CRJU/SOCI 4424: CRIMINOLOGY

Syllabus for Fall Semester, 2004

Instructor:               Dr. Eugene E. Bouley, Jr.

Office:                     Room 2-13, Arts and Sciences Building

Office Telephone:  (478) 445-0942

Home Telephone:  (478) 452-9522 (Please, not after 9:00 PM)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

CRJU/SOCI 4424. Criminology (3-0-3).  This course focuses on the nature and extent of crime.  Emphasis is placed on past and current theories of crime, typologies of crime, and programs for prevention, treatment, and control.

COURSE PURPOSE, GOALS, AND OBJECTIVES

Criminology focuses on the nature and extent of crime.  Emphasis is placed on past and current theories of crime, typologies of crime, and programs for prevention, control, and treatment.  Course Objectives: The student will

1. Describe the criminological enterprise.
2. Explain the complexity of studying crime by analyzing the production of crime statistics and the distribution of crime in society.
3. Critically evaluate the theoretical models for the explanation of crime including the rational choice, biosocial, social structure, and social process theories of crime causation.
4. Analyze typologies of crime as a convenient organizational framework for discussion of the major aspects of contemporary crime.
5. Describe the social, economic, and political impact of crime in the United States.
6. Describe the study of criminology in other nations with that of the United States.
7. Develop and/or improve oral skills through class presentations and group discussion.
8. Develop and/or improve writing skills by frequent writing assignments.
9. Develop critical thinking skills by the analysis of criminological concepts.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Attendance: You are expected to attend course lectures on a regular basis. The only absences that will not count against you are those absences authorized beforehand by Georgia College & State University because you are participating in official University functions. Based on past experience, I can tell you with a high degree of certainty that you can expect to fail the course if you miss six hours of class or more.  Failure is likely because the material in this course is complex, and I find that students have a high degree of difficulty with the course.  Experience has shown that students who do well in the course usually bring the book to class, pay careful attention to the instructor, take notes in class, and study diligently before the exams.  Therefore, let my forewarning help you decide to come to class regularly.

Tardiness: It is understood that there are times when a student will be a few minutes late.  However, repeated tardiness is inexcusable.  Repeated tardiness places a burden on your classmates as well a me.  If you are repeatedly late, I will talk to you about dropping the class.

Academic Honesty: You are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic honesty. You are urged to read the section on Student Academic Dishonesty in the Georgia College & State University Undergraduate Catalog and/or the current Student Handbook. Incidents involving academic dishonesty will be processed in accordance with the Undergraduate Catalog and they will be reported by me as a violation of the student honor code.

It should be noted that academic dishonesty does not refer only to cheating on examinations. One primary form of academic dishonesty is to submit a writing assignment that contains words and sentences taken word for word from an author's work without giving the author credit. For example, in writing assignments students will lift sentences taken directly from an article or textbook rather than write the idea of the author in their own words.  Another form is to use the idea of an author, even if the idea is written in your own words, without citing the author in the paper.

Reading Assignments: You are expected to complete the reading assignments prior to the class session. Reading assignments will enhance your understanding of the lectures and prepare you to intelligently participate in class discussions.  Based on my experiences teaching this class, I can assure you that failure to complete the reading assignments prior to class will make it very difficult for you to understand what I cover in class.  Therefore, if you wish to achieve a high grade, read the assignments before class.

Examinations: There are two examinations for the course. All answers to the written portions of the examinations should be in standard written English, using complete sentences, correct spelling, and proper paragraphing. In addition, all writing must be legible. You are not allowed to use any textbooks, class notes, or other materials in taking the examinations unless specifically authorized to do so prior to the examination.

If you cannot attend an examination, you must notify me PRIOR to the date of the examination for permission to be absent. No make-up examination will be given unless you  have made arrangements with me PRIOR to the original examination date. Make-up examinations will be scheduled prior to the original examination or no later than one week after the original examination date.

Short Essays: You will be writing one-page essays on a weekly basis on topics that I will assign to you.  The exact nature of the assignment will vary from week to week, depending on the topic.  I will issue specific instructions for these essays in sufficient time for you to prepare for the assignment.  Most of these essays will be one type written page, double spaced, with one inch margins all around, and with a 12 point times-roman font.  The grades for these short essays will be averaged, and that average will be worth 20% of your final grade.

For all of these assignments you will prepare two copies of your work.  One copy will be turned into me at the beginning of class.  The second copy will be retained by you to serve as an aid for a discussion of the topic. 

Class Discussion: Throughout the course, you will be required to participate in class discussions and present  your analyses of various topics. Some of the discussion will be individual presentations to your fellow classmates.  All discussions and presentations will be graded.  Class discussion and presentations add to your understanding of the course material.  Effective discussion and participation require you to read and be familiar with the assigned material and questions.

GRADING SYSTEM

ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES

Last day to drop without academic penalty: October 12, 2004. Prior to mid-semester, you will receive feedback on your academic performance in this course.

Fire Evacuation Procedures: In the event of a fire alarm signal, you should exit the building in a quick and orderly manner through the nearest hallway exit. First and second floor classes should exit to a ground level exit. Do not use the elevator under any circumstances. The third floor stairwells are areas where disabled persons may communicate with rescue workers. Be familiar with the floor plan and exits of this building.

Requests for Modifications: If you require instructional modifications due to a documented disability, you should make an appointment to meet with me as soon as possible. An official letter from GC&SU documenting the disability will be expected in order to receive accommodations.

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