes and Additional Instructions from College Instructor
A. Vocabulary, terminology or short essays will be assigned weekly and be categorized
as incentive points.
B. Special work: A two page minimum term paper will be required. A rough draft will
be submitted for the instructor to proof. The topic will be selected by the students
from one of the following and approved by the professor by the end of week two:
1. Describe the victim precipitation theory, application and
geographic regions in the United States where this theory is
relevant.
2. Do you feel interrogation techniques used by the CIA at
Guantanamo Bay detention facility and other clandestine
locations would be classified as state organized crime?
3. Describe the types and causes of rape.
4. Define mass murder and why this has become a prevalent
problem to schools in the United States.
The American Psychological Association (APA) format will be used. The term paper
will be typed to include a cover page and reference page.
C. 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.
D. 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.
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.
E. 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
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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
Non-attendance”.
F. Incomplete 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 110 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”.
G. Cellular Phones and Beepers: Cellular phones and beepers will be turned off while
the student is in the classroom or laboratory.
H. American’s With Disabilities (ADA): Students requiring accommodations for
disabilities are responsible for notifying the instructor. Reasonable accommodations
will be granted in full compliance with federal and state law and Central Texas
College policy.
I. Professor Discretion: The Professor reserves the right of the final decision in course
requirements.
J. 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.
Policies and Procedures:
Attendance/Preparedness: Attendance and being prepared for class is necessary for this
course. If for some reason you cannot attend, try to contact the instructor as soon as
possible. It is expected that you come to class prepared. Remember YOU are responsible
for the material in the text. A student can receive a failing grade for non-attendance
regardless of passing test scores. More than TWO unexcused absences can result in a
failing grade. It will be the instructor’s decision to either do an administrative withdrawal
or give you an “F” for the course. EITHER WAY, YOU WILL PAY FOR THE
COURSE. The instructor WILL NOT contact you regarding missed classes/work. During
class time there will be NO CELL PHONES/TEXTING.
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Academic Honesty/Cheating: It is expected that all work will be your own. Any
student caught cheating will be asked to leave and receive an “F” for the class.
Extra Help: If a student feels he/she need extra help to pass this course, please see the
instructor.
Missed Tests:
If you cannot be in class for a scheduled test, it must be made up by the NEXT
SCHEDULED CLASS. If not, you will receive a “0” for that test.
Withdrawal from Course:
It is the student’s responsibility to officially drop a class if circumstances prevent
attendance. Any student who desires to, or must, withdraw from a course after the first
scheduled class meeting must file a Central Texas College Application for Withdrawal
(CTC Form 59.) The withdrawal form must be signed by the student. CTC Form 59 will
be accepted at any time prior to Friday of the 4th week of class. A student who officially
withdraws will be awarded a grade of “W” provided all other class performance is
satisfactory.
NOTE:
This schedule is only a guide and is subject to change.
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