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Course Syllabus
FHS 482/582
Prevention of Youth Violence
University of Oregon
Counseling Psychology and Human Services
FHS 482 CRN #22665
FHS 582 CRN # 22671
4 credits
12:00 – 1:50 Tuesday/Thursday
Location: #125 McKenzie
Date of Syllabus: 3/8/16
Overview
Preventing youth violence in America is an important component for creating peaceful and safe
neighborhoods, fair and just communities and a society based on social justice for all citizens.
This course will explore the prevention of youth violence from an ecological perspective
(Bronfenbrenner, 1972) and will examine the scholarly literature, social research, and best
practices. Students will demonstrate professional competencies by participating in class
discussions, small group exercises and by completing written assignments.
Instructor
Kevin Alltucker, Ph.D.
E-Mail: kalltuck@uoregon.edu
Office #350 HEDCO Education Building
Cell Phone: 541-912-8428
Office Hours: TBA
Graduate Teaching Fellow (GTF)
Katie Ravitch
E-mail: nravitch@uoregon.edu
Course Objectives
The overall course objective is to imbue students with a sense of critical thinking in regard to
youth violence in America. The course is designed to provide knowledge and skills related to
understanding and preventing violence, crime and antisocial behavior among children and
youth, all wrapped up in a very enjoyable classroom environment that will engage and
challenge students’ intellect. Kevin encourages a safe classroom environment in which diverse
views and opinions may be expressed openly and professionally, without fear of reprisal or
judgment from other students or the instructors. That said, the classroom environment
depends greatly on students’ professional conduct.
Emphasis will be placed on understanding the current state of violence and crime in schools
and communities, evaluating effective and promising practices, and envisioning future
directions for practice, policy and research. We will examine youth crime in an American
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context, using an ecological developmental view that includes risk and protective factors, which
may influence the likelihood of violent acts. Issues of privilege and oppression will provide an
underpinning for the entire course. Finally, we will probe the macrosystemic forces that
challenge traditionalist views of criminology.
After participating in this course, you will be able to
 Identify and explain the interplay of factors that affect the likelihood of children and
youth engaging in violence and other forms of antisocial behavior;
 Identify and explain the factors that affect the likelihood of youth being victims of
violence or other forms of antisocial behavior;
 Understand the causes and correlates bullying and harassment, including sexual
harassment and assault;
 Discuss the influence of exposure to media violence;
 Explain and evaluate appropriate intervention strategies for violent and antisocial
behavior;
 Integrate information from research studies, reports, and diverse publications into
formulae for prevention or intervention practices;
 Develop and describe strategies appropriate for school and community settings where
you intend to work; and,
 Develop and articulate policies and procedures applicable to those settings.
Required Reading
There are three required books:
1. Dozier, R. W. (2002). Why we hate: Understanding, curbing and eliminating
hate in ourselves and our world. Chicago, IL: Contemporary Books.
2. Venkatesh, S. (2008). Gang leader for a day. New York: Penguin.
3. Aarons, J., Smith, L., & Wagner, L. (2009). Dispatches from juvenile hall: Fixing
a failing system. New York: Penguin.
These texts are available for purchase from the UO Duckstore, and various on-line booksellers.
Students are expected to complete the readings before class and be prepared to fully discuss
the particular topic, as listed in the course schedule section of this syllabus.
Please be aware that the texts contain graphic descriptions of violence, drug use and sex.
Course Structure
Dual Number Course
This is a dual number course (482/582). There are distinct differences in course requirements
for students taking the course as FHS 482 and students taking the course as FHS 582. The
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differences are the page length requirements for the three individual papers. For students
taking the course as FHS 482, the required page length is five to eight pages per paper. For
students taking the course as FHS 582, the required page length is 10 to 15 pages per paper. For
students taking the course as FHS 582, all references used in papers must be peer-reviewed.
Student Engagement Hours
This is a four-credit course, and in keeping with University of Oregon standards of 30 student
engagement hours per undergraduate credit hour, and 38 student engagement hours per
graduate credit hour, the course will be structured in the following manner:
FHS 482: 4 credits x 30 = 120 student engagement hours
FHS 582: 4 credits x 38 = 152 student engagement hours
Here is an estimation of the components for student engagement hours:
Description
In-class time (20 classes x
1.8 hrs/class)
Read Why We Hate
Read Gang Leader for a
Day
Read Dispatches from
Juvenile Hall
Write Paper #1
Write Paper #2
Write Paper #3
TOTAL
FHS 482 Student hours
36 hours
FHS 582 Student hours
36 hours
20 hours
15 hours
20 hours
15 hours
10 hours
10 hours
13hours
13 hours
13 hours
120 hours
24 hours
24 hours
23 hours
152 hours
Course Requirements
Attendance and Participation
Attendance and participation are required. There will be a sign-in sheet available at the
beginning of each class. You will receive attendance points by signing the attendance sheet at
the beginning of each class. These points cannot be made up—that is, if you miss a class for
whatever reason, you will not receive credit for that day, unless prior arrangements have been
made. There are no excused absences without prior notification, or timely professional
communication. It is professional courtesy to let the me know ahead of time if you will not be
attending classes. Messages can be left on voice-mail or e-mail anytime of the day or night.
Students who are experiencing situations that prevent them from attending multiple classes
(i.e. personal illness, family emergencies) should contact me immediately. Two unexcused
absences may result an automatic one-letter grade reduction for the course. More than two
unexcused absences will be handled case by case.
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Professional Communication
Students are required to have an active University of Oregon email account, and to check it
frequently for communications from the instructor. Students are also required to use
Blackboard to obtain course information and to submit the three writing assignments.
Readings
Generally, there are about 70 pages of required reading per week for this course. Students will
be required to integrate information from the required texts in each writing assignment.
Small Group Exercises
There will be a series of in-class small group exercises (3-5 people) designed to integrate
lecture, book and guest speaker information. You will be expected to work cooperatively and
collaboratively with your group members. Students are encouraged to use small group activities
as opportunities to explore and discuss diverse viewpoints in a safe, academically supportive
environment. Missed small group exercises cannot be made up.
Writing Assignments
There are three writing assignments. Specific instructions and rubrics will be made available
and posted on Blackboard. You are required to format your paper per APA guidelines. Papers
must be submitted electronically via Blackboard using a Microsoft Word document format with
a .doc or .docx file extension.
Course Grading Policy
Here are the graded components for this course:
Graded Component
Attendance
Participation
Small Group Exercises
Paper #1
Paper #2
Paper #3
TOTAL
Points Possible
100
100
100
100
100
100
600 Points
*Note: Potential one letter grade reduction for two unexcused absences.
Your final grade for the course will be determined by the following rubric:
Grade
A+
A
A-
Percentage
99%-100%
92%-98%
90%-91%
5
B+
B
BC+
C
CD
F
88%-89%
82%-87%
80%-81%
78%-79%
72%-77%
70%-71%
60%-69%
Less than 60%
Late Assignments
Without prior arrangements, late assignments will be accepted with a 5% grade reduction per
calendar day, up to a maximum 50% penalty. Students unable to complete the assignments per
the scheduled due dates must contact the instructor ahead of time to arrange for alternative
submittal dates.
Plagiarism
All work submitted in this course must be the student’s own and produced exclusively for this
course. The use of sources (ideas, quotations, paraphrases) must be properly acknowledged
and documented. For the consequences of academic dishonesty, refer to the Schedule of
Classes published quarterly. Violations will be taken seriously and are noted on student
disciplinary records. Additionally, the following specific requirements will be expected in this
class: (enter specific requirements). If students are in doubt regarding the requirements, please
consult with the instructor before completing any requirement of the course.
Here is the URL for the UO’s student guide to avoiding plagiarism: Avoiding Plagiarism - A Guide
For Students . Plagiarism is a serious breach of the academic student conduct code, and the
instructors will vigorously pursue suspected plagiarism.
Diversity Statement
It is the policy of the University of Oregon to support and value cultural diversity. To do so
requires that we:
Respect the dignity and essential worth of all individuals
Promote a culture of respect throughout the University community
Respect the privacy, property, and freedom of others
Reject bigotry, discrimination, violence, or intimidation of any kind
Practice personal and academic integrity and expect it from others
Promote the diversity of opinions, ideas and background which is the lifeblood of the
university
Course content, lectures, class discussions, and assignments for this class are based on the
premise that human diversity is normative and is an important focus of this course. The course
requires and expects critical thinking about and sensitivity to the impact of diversity both in
relation to the children, youth and families served in educational and human service agencies
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and in the University of Oregon community. For purposes of this course, diversity includes
culture, religion/faith, gender, ethnicity, race, physical and cognitive disability, sexual
orientation, and socioeconomic status.
Religious Holidays
Any student, who, because of religious beliefs, is unable to attend classes on a particular day,
shall be excused from attendance requirements and from any examination or other assignment
on that day. The student must make up the examination or other assignment missed because of
absence.
Documented Disability
Appropriate accommodations will be provided for students with documented disabilities. If you
have a documented disability and require accommodation, please meet with Kevin within the
first two weeks of the term. Documentation must come in writing from the Disability Services.
Disabilities may include (but are not limited to) neurological impairment, orthopedic
impairment, traumatic brain injury, visual impairment, chronic medical conditions,
emotional/psychological disabilities, hearing impairment, and learning disabilities. For
additional information, contact Disability Services: e-mail disabsrv@darkwing.uoregon.edu.
Phone (541) 346-1155. TTY: (541) 346-1083.
Academic Misconduct Policy
All students are subject to the regulations stipulated in the UO Student Conduct Code
(http://www.uoregon.edu/~conduct/). This code represents a compilation of important
regulations, policies, and procedures pertaining to student life. It is intended to inform
students of their rights and responsibilities during their association with this institution, and to
provide general guidance for enforcing those regulations and policies essential to the
educational and research missions of the University. Certain student behavior will result in the
lowering of the course grade by at least one grade level, may result in an “F” grade for the
course, and may result in the student’s suspension or expulsion from the University. These
behaviors include, but are not limited to: 1. Dishonesty, including cheating, plagiarism, or
knowingly furnishing false information or signatures on attendance sheets; 2. Intentional
disruption, obstruction, or interference with the process of instruction. This includes
disproportionately large amounts of verbal comments in class.
Expected Classroom Behaviors
Classroom expectations include; 1.participating in class activities; 2. Respecting the diversity of
cultures, opinions, and viewpoints in the classroom; 3. Listening to fellow students, professors,
guest speakers and lecturers with respect; 4. Arriving on time and prepared for class; 5.
Attending for the duration of the class; 6. Not reading other materials during class such as
newspapers or personal e-mails/other web-based information not relevant to class; 7. Avoiding
side conversations once class has begun; 8. Remaining alert and focused on the activities within
the classroom (i.e. no sleeping, no working on assignments for other classes, no reading of
books or newspapers during class).
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Participation
Students are expected to fully participate in all class activities and discussions. Accordingly,
students are expected to have completed the assigned reading prior to class and be prepared
to discuss ideas, concepts, issues and practices derived from the readings. Students should be
prepared to answer “cold calls” in class.
It will be students’ responsibility to formulate and present questions when information from
the reading and class presentations is unclear.
Cell Phones
If your cell phone rings during class, you will be asked to share your conversation with
everyone! To avoid potentially embarrassing situations, please silence your phone prior to
class. This rule applies also to Kevin!
Food
Yes.
Laptops
Open laptop computers during class send a signal (perhaps unintentionally) to the instructors
that you: 1. Are bored to tears and are trying to stay awake by entertaining yourself; 2. Have
fooled yourself into thinking that you can multi-task during class; 3. Are checking Facebook. In
any case, an open laptop creates a physical barrier between the student and instructor, which
can send out negative vibes. Please be aware of this. Using laptops to take notes is an
acceptable use during class time.
Conflict Resolution
The mission of the College of Education is to “Make educational and social systems work for
all.” Several options, both informal and formal are available to resolve conflicts for students
who believe they have been subjected to or have witnessed bias, unfairness or other improper
treatment.
Contact:
UO Bias Response Team: 346-1139 or http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~brt/
UO Conflict Resolution Services 346-0617 or http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~crs/
UO Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity 346-3123 or http://aaeo.uoregon.edu/
If you believe you have been the victim or a witness to a bias incident, harassment, or a hate
crime, the University of Oregon encourages you to report it to the Bias Response Team. The
team can help you document the incident and can provide support.
Bias Response Team: http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~brt/ . Phone (541) 346-1139
Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity: http://aaeo.uoregon.edu/. Phone (541) 3463123.
Grievance Policy
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A student or group of students of the College of Education may appeal decisions or actions
pertaining to admissions, programs, evaluation of performance and program retention and
completion. Students who decide to file a grievance should follow the student grievance
procedure, or alternative ways to file a grievance outlined in the Student Grievance Policy
(http://education.uoregon.edu/feature.htm?id=399) or enter search: student grievance.
Inclement Weather Policy
In the event the university operates on a curtailed schedule or closes, UO media relations will
notify the Eugene-Springfield area radio and television stations as quickly as possible. In
addition, a notice regarding the university’s schedule will be posted on the UO main homepage
(in the “News” section) at http://www.uoregon.edu. College of Education students should
contact their program department for further information.
Course Incomplete Policy
Students are expected to be familiar with university policy regarding grades of incomplete and
the time line for remove of these. Consult the UO Catalog for the policy and procedures
specifics regarding incompletes for undergraduate or graduate students. See the form College
of Education Incomplete Grade Contract at
http://interact.uoregon.edu/pdf/sas/AIncGrdCon.pdf
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FHS 482/582 Prevention of Youth Violence
Winter 2012
Week
Date
1
1/10
Introduction & Course Overview
Kevin
1/12
Public Health Model of Prevention
Kevin
Why We Hate
Chptrs 1-3
1/17
Development of Antisocial Behavior
Kevin
WWH 4-6
1/19
Healing the Wounds: Life without Vengeance
Kevin
WWH 7-9
1/24
School Violence
Guest Speaker
WWH 10-13
1/26
Why We Hate Discussion
Kevin
WWH 14-16
1/31
Gun Violence in America
Kevin
Paper #1 Due
2/2
Self-hate: Preventing Suicide
Kevin & Guest
Gang Leader
Chptr 1
2/7
Hate Crimes
Guest Speaker
GLFAD 2-3
2/9
The Invisible Revolution: Hate and Anti Hate
Teenage Groups
Kevin
GLFAD 4-5
2/14
Gang Violence
Guest Speaker
GLFAD 6
2/16
Drugs & Alcohol: Fueling the Violence
Kevin
GLFAD 7
2/21
Gang Leader for a Day Discussion
Kevin
GLFAD 8
2/23
Juvenile Justice System: Remediation or
Condemnation?
Kevin
Paper #2 Due
2/28
View from the Bench: Juvenile Justice Judge
Guest Speaker
Dispatches
from Juvenile
Hall Chptrs 13
3/1
Lane County Department of Youth Services
Guest Speaker
DFJH 4-6
3/6
Lane County Department of Youth Services
Guest Speaker
DFJH 7-10
3/8
Lane County District Attorney
Guest Speaker
DFJH 11-13
3/13
Community Intervention: Mentoring
Guest Speaker
DFJH 14-17
3/15
Beyond Criminality & Dispatches from
Juvenile Hall Discussion
Kevin
3/19
Paper #3 Due by 5:00 PM
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3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
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Topic
Lecturer/Guest
Speaker
Reading & Paper
Due Dates
Paper #3 Due