NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE COURSE SYLLABUS

 

Course Title:	Criminology
Course Prefix & Number:		CJSA1325	Section Number:	340	Semester/Year:	Spring 2018
Semester Credit Hours:		3	Lecture Hours:	3	Lab Hours:	0
Course Description (NCTC Catalog): Current theories and empirical research pertaining to crime and criminal behavior and its causes, methods of prevention, systems of punishment, and rehabilitation.
Course Prerequisite(s): None
Required or Recommended Course Materials: Criminology:  The Core Author Larry Siegal 6th Edition with MindTap (required). Warning: If you choose to use a different edition, you do so at your own risk.  Using a different edition may affect your performance in this class.

 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of Instructor:	DeAnna Downey
Campus/Office Location:	By appointment
Telephone Number:	940-369-2524
E-mail Address:	ddowney@nctc.edu

 

OFFICE HOURS

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
By appointment	5:00pm – 7:00pm Online by appointment	By appointment	By appointment	By appointment

 

 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (From Academic Course Guide Manual/Workforce Education Course Manual/NCTC Catalog

At the successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
1.	Identify and explain the various theories of causation of criminal behavior
2.	Identify and appraise the avenue of prevention
3.	Outline the various research methods/methodology used in criminological research
4.	Identify the categories and sources of criminological data utilized

 

 

 

GRADING CRITERIA

# of Graded Course Elements	Graded Course Elements	Percentage or Point Values
4	Exams	400- 4 @100 points each
9	Quizzes	90- 9 @ 10 points each
2	Application  Assignments	40-2 @ 20 points each
5	Discussion Board Assignments	100- 5 at 20 points each
14	Chapter Video Case Assignments	70- 14 @ 5 points each
1	Mid-Term Chapters 1-7	100 points each
1	Semester Research Project	100 points
1	Final Exam: Chapters 8-14	100 points

Your final grade will be a total of points earned from five (5) scheduled exams, nine  (9) quizzes, one (1) mid-term,  fourteen (14) video Case assignments, (1) semester research project, five (5) discussion board assignments, two (2) application assignments, and a comprehensive final exam.

 Grading Scale

900-1000         A

800-899          B

700-799          C

600-699          D

599-Below      F

 

Class Calendar

 

If you choose to not print the entire syllabus, it is vital that you at least print the class calendar.  The calendar will be your guide throughout this course.  It displays when each module will open and due dates for all assignments. You will have one week to complete each module.

 

Do not rely solely on the to-do-list!!!  You should also go directly to the modules to see all assignments.

 

The module will be made available on each Monday at 8:00 a.m. and will be disabled the following Sunday at 11:00 p.m., which means all assignments will need to be completed by 11:00 p.m. on Sunday.

 

Discussion Forums have different due dates.   Due to the forums having two different due dates, you will not see a due date beside the assignment in the module. Please see discussion forum instructions for when the initial and response posts are due. 

 

However, the due date for the Final Exam is different.  You will only have three (3) days to complete the final exam. (May 7^th – May 9^th)  The final will be available May 7, 2018 at 8:00 a.m. and will shut off at 11:00 p.m. on May 9th, 2018.

You will need the book and the Mindtap code to complete some of the assignments.

 

COURSE SUBJECT OUTLINE (Major Assignments, Due Dates, and Grading Criteria)

Week 1 Orientation January 16 – January 21 The orientation for this class will be in the week one folder.  It consists of: 1.    Read Course Information 2.    Read and Print Syllabus 3.    Complete Class Agreement 4.    Watch Mindtap Video 5.    Introduce yourself 6.    Watch a video about Criminology 7.    Complete Pre-Test (Bonus Opportunity)

Week 2 January 22 – January 28 1.    Read chapter 1 2.    Read Visual Summary along with the PowerPoint presentation 3.    Participate in discussion forum 1 4.    Complete Video Case 1 5.    Practice Assignments (You decide Part 1 and Part 2) 6.    Complete quiz 1

Week 3 January 29 – February 4 1.    Read chapter 2 2.    Read Visual Summary along with the PowerPoint presentation 3.    Complete Video Case 2 4.    Practice Assignments (You decide Part 1 and Part 2) 5.    Complete Exam 1 (Chapters 1 and 2)

Week 4 February 5 – February 11 1.    Read chapter 3 2.    Read Visual Summary along with the PowerPoint presentation 3.    Participate in discussion forum 2 4.    Complete Video Case 3 5.    Practice Assignments (You decide Part 1 and Part 2) 6.    Compete Quiz 2

Week 5 February 12 – February 18 1.    Read chapter 4 2.    Read Visual Summary along with the PowerPoint presentation 3.    Complete application assignment 1 4.    Complete Video Case 4 5.    Practice Assignments (You decide Part 1 and Part 2) 6.    Complete Exam 2 (Chapters 3 and 4)

Week 6 February 18 – February 25 1.    Read chapter 5 2.    Read Visual Summary along with the PowerPoint presentation 3.    Complete Video Case 5 4.    Participate in discussion forum 3 5.    Practice Assignments (You decide Part 1 and Part 2) 6.    Complete Quiz 3

Week 7 February 26 – March 4 1.    Read Chapter 6 2.    Read Visual Summary along with the PowerPoint presentation 3.    Complete Video Case 6 4.    Practice Assignments (You decide Part 1 and Part 2) 5.    Complete Quiz 4

Week 8 March 5 – March 11 1.    Read chapter 7 2.    Read Visual Summary along with the PowerPoint presentation 3.    Complete Video Case 7 4.    Practice Assignments (You decide Part 1 and Part 2) 5.    Take Mid-Term Exam Chapters 1-7

Week 9 March 19 – March 25 1.    Read chapter 8 2.    Read Visual Summary along with the PowerPoint presentation 3.    Complete Video Case 8 4.    Participate in discussion forum 4 5.    Practice Assignments (You decide Part 1 and Part 2) 6.    Complete Quiz 5

Week 10 March 26 – April 1 1.    Read chapter 9 2.    Read Visual Summary along with the PowerPoint presentation 3.    Participate in discussion forum 5 4.    Complete Video Case 9 5.    Practice Assignments (You decide Part 1 and Part 2) 6.    Complete Exam 3 Chapters 8 and 9

Week 11 April 2 – April 8 1.    Read chapter 10 2.    Read Visual Summary along with the PowerPoint presentation 3.    Complete application assignment 2 4.    Complete Video Case 10 5.    Practice Assignments (You decide Part 1 and Part 2) 6.    Take Quiz 6

Week 12 April 9 – April 15 1.    Read chapter 11 2.    Read Visual Summary along with the PowerPoint presentation 3.    Complete Video Case 11 4.    Practice Assignments (You decide Part 1 and Part 2) 5.    Complete Exam 4 (Chapters 10 and 11)

Week 13 April 16 - April 22 1.    Read chapter 12 2.    Read Visual Summary along with the PowerPoint presentation 3.    Complete Video Case 12 4.    Practice Assignments (You decide Part 1 and Part 2) 5.    Complete Quiz 7

Week 14 April 23 – April 29 1.    Read chapter 13 2.    Read Visual Summary along with the PowerPoint presentation Semester Research Project due April 29th by 11:00 p.m. 3.    Complete Video Case 13 4.    Practice Assignments (You decide Part 1 and Part 2) 5.    Take Quiz 8

Week 15 April 30 – May 6 1.    Read Chapter 14 2.    Read Visual Summary along with the PowerPoint presentation 3.    Complete Video Case 14 4.    Practice Assignments (You decide Part 1 and Part 2) 5.    Complete Quiz 9 6.    Study for Finals

Week 16 May 7 – May 9 Final exam-Shuts off at 11:00 p.m. on May 9th

Note:  Please be mindful that this is a tentative calendar and changes can be made at instructor’s discretion. The instructor will notify students of any changes.

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Regular and punctual attendance is expected of all students in all classes for which they have registered.  All absences are unauthorized unless the student is absent due to illness or emergencies as determined by the instructor.  It is the student responsibility to provide documentation as to the emergency for approval and judgement by the faculty member.  Approved college sponsored activities are the only absences for which a student should not be held liable and only when provided by a college official ahead of the absence.  Valid reasons for absence, however, do not relieve the student of the responsibility for making up required work.  Students will not be allowed to make up an examination missed due to absence unless they have reasons acceptable to the instructor.  A student who is compelled to be absent when a test is given should petition the instructor, in advance if possible, for permission to postpone the exam.  Student will be dropped from a class by the Registrar upon recommendation of the instructor who feels the student has been justifiably absent or tardy a sufficient number of times to preclude meeting the course’s objectives.    Persistent, unjustified absences from classes or laboratories will be considered sufficient cause for College officials to drop a student from the rolls of the College. From Board Policy FC (LOCAL)

Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is _April 5, 2018_.

DISABILITY SERVICES (Office for Students with Disabilities)

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides support services for students with disabilities, students enrolled in technical areas of study, and students who are classified as special populations (i.e. single parents).

Support services for students with disabilities might include appropriate and reasonable accommodations, or they may be in the form of personal counseling, academic counseling, career counseling, etc.  Furthermore, OSD Counselors work with students to encourage self-advocacy and promote empowerment. The Counselors also provides resource information, disability-related information, and adaptive technology for students who qualify.

If you feel you have needs for services that the institution provides, please reach out to either Wayne Smith (940) 498-6207 or Yvonne Sandman (940) 668-4321.  Alternative students may stop by Room 170 in Corinth or Room 110 in Gainesville.

CORE CURRICULUM FOUNDATIONAL COMPONENT AREA (For classes in the Core)________   

 

o         Communication

o         Mathematics              

o         Life and Physical Science

o         Language, Philosophy & Culture

o         Creative Arts

o         American History

 

o         Government/Political Science

x        Social and Behavioral Sciences

o         Component Area Option

 

REQUIRED CORE OBJECTIVES (For classes in the Core)

 

x           Critical Thinking

o           Communication

o           Empirical and Quantitative

 

o           Teamwork

o           Personal Responsibility

o           Social Responsibility

 

COURSE TYPE

o           Academic General Education Course (from ACGM but not in NCTC Core)

o        Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course

x        WECM Course

 

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the student handbook and published online.

 

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, academic falsification, intellectual property dishonesty, academic dishonesty facilitation and collusion.  Faculty members may document and bring charges against a student who is engaged in or is suspected to be engaged in academic dishonesty.  See Student Handbook, “Student Rights & Responsibilities: Student Conduct ([FLB(LOCAL)]”. 

 

Consequences for academic dishonesty may include:

• First offense you will receive a written warning
• Second offense you will be dropped from the course

 

QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, or COMPLAINTS

Name of Chair/Coordinator:	Dr. Cherly Furdge
Office Location:	Corinth/ 3rd floor Suite 239 Office 234
Telephone Number:	Office-940-498-6238 Cell-972-922-7978
E-mail Address:	cfurdge@nctc.edu
Name of Instructional Dean:	Dean Debbie Huffman
Office Location:	Gainesville
Telephone Number:	940-668-3357
E-mail Address:	dhuffman@nctc.edu

 

Other Pertinent Information

Orientation

You are required to complete an orientation quiz.  Completing the orientation quiz ensures that you have read the syllabus and fully understands everything that is required of you.  Upon completing the quiz, you will receive 5 bonus points.  However, if you send an email asking a question that is answered in your syllabus you will lose your 5 bonus points.  Before sending an email asking a question, please read your syllabus.

 Pre Test assignments

You will be awarded and additional 5 points if you complete both the pre-test. The pre-test assignments will consist of essay questions. Please do not use any outside information when you take your pre-test. I want to know what you know, so do not feel discouraged if you did not do well on the pre-test.

Assignments Location

All assignments are located under module.  You must click on module to see instructions and all assignments.  Do not depend on the to-do-list to let you know what is due.  It is vital to always go into your weekly modules along with reading your class calendar.  If you are confused about any assignments, contact the instructor for more clarity. 

 Respondus Lockdown 

You must download the respondus lock down browser to access the exams and quizzes.  All exams and quizzes are protected by this browser.  If you have problems downloading the browser, please contact Canvas or tech support immediately.

Contacting the Instructor

The instructor is not available on Saturdays and Sundays at all. Any questions sent on Saturday or Sunday will be answered on Monday. It is important that you read your assignments at the beginning of the week so your questions can be answered by Friday at 12:00 p.m. NOON. You do have permission to email the instructor if an exam or quiz is not showing up. 

 It is your responsibility to make sure the computer and internet connection you are using is reliable.  I cannot help with technical issues nor can I help if your network stalls.  These are all technical issues.  I can only help if the exam or quiz is not available when it should be.  

Emails

 Emails must be sent through Canvas.  You should not email the instructor from your personal email nor should you email the instructor using the instructors NCTC email address.

 All emails will be responded to within 24 hours.  Again, emails should be used to ask all questions.  Also, if you need to schedule an appointment to meet, please do so by sending an email.

Make-up work and late assignments

Neither make-up exams nor quizzes will be given nor will late work be accepted.  You have a week to complete your assignments and it is important that you do so.  If you have a problem uploading an assignment and choose to email it to me, it must be time stamped before 11:00 p.m. on Sunday. 

 All assignments are important so please do not discount them.  A ten (10) point quiz could be the difference between an A or B or you passing or failing the class.  I cannot stress how important it is for you to complete all assignments. 

 Lectures and readings

It is your responsibility to read the chapters and take notes.  Do not depend solely on the posted notes and the Power Point presentations.  Use the Power Points as a guide.  The power point lectures are located under module.  They are labeled “PowerPoint Lecture (2).zip”.  YOU WILL NEED YOUR BOOK.  The exams and quizzes will not only come from the PowerPoint presentations but also from the entire chapter.

 Grading Scale

The grading scale below gives a grade based on you completing all assignments.  Until you have completed every assignment, the scale below can only be used to let you know how many points you need at the end of the class.  

Grading Scale

900-1000         A

800-899          B

700-799          C

600-699          D

599-Below      F

 

 

Instructions for all Assignments

 

Please make sure you print a copy of your syllabus.  It is important to have a hard copy to look at just in case there are technical issues with your computer. 

400 points-Exams

You have a total of four (4) exams.  Each exam is worth 100 points.  There will be multiple choice, true/false and essay questions on each exam.  You will have 50 minutes to complete the exam.  When taking the exam, you will see only one question at a time.  The chapters each exam will cover are located on your class calendar.  Do not depend on the Power Point presentations for the exam.  You must read the chapter and take good notes.  To protect the integrity of this online class, you will not receive a copy of the exam.  Also you will not be able to download or print the exam.  It is vital that you take good notes and keep up with your Power Point presentation.  This will help you be successful on the final.  There is no study guide. 

You must be logged-in to take the exam in enough time to complete it. Even if you are taking the exam, it will shut off at 11:00 p.m. on Sunday; therefore, make sure you log- in to the exam in enough time to finish.

*You must download the Respondus lockdown browser or you will not be able to access the exam.

90 points-Quizzes

You will have nine (9) scheduled reading quizzes for this class. Questions will be multiple choice, true/false and essay. Look closely at your syllabus and the information in your modules for quizzes availability. Each quiz is worth 10 points. You will have ten (10) or in some cases 20 minutes to answer ten (10) multiple choice questions. You will not be able to print nor save the quizzes for a later time. Once you click on the quiz, you must complete it. Quizzes will not only come from the power point lectures but the entire chapter reading. There is no study guide. 

 

You must be logged-in to take the quiz in enough time to complete it. Even if you are taking the exam, it will shut off at 11:00 p.m. on Sunday; therefore, make sure you log- in to the exam in enough time to finish.

 

*You must download the Respondus lockdown browser or you will not be able to access the exam.

 

100 points-Mid-Term Chapters 1-7

 The mid-term exam will be 100 multiple choice questions from chapters 1-7.   You will need to keep good notes during your readings and keep copies of the power points and lecture notes to do well on the mid-term exam. NO STUDY GUIDE WILL BE GIVEN FOR THE mid-term nor will you be able to review old quizzes.  You must compile good notes which will prepare you.   

You will not be able to print results but only review the assessment results.

Similar to the exams and quizzes, you must be logged-in to take the mid-exam in enough time to complete it. Even if you are taking the exam, it will shut off at 11:00 p.m.; therefore, make sure you log-in to the exam in enough time to finish

 *Remember you must download the Respondus lockdown browser or you will not be able to access the exam.

 

 

 

100 points-Final Exam

 The final exam 100 multiple choice question from chapters 8-14.  You will need to keep good notes during your readings and keep copies of the power points and lecture notes to do well on the final exam. NO STUDY GUIDE WILL BE GIVEN FOR THE final nor will you be able to review old quizzes.  You must compile good notes which will prepare you.   

 

You will not be able to print results but only review the assessment results.

 

Similar to the exams and quizzes, you must be logged-in to take the exam in enough time to complete it. Even if you are taking the exam, it will shut off at 11:00 p.m. on May 10th; therefore, make sure you log-in to the exam in enough time to finish.

 

*Remember you must download the Respondus lockdown browser or you will not be able to access the exam.

 100- points-Discussion Forums

 You are required to participate in a total of five (5) discussion forums at 20 points each.  In order to receive credit for the discussion forum you must do the following:  (1.) Post your response to the initial question(s) on time, (2.) Respond to 2 of your classmates (3. Answer all parts to the initial post very detailed (4.) Response is on time and is thought provoking and not just “a general statement”, (5.) Make sure your initial post and response post are written in a scholarly manner. Do not respond by just saying I agree.  Be sure to tell why and add supporting fact.  ANYONE WHO POST THEIR INITIAL POSTS AND RESPONSE POSTS ON A SUNDAY WILL RECEIVE A 0. The rubric for the discussion forums is as follows:

Rubric for Discussion Forums

Requirement                                                                                             Points

Post your response to the initial question (s) on time	Minimum1 Maximum 4
Respond to 2 of your classmates	Minimum1 Maximum 4
Answered all parts to the initial post very detailed.	Minimum1 Maximum 4
Responses re on time and is thought provoking and not just “a general statement”	Minimum1 Maximum 4
Make sure your posts is written in a scholarly manner with at least one citation from the textbook	Minimum1 Maximum 4

                                                                     

Total possible points for each discussion forum 20

1. The question for the initial post will be posted in the forum.  You must answer the question in its entirety and on time.  Most good answers will be at least 5 sentences in length.  Note:  If you do not make your initial post, you will not receive credit for the forum.  Post reflecting only a response to your classmates will be considered as incomplete and will receive a zero.
2. You must respond to two of your classmates.  In your response, you should give feedback on their response, ask probing questions and provide intellectual feedback.  A response stating “I agree with you” only is not acceptable and will result in you losing five points.  This is a discussion forum.  Please create a dialogue between you and your classmates. 
3. Your answer to the initial question must be posted by day 4 of the week and you must respond to two classmates by day 6.  For example:  The week starts on a Monday, Thursday is day 4and Saturday is day 6.  It is unacceptable to post all of your responses at 10:00 p.m. on Sunday. 
4. ANYONE WHO POSTS THEIR INITIAL POST AND RESPONSE POSTS ON A SUNDAY WILL RECEIVE A 0.This does not give your classmates adequate time to read your posts.
5. This is a college class.  It is important for you to display your intellect.  Your initial post and at least one of your response posts should be written in a scholarly manner.  In the past, students have posted more than 3 times, which is fine.  All I ask is that 2 of your post be well written. 
6. Please make sure you write your post in a scholarly manner.  Be sure that all sentences have punctuation marks, start with a capital letter and reflect the usage of spell check.  You must also make at least one citation from your textbook in your initial postsupporting your response.  For example:  The social structure theory maintains that a person’s place in a social structure controls behavior (pg. 13).

 

40-points-Application Assignments

 You will complete two (2) application assignments, twenty (20) points each.  The application assignments are designed to see if you can apply the information you are learning to everyday life.  The instructions for each application assignment and the rubric will be posted the week it is due.  Please see class calendar.

          

 

70 points-Video Case Assignments

 You will complete 14 video case assignments.  Each video case assignment is worth five (5) points.  After watching the video, you will answer five (5) questions about the video.  You will have two chances to complete the assignment.

 Review Exercises (no grade will be applied)

You will see assignments in each module titled “You decide”.  These assignments are for review only.  You do not have to complete these assignments but they may be a helpful tool to prepare for the exams and quizzes.

 

Semester Research Project: Due April 29th @ 11:00PM 

You will research one of the two major white-collar cases below.

First, you will give a detailed description of exactly what happened to cause these person(s) to get arrested.

Second, you will describe in full detail which theory or theories can be used to explain why the crime(s) were committed. I want you to explain to me how the theory explains their behavior and why you chose that theory or theories.

Third, you will give some policy implications or changes in the law that have been implemented to mitigate these types of crimes from happening in the future. I want you to also research and discuss if these policies have been successful or not.

Fourth, what sort of affect does white-collar crime have on our society compared with street crime? Should we pay more attention to white-collar crimes in the future?

Conclusion, you will need a conclusion to wrap up your research paper.

Topics: Choose One

The Bernie Madoff Ponzi Scheme

The Enron case

Requirements:

4-5 pages (not including your cover page and reference page)

(Your Cover page will consist of your name, topic you chose and the date.)

3 scholarly sources/references minimum in APA citation style (Email me if you have questions or just Google APA citation). You will also be required to cite your sources in the text. For example, According to Dixon (2014) there are green apples on that tree. OR… There are green apples on that tree (Dixon, 2014). Either way is fine with me or you can change it up and use both styles. Also if the article does not have a publication date write (Dixon, n.d.).

12 Inch Font: Times New Roman

1 inch margins

Grading: 100 points

Content (60 points): Did you answer ALL the questions asked in a very thorough and detailed manner? Did you meet the page requirement?

Grammar (30 points): Make sure to proofread your work more than once. Have someone else read it as well (just my recommendation).

Reference/Sources (10 points): Did you meet the necessary requirements for sources? Are your sources scholarly? If you have a question about an article send it to me and I’ll let you know if it’s a scholarly article….NO WIKAPEDIA!!!!!!