CRJU 6200: Police in Society

Course Syllabus for Spring Semester, 2001

Instructor:                Dr. Eugene E. Bouley, Jr.

1.  Glensor, Ronald W., Mark E. Correia, Kenneth J. Peak.  Policing Communities: Understanding Crime and Solving Problems - An Anthology.  (2000).  Los Angeles: Roxbury Publishing Company.

2.  Silverman, Eli B.  Policing NYPD Battles Crime: Innovative Strategies in Policing.  (1999).  Boston: Northeastern University Press.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

CRJU 6200: Police in Society (3-0-3).  The philosophy and role of American policing, politics of policing, managing the police organization, police operational and administrative practices, and emergent issues and problems in policing.

COURSE PURPOSE, GOALS, and OBJECTIVES

Police in Society is designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of the role of the police in a democratic society. Major topics include the organization and administration of the police in American society, police management and organization, and contemporary issues including the minority issues, community policing, and the police subculture. The goals of the course for the student are to

1. Critically evaluate the role of policing in a democratic society.
2. Understand the organization and management of police forces at the city, county, state, and federal level.
3. Comprehend emerging policing practices including community-oriented and problem-oriented policing.
4. Analyze the impact of the police subculture on the behavior of police officers.
5. Understand the legal issues with which individual police officers and police departments must confront daily.
6. Develop critical thinking skills by the analysis of contemporary issues facing American policing such as rising juvenile violence, women and minorities, and police corruption.
7. Develop an appreciation and understanding of the ethical dilemmas endemic to a career in policing, as well as those confronting law enforcement organizations.
8. Develop and/or improve oral skills through class presentations and group discussion.
9. Develop and improve writing skills through frequent writing assignments.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Attendance: A substantial portion of this course will be taught by distance learning.  However, you are expected to attend all the face-to-face meetings.  Class attendance will be taken and the only absences that are permitted are those authorized beforehand by Georgia College & State University because you are participating in official university functions.

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

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

Reading Assignments: I expect you to complete the reading assignments. Reading assignments will enhance your understanding of the material, help you to intelligently participate classroom discussions, and prepare you to analyze and synthesize the coursework.  Based on my experiences teaching this class, I can assure you that failure to read the material will make it very difficult for you to accomplish the objectives of the course.  Therefore, if you wish to achieve a high grade, prepare yourself by reading all material.

Weekly Assignments: You will have weekly written assignments concerning the readings.  After  reading the assignments, you are to write a summary and an analysis of the significance of each article or chapter.  Bring those assignments to class and utilize them during the class discussions.  At the end of the class, turn them in for grading.  All of these assignments are to be typewritten.

Examinations: There are a total of two essay-type take home 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. Examinations are due when indicated and I will not be accept those that are turned in late.  Therefore, make sure you turn in the completed examination to me on or prior to the due date.  If they are submitted to me electronically, I will always acknowledge receipt of the examination and that I can open the file.  Make sure you keep a copy of the submitted examination in case a problem arises.

Course Paper: You will write a  twelve to fifteen page paper on a topic of your choice dealing with policing. You will submit your topic for approval to me on January 16, 2001. I will approve, modify, or reject the topic as appropriate. Once your topic is approved, begin working on it. The paper is to be prepared in accordance with the requirements contained in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 4th edition. The paper will contain all proper citations and a reference list. The reference list is in addition to the twelve to fifteen pages of text. The reference list is to contain at least twenty references, a minimum of fifteen of which must be from academic journals. The final student papers are to be submitted no later than the beginning of class on April 24, 2001.

The paper is to be submitted in stages. The schedule for submissions is indicated in the chart below.  While I grade one submission, continue to work on the next submission.  When you turn in a subsequent submission, make sure you have updated the prior submission.

Class Participation: Throughout the course, you will be required to participate in class discussions as this participation adds to your understanding of the course material.  Effective participation requires a showing that you have read and are familiar with the assigned material and questions.  Experience has shown that students who do well usually bring the book to class, pay careful attention to the instructor, take notes in class, and study diligently before the exams.  All presentations in which you participate are graded.

ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES

Last day to drop without academic penalty: March 2, 2001.

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. In Milledgeville, the third floor stairwells are areas where disabled people 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.

GRADING SYSTEM