NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE COURSE SYLLABUS

The North Central Texas College (NCTC) Course Syllabus provides the following as required by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB): (1) a brief description of the course including each major course requirement, assignment and examination; (2) the learning objectives for the course; (3) a general description of the subject matter of each lecture or discussion; and (4) any required or recommended readings.  Contact information for the instructor is also provided. The Course Syllabus also provides institutional information to indicate how this course supports NCTC’s purpose and mission. Information specific to a particular section of the course will be included in the Class Syllabus and distributed to enrolled students.

 

 

Course Title: Child Abuse, Prevention and Investigation
Course Prefix & Number: CJSA2331	Section Number: 400	Semester: 161S
Semester Credit Hours: 3	Lecture Hours: 3	Lab Hours: 0
Course Description (NCTC Catalog): Forms of child abuse and neglect and the traits of typical abusers. Includes strategies to investigate abuse, interview victims and witnesses, document evidence in accordance with the state law, and conduct case studies.
Course Prerequisite(s): None
Required or Recommended Course Materials: Protecting Our Children-Understanding and Preventing Abuse and Neglect in Early Childhood Sharon Thompson Hirschy and Elaine Wilkinson

 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of Instructor:	Cleopatra Birckbichler
Campus/Office Location:	Corinth Campus
Telephone Number:	940-390-0816
E-mail Address:	cbirckbichler@nctc.edu

 

Name of Chair/Coordinator:	Dr. Cherly Furdge
Office Location:	Corinth 3rd Floor Suite 331 office 339
Telephone Number:	940-498-6238 or 972-922-7978
E-mail Address:	cfurdge@nctc.edu
Name of Instructional Dean:	Debbie Huffman
Office Location:	Gainesville Career Technology Building
Telephone Number:	940-668-3357
E-mail Address:	dhuffman@nctc.edu

 

 

 

 

 

CORE CURRICULUM FOUNDATIONAL COMPONENT AREA______________________________

 

o         Communication

o         Mathematics              

o         Life and Physical Science

o         Language, Philosophy & Culture

o         Creative Arts

 

o         American History

o         Government/Political Science

XX      Social and Behavioral Sciences

o         Component Area Option

 

REQUIRED CORE OBJECTIVES

 

XX           Problem Solving

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

XX        WECM Course

 

 

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the student handbook. http://nctc.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2014-2015/Catalog/North-Central-Texas-College-Student-Handbook

 

 

GRADING CRITERIA

# of Graded Course Elements	Graded Course Elements	Percentage or Point Values
1	Midterm (Chapters 1-6)	100
1	Final (Chapters 7-11)	150
1	Term Paper	100
3	Quizzes	150 (50 Points Each)
3	Video Worksheets	150 (50 Points Each)
3	Group Activity	150 (50 Points Each)

 

 

Grading Scale:

 

Total points 800

Grading Scale

720-800-A

640-719-B

560-639-C

480-559-D

479-Below F

 

 

INSTITUTIONAL LEARNING GOALS

 A quality general education curriculum in all associate degree programs.

 Quality freshman and sophomore level courses in arts and sciences which parallel the lower division offerings of four-year colleges and universities.

 Quality technical programs leading directly to careers in semi-skilled and skilled occupations, and quality technical education programs up to two years in length leading to certificates and associate degrees.

 Quality programs and services in support of adult literacy and basic skills development as a mean of workforce enhancement and expanding access to higher education.

 

 

PROGRAM PURPOSE STATEMENT

NCTC seeks to implement its goal of providing quality freshman and sophomore level courses in arts and sciences that parallel the lower division offerings of four-year colleges and universities by offering a coherent sequence of courses with appropriate breadth and depth to prepare students for transferring to a university.

 

 DEPARTMENTAL PURPOSE STATEMENT

The Law Enforcement department prepares students for careers in every aspect of criminal justice, (police, courts and corrections), and for advanced degrees.

 

 

 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

	At the successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
1	Identify forms of abuse and neglect.
2	Compare and contrast characteristics of typical abusers.
3	Outline investigative strategies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF SUBJECT MATTER FOR EACH LECTURE/DISCUSSION

Topic	General Description of Subject Matter
Chapter 1: History and Theory of Child Maltreatment	This chapter will discuss the definitions, descriptions, and history of abuse and neglect. It will also talk about how theories about children and families apply to child abuse and neglect, as well as the laws and legal implications.
Chapter 2: Recognizing and Identifying Child Abuse and Neglect	This chapter will discuss statistics regarding child maltreatment, different types and categories of abuse and neglect, and the signs, symptoms, and characteristics of forms of abuse.
Chapter 3: Assessing and Reporting Child Maltreatment	This chapter will discuss how to recognize and assess when a child is abused and neglected, as well as your role in reporting abuse and neglect and who to report it to.
Chapter 4: What Happens When Abuse and Neglect Have Occurred?	This chapter will discuss how abuse and neglect is investigated, who investigates it, and the roles of Child Protective Services, the police, and the courts. The Chapter will also discuss resources for the families and what happens when children are removed from their homes.
Chapter 5: Perpetrators: Those Who Abuse And Neglect Children	This chapter will discuss who abuses children in the community and how teachers and other professionals commit child abuse.
Chapter 6: Impact of Abuse and Neglect on Children’s Lives	This chapter will discuss the immediate and long-term effects of maltreatment on children’s development, as well as treatment and service options to assist a child who has been maltreated.
Chapter 7: Special Topics in Child Maltreatment	This chapter will discuss the effects of culture, socioeconomic status, and religion on child maltreatment.
Chapter 8: Parents/Families and Child Maltreatment	This chapter will discuss the importance of parent-professional partnerships in preventing and treating abuse, and how to develop partnerships with parents.
Chapter 9: Prevention, Intervention, and Guidance: Families	This chapter will discuss the opinions and research on the use of corporal punishment as an effective guidance strategy and effective methods of parent education.
Chapter 10: Teacher Styles/Ethics and Child Maltreatment	This chapter will discuss teacher styles and stages, the importance of communication skills and relationships, relationship building, cultural issues in the classroom, and teachers and emotional abuse, physical and sexual abuse, roles and responsibilities, and teachers and ethics.
Chapter 11: Prevention, Intervention, and Guidance: Teachers	This chapter will discuss how the teaching environment can protect children from the effects of abuse, and the ways the teaching environment can promote prevention.

Student Rights & Responsibilities   NCTC Board policy FLB (Local) Student Rights and Responsibilities states that each student shall be charged with notice and knowledge of the contents and provisions of the rules and regulations concerning student conduct.  These rules and regulations are published in the Student Handbook published in conjunction with the College Catalog.              Scholastic Integrity   Scholastic dishonest shall constitute a violation of college rules and regulations and is punishable as prescribed by Board policies. Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but not be limited to cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion. See the Student Handbook for more information.

 

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Disability Services (OSD)   The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides accommodations for students who have a documented disability. A disability is anything that can interfere with learning, such as a learning disability, psychological challenge, physical illness or injury. Accommodations may include extra time on tests, tests in a distraction reduced environment, volunteer note taker in class, etc. On the Corinth Campus, go to room 170 or call 940-498-6207. On the Gainesville Campus, go to room 110 in the Administration (100) Building or call 940-668-4209. Students on the Bowie, Graham, Flower Mound, and online campuses should call 940-668-4209 to arrange for an intake appointment with OSD. North Central Texas College is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of federal equal opportunity legislation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, ADA Amendments Act of 2009, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-112). http://www.nctc.edu/StudentServices/SupportServices/Disabilityservices.aspx   Early Alert and CARES   The NCTC Early Alert program has been established to assist students who are at risk of failing or withdrawing from a course. Your instructor may refer you to this program if you are missing assignments, failing tests, excessively absent, or have personal circumstances impacting your academic performance. If submitted as an Early Alert you will be notified via your NCTC e-mail address and then contacted by a Counseling and Testing advisor or counselor to discuss possible strategies for completing your course successfully. The NCTC CARES (Campus Assessment Response Evaluation Services) Team addresses behavior which may be disruptive, harmful or pose a threat to the health and safety of the NCTC community-such as stalking, harassment, physical or emotional abuse, violent or threatening behavior, or self-harm. As a student, you have the ability to report concerning behavior which could impact your own safety or the safety of another NCTC student. Just click the NCTC CARES Team logo posted on MyNCTC, or send an e-mail to CARESTeam@nctc.edu.  As always, if you feel there is an immediate threat to your own safety or welfare (or to another student), please call 911 immediately.   Support Services   Counseling and Testing staff offer a variety of services to current and prospective students, such as College 101, placement testing, academic advising and course registration, transfer assistance, and College Success seminars (Time Management, Study Skills, Test Anxiety, Choosing a Major, Learning Style Strategies, Career Exploration), and much more. http://www.nctc.edu/StudentServices/CounselingTesting.aspx Student Success offers academic coaching, tutoring, including a Writing Center, a Math Lab, free 24/7 online tutoring through Grade Results and assist new students acclimate to college by providing computer lab services for prospective students.   First generation students can also participate in TRIO which offers specialized support services. http://www.nctc.edu/StudentServices/SupportServices.aspx Financial Aid offers financial resources for students that qualify, visit the financial aid offices for more information. http://www.nctc.edu/FInancialAidHome.aspx   Tobacco-Free Campus   NCTC restricts the use of all tobacco products including cigarettes, cigars, pipes and smokeless tobacco on campus property.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLASS CALENDAR

01/18/17                     Introductions/Syllabus/Pre-Test

01/25/17                     Lecture Chapters 1-2/Video

02/01/17                     Lecture Chapters 3-4/Speaker

02/08/17                     Quiz I (Chapters 1-4) Lecture Chapter 5/Group Activity

02/15/17                     Lecture Chapters 5-6

02/22/17                     Group Activity

03/01/17                     Review for Midterm/Game Review

03/08/17                     MIDTERM

03/15/17                     SPRING BREAK-NO CLASS

03/22/17                     Lecture Chapters 7-8/Video

03/29/17                     Lecture Chapter 9/Speaker

04/05/17                     Quiz II (Chapters 7-9) Lecture Chapter 10

04/12/17                     Lecture Chapter 11/Group Activity

04/19/17                     Quiz III (Chapters 7-10)

04/26/17                     Library Day for Term Papers

05/03/17                     Term Papers Due/Review for Final

05/10/17                     FINAL EXAM (Chapters 7-11)

 

100 points- Essay

 

You are required to type one (1) essay during the course of this class. The essay is worth 100 points.  

 

Once you read the topic, you are going to type a five paragraph essay in A WORD DOCUMENT.

 

Each paragraph will consist of five or more sentences. Please separate your paragraphs.  Do not type this assignment as one big paragraph.  Doing so will affect your grade.  Separate according to the instructions below.

 

Essay Format

Paragraph I- Introductory paragraph which will end or begin with a thesis statement. The thesis statement will point out the (4) Four Points you will be discussing in the three supporting paragraphs in the body of the essay.  Again, this sentence must be at the beginning or the end of your first paragraph.  Reading this paragraph will give the instructor an idea of what your essay will be about. 

An example of a thesis statement is: The four reasons why I believe teens turn to crime are drugs, poor parenting, and peer pressure.

Paragraph II, III, IV, V- The four main points highlighted in your thesis statement are discussed in these paragraphs. Each main point should be discussed in at least one of the three supporting paragraphs.

For example:

In paragraph 2, I will discuss drugs

 Paragraph 3, I will discuss poor parenting

 Paragraph 4, I will discuss peer pressure

 Paragraph 5. I will discuss solutions

 Paragraph VI-is your conclusion. Be sure to re-emphasize your thesis statement in this paragraph and summarize the paper.

The essay must be formatted with indented paragraphs. Each paragraph must consist of no less than 5 sentence.  Three (4) points will be taken off for every paragraph that does not consist of at least five sentences.

The essay should be typed in Times New Romans in a word document, size 12 font, and double space.

Essay Topic:

Choose a foreign country and compare and contrast aspects of child abuse in the United States compared to child abuse in your chosen country. For your chosen country write a paragraph on each of the following comparing and contrasting with the United States.

1. What constitutes child abuse? Explain statutes relating to child abuse.
2. What is the age of legal consent?
3. How is it reported? Who is responsible for reporting?
4. What government agencies are tasked with investigating?
5. What steps can be taken to prevent abuse and neglect?

(This needs to be realistic when considering the steps that foreign countries can take versus the United States. Culture and tradition should be taken into account).

 

 

 

Rubric for Essay

Essay clearly answered topic        20 points

Formatted Correctly                     20 points

Clearly followed directions           20 points

Free of grammatical errors          20 points

Submitted on time                        20 points

 

Not following the essay format above will result in a zero.

 

Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is April 6, 2017.

Other Pertinent Information

 

Contacting the Instructor:

My office hours are Monday thru Thursday-9:00am-4:00pm. You may contact the instructor via email or by calling the number listed in this syllabus.  Do not send a text to the cell phone number asking questions related to this course.  You will not get a response.  Please send an email concerning course related questions. 

 

Emails:

If you send the instructor an email, please allow one (1) business day for a response.

 

Texting:

You may contact the instructor via text message in case of an emergency ONLY.

 

Make-up work and late assignments:

In fairness to all students no assignments will be accepted late. All work must be turned in on the scheduled date and time. Make-up exams will be administered only if students present a medical/work excuse.

 

Steps to Taking a Make-Up Exam:

1. Student must contact the instructor prior to knowing that the student is going to miss an exam.
2. Student must take the exam within 48 hours of missing the exam.
3. The date, time, and location of the exam will be discussed between the student and the Instructor.

 

4. Medical/Work excuse must be presented to instructor for approval to make up the exam.

If a student does not make up an exam, he/she will receive a zero for the exam.

It is very important that students show respect and remain orderly while in class. If a student is found to show any signs of misconduct he/she will be asked to leave the class and will be considered absent for that particular day.  If the conduct is persistent, students will be reported to the Dean of Student Services to receive appropriate disciplinary action. 

All Cell phones and pagers must be turned off or on a silent mode prior to entering the classroom.

If a student has any concerns or questions related to this class or the instructor, he/she is welcomed to make an appointment to meet with the instructor.

Attendance Policy:

This class meets on Wednesday nights from 6:30pm to 9:20pm in classroom 365. All students are expected to attend classes as scheduled.  If you have a situation that may affect your attendance, please discuss your situation with your instructor. 

Each student is expected to attend class on time. If you are more than 15 minutes late you will be counted absent. 

You are allowed to miss two classes. If you miss more than two classes, your grade will drop five points for every class missed. 

If a student has an excuse from a physician or employer, the validity of the excuse will be determined by the instructor.

Extra Credit:

Extra credit will be given at the instructor’s discretion. Please do not send a request asking for extra credit.  I will inform the class when an extra credit assignment will be posted.  There is no guarantee that extra credit assignments will be offered.  It is very important that you complete and be successful on your required assignments and not depend on extra credit.  Students who complete all assignments are highly likely to be successful in the class.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Workforce Education Program Elements (SCANS Skills)

 

The Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) conducted extensive research and interviews and determined that “workplace know-how” consists of two elements: foundations skills and workplace competencies.

 

These SCANS Skills are referenced with each course objective and are as follows:

 

1. Foundation Skills
2.  

1. Basic Skills: A worker must (i) read, (ii) write, (iii) perform arithmetic and mathematical operations, (iv) listen, and (v) speak effectively.
2.  
3. Thinking Skills: A worker must (i) think creatively, (ii) make decisions, (iii) solve problems, (iv) visualize, (v) know how to learn, and (vi) reason effectively. 
4.  
5. Personal Qualities: A worker must display (i) responsibility, (ii) self-esteem, (iii) sociability, (iv) self-management, (v) integrity, and (vi) honesty. 
6.  

• Workplace Competencies

 

1.  

1. Resources: A worker must identify, organize, plan, and allocate resources effectively. This includes (i) time, (ii) money, (iii) material and facilities, and (iv) human resources.
2.  
3. Interpersonal Skills: A worker must work with others effectively to (i) participate as a member of a team, (ii) teach others new skills, (iii) serve clients/customers, (iv) exercise leadership, (v) negotiate, and (vi) work with diversity. 
4.  
5. Information: A worker must be able to (i) acquire and use information, (ii) organize and maintain information, (iii) interpret and communicate information and (iv) use computers to process information.
6.  
7. Systems: A worker must understand complex interrelationships as in (i) understanding systems, (ii) monitor and correct performance, and (iii) improve and design systems. 
8.  
9. Technology: A worker must be able to work with a variety of technologies, e.g. (i) select technology, (ii) apply technology, and (iii) maintain and troubleshoot equipment. 
10.  
11.