CJUS 374 (3 Credits)
Spring 2015
INSTRUCTOR:
OFFICE:
Christopher O’Connor, Ph.D.
SWEN 3142
715-394-8238 PHONE:
EMAIL:
OFFICE HOURS:
CLASS SCHEDULE:
CLASSROOM: coconno1@uwsuper.edu (best way to contact me)
Mondays 11:50 am-3:50 pm; Wednesdays 8:00-9:00 am; Or by appointment
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 9:00-9:50 am
Calendar Description:
Introduction to the research methods applied in criminology and criminal justice. Includes an examination of the scientific method, quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches.
Course Objectives:

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the research methods used in criminology and criminal justice

This course provides the practical skills to collect and analyze criminological and criminal justice data
Learning Outcomes:
Upon the successful completion of the course, students will have the ability to:

Demonstrate a foundational understanding of how the scientific method has been, and can be, applied to the social world

Understand and critique the key concepts and techniques used in conducting criminological and criminal justice research

Describe the similarities and differences between quantitative and qualitative research methods
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
Apply a range of criminological and criminal justice methods to better understand the social world

Understand how policymakers and practitioners utilize social research to shape their decision-making

Appreciate and discuss the value of conducting ethical social science research
Legal Studies Program Learning Outcomes:

Ability to analyze and interpret texts

Ability to write well

Ability to effectively convey ideas orally

Ability to critically think and analytically reason

Ability to practice public service
Required Texts:
Bachman, R. & Schutt, R.K. (2014). The Practice of Research in Criminology and Criminal
Justice . Thousand Oaks: Sage.
Additional readings and visual material may be assigned throughout the semester.
Class Format:
Classes will entail a mix of lecture, videos (sometimes depicting graphic and/or violent behavior/themes), and in particular group work and discussions. In order to critically engage with the various facets of social scientific research, it is essential that students debate the assumptions and arguments put forward to justify different research approaches. Therefore, students are expected to come to class having read the assigned readings and be ready to discuss those readings.
Course Requirements and Grading:
Your final grade will be calculated based on the following (see course schedule for due dates):
Assignment #1 (Research Design and Ethics):
Assignment #2 (Quantitative Assignment):
15%
20%
Assignment #3 (Qualitative Assignment):
Participation (In-class worksheets and discussion):
Midterm Exam:
Final Exam:
20%
10%
15%
20%
Assignments: Students will be expected to complete three assignments over the course of the semester. Specific paper requirements will be further discussed in class and posted to D2L.
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Participation: Students are expected to contribute to both class and D2L discussions.
Participation grades capture how active and engaged you are with the course material. This includes attending class and discussing the assigned readings, posting your thoughts to D2L, and responding to the insights of others. Grades will not be based on simply showing up for class or the quantity of your posts to D2L but instead will be based on quality and your ability to critically evaluate course material. All posts to D2L and interactions in class should be respectful to others. Discussions about crime and criminal justice often bring up diverse viewpoints and thus disagreements; however, it is very important that the classroom be a place where all points of view can be expressed.
Midterm & Final Exam: Exams will include a combination of multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions. Exams are not cumulative. However, it should be noted that while material covered on the midterm exam will not reappear on the final, much of the material covered after the midterm builds on this material. Testable material includes topics covered in lectures, assigned readings, worksheets, videos, and class discussions.
Alternative Assessment: Should any student prefer to arrange for an alternative assessment strategy to the one above, you may submit a one-page proposal to me by February 15 th
.
However, all course requirements must be completed up until I have accepted your alternative assessment. Your proposal must:
1) Provide an explanation as to why I should consider an alternative assessment for you.
2) State what alternative criteria you should be assessed by.
3) Show how your proposed assessment strategy will assess your understandings of the course material.
4) Be of equal difficulty (in my opinion) to the assessment I have proposed.
All decisions on alternative assessment proposals are final and not open to appeal.
Grading System:
A 94-100%
A- 90-93%
B+ 87-89%
B 83-86%
B- 80-82%
C+ 77-79
C 73-76
C- 70-72
D+ 67-69
D 63-66
D- 60-62
F 59% or less
Outstanding performance. Represents work that exceeds expectations for a course at this level.
Above average performance. Represents work that is of good quality and above the average expectations for a course at this level.
Average performance. Represents work that is satisfactory.
Below average performance. Represents work that is barely at a passing level.
Inadequate performance. Represents work that demonstrates an insufficient grasp of course material.
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Course Policies:
Academic Accommodation: Any students with special needs (e.g. learning disability, hearing, sight, or physical impairment) should let me know how I can make the learning environment more comfortable. For those to which it is applicable, academic concession documentation must be supplied to me as soon as possible. Please contact Disability Support Services (DSS) for more information.
Classroom Atmosphere, Technology, & Attendance: Students are expected to refrain from using audio devices (e.g. MP3 players) and cell phones (for calls and texting) during class. Laptops may be used solely for course purposes. If a student’s laptop use becomes distracting to other students and/or the instructor, their further use of a laptop will not be permitted. Attending class is critical to student success. It is expected that you will attend all classes and be promptly on time for class. Be aware that I do not always react publicly to students who misuse technology in the classroom or who are late for class and many students wrongly assume that I have not noticed. Class participation grades will be deducted accordingly.
Email and Phone: Email is the best way to contact me and I do my best to respond to emails within one business day. However, for questions that require a lengthy response, I will likely ask you to meet with me in person. Contacting me by phone usually requires more time for me to respond than email. If at any time you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at your convenience.
Late Assignments and Missed Exams: If at all possible, students must provide advance notice if they are unable to take a test or pass in an assignment or essay on time. Deferrals will be allowed in the following circumstances: illness, domestic affliction, or religious conviction. Deferrals will not be granted if it is determined that just cause is not shown by the student. If an exam is missed for a legitimate reason, I reserve the right to either schedule a ‘make up’ exam or transfer the percentage weight to another course component. If applicable, assignments not handed in on the due date will be assessed a penalty of 10% every 24 hours the paper is late. Please make arrangements with me to drop off your late assignments.
Academic Honesty: Students suspected of cheating on an examination or plagiarizing in an assignment, in the instructor’s opinion, will result in the application of the most severe sanctions possible as provided for under the University of Wisconsin's Student Academic Disciplinary
Procedures. Students are expected to be familiar, and comply, with all university regulations regarding academic honesty. Students are expected to understand what plagiarism is and how to avoid it (if you have any questions please come and see me).
Additional Help: If students are interested in refining, or developing, their writing abilities, consider visiting the Writing Centre on campus. The University of Wisconsin-Superior Writing
Center, located in Swenson 1030, offers support to student writers in one-on-one sessions with peer consultants. Consultations are available free of charge to any UW-Superior student from any class in any discipline. Writing Center consultants help writers brainstorm, find topics, incorporate and document sources, organize drafts, develop revision strategies, and more. Both
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in-person and online consultations are available. When you visit the Center, take a copy of your assignment, any drafting or notes you may have, as well as any sources you're working with.
Have these items on hand for online consultations, too. Make appointments at http://uwsuper.mywconline.com
.
To find out when the Center is open and what other resources it offers, visit the Writing Center webpage at http://www.uwsuper.edu/writingcenter.
University Policies: The University of Wisconsin-Superior is dedicated to a safe, supportive and nondiscriminatory learning environment. It is the responsibility of all undergraduate and graduate students to familiarize themselves with University policies regarding special accommodations, academic misconduct, religious beliefs accommodation, discrimination and absence for University- sponsored events.
For details of the Student Disciplinary Procedures:
Academic Misconduct Disciplinary Process (Chapter 14) can be found at http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/uws/14.pdf
Student Nonacademic Disciplinary Procedures (UWS Chapter 17) can be found at http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/uws/17.pdf .
Administrative Drops : Administrative drops will no longer be processed at UW-Superior. Rather it will be the student’s responsibility to drop her/himself from courses s/he does not wish to remain enrolled in. Students who do not drop by the 10th day of a term will have a record of the course on her/his official transcript. If the student drops the course by the 60% day of the term s/he will have a W (withdraw) listed on the official transcript. If a course is not dropped by the
60% day, faculty will enter a grade of F (failure), which will be listed on the official transcript.
PART I: THE FOUNDATIONS OF CRIMINOLOGICAL AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE
RESEARCH
Week #1
– Course Introduction
Readings: Chapter 1
Week #2 – Defining Problems and Developing Research Questions
Readings: Chapter 2
Week #3 –Causation and Research Design
Readings: Chapter 6
Week #4 – Ethical Social Research
Readings: Chapter 3
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Week #5
– Conceptualization and Measurement
Readings: Chapter 4
Week #6
– Sampling
Readings: Chapter 5
Assignment #1 Due
Week #7
– Exam Review and Midterm Exam
MIDTERM EXAM
PART II: TYPES OF RESEARCH METHODS AND ANALYSES
Week #8
– Experimental Design
Readings: Chapter 7
Week #9
– Survey Research
Readings: Chapter 8
Week #10
– Quantitative Data Analysis
Readings: Chapter 13
Week #11
– Observation and Qualitative Analysis
Readings: Chapter 9
Assignment #2 Due
Week #12
– Content Analysis and Crime Mapping
Readings: Chapter 10
Week #13
– Mixed Methods
Readings: Chapter 12
PART III: POLICY AND THE IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH
Week #14
– Evaluation and Policy Analysis
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Readings: Chapters 12
Week #15 – Writing up Social Research and Course Wrap-up
Readings: Chapter 17
Assignment #3 Due
Week #16 ***FINAL EXAM (TBA)***
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