BCJ 2501, Criminology Course Syllabus. Course Description. Course Textbook. Course Learning Outcomes. Credits. Course Structure

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1 BCJ 2501, Criminology Course Syllabus Course Description Criminology contains an exploration of crime and crime causation theories, including traditional and modern approaches and emerging technological innovations as well as social policy. Course Textbook Schmalleger, F. (2016). Criminology (3rd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Pearson. Course Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students should be able to: 1. Summarize the various ways crime is reported and measured. 2. Assess laws and social policies established to address crime in the United States, including how these laws are crime specific. 3. Define terms related to the study of crime, including their relation to present-day crime issues. 4. Explain how criminologists impact laws and social policy in the United States. 5. Analyze criminological theories to include their applicability to crime patterns and trends. 6. Describe the basic concepts of key criminological behavior theories, including their relation to scientific research substantiating these theories. 7. Explain patterns of offences and victimization. 8. Outline the principles of classical and neoclassical schools of criminology, including their relation to public policy. 9. Explain how technology has changed the methods of crime commission while also providing criminal justice professionals with the tools to combat crime. Credits Upon completion of this course, the students will earn three (3) hours of college credit. Course Structure 1. Study Guide: Each unit contains a Study Guide that provides students with the learning outcomes, unit lesson, required reading assignments, and supplemental resources. 2. Learning Outcomes: Each unit contains Learning Outcomes that specify the measurable skills and knowledge students should gain upon completion of the unit. 3. Unit Lesson: Each unit contains a Unit Lesson, which discusses lesson material. 4. Reading Assignments: Each unit contains Reading Assignments from one or more chapters from the textbook. 5. Suggested Reading: Suggested Readings are listed in each unit study guide. Students are encouraged to read the resources listed if the opportunity arises, but they will not be tested on their knowledge of the Suggested Readings. 6. Discussion Boards: Discussion Boards are part of all CSU term courses. More information and specifications can be found in the Student Resources link listed in the Course Menu bar. 7. Unit Assessments: This course contains one Unit Assessment to be completed at the end of Unit I. The assessment is composed of a written-response question. 8. Unit Assignments: Students are required to submit for grading Unit Assignments in Units II-VIII. Specific information and instructions regarding these assignments are provided below. Grading rubrics are included with each assignment. Specific information about accessing these rubrics is provided below. BCJ 2501, Criminology 1

2 9. Ask the Professor: This communication forum provides you with an opportunity to ask your professor general or course content related questions. 10. Student Break Room: This communication forum allows for casual conversation with your classmates. CSU Online Library The CSU Online Library is available to support your courses and programs. The online library includes databases, journals, e-books, and research guides. These resources are always accessible and can be reached through the library webpage. To access the library, log into the mycsu Student Portal, and click on CSU Online Library. You can also access the CSU Online Library from the My Library button on the course menu for each course in Blackboard. The CSU Online Library offers several reference services. and telephone ( ) assistance is available Monday Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm and Friday from 8 am to 3 pm. The library s chat reference service, Ask a Librarian, is available 24/7; look for the chat box on the online library page. Librarians can help you develop your research plan or assist you in finding relevant, appropriate, and timely information. Reference requests can include customized keyword search strategies, links to articles, database help, and other services. Unit Assignments Unit II Scholarly Activity In this unit, we looked at the biological school of crime. For this scholarly activity, you will explain four theories of crime from Chapters 3 and 4. Some of the biological theories focus on internal factors, such as low blood sugar, hormonal differences, and atavistic features. In your explanation of each theory, include responses to the following bullets: Explain the basic concepts of each theory. How is the theory related to crime? Do you personally feel that the theory is acceptable as a potential reason for crime? Explain your answer. Is there research to substantiate this theory? Please format your scholarly activity with an APA heading of each theory, and then answer the questions pertaining to that theory. Your scholarly activity (a combination of all four theories) must be two pages in length, not including a title and reference page. You are required to use at least one outside source; however, you may need to use more in order to successfully complete this assignment. All sources used, including the textbook, must be cited in the text and included on the reference page. Unit III Research Paper As we have discussed, there are many theories as to why some people commit crimes. The concept of ergonomics, and the 1927 U.S. Supreme Court case of Buck v. Bell, present a particularly unique situation. Research the 1927 U.S. Supreme Court case of Buck v. Bell, which involved state-enforced eugenic sterilization for people who were considered feebleminded or otherwise genetically inferior. Write a minimum of a two-page research paper (excluding a title and reference page) on your findings. Summarize the case, define the eugenic movement, and discuss its role in this case. Address the following points within your research paper: What is eugenics? What theory or theories of criminology does eugenics relate to? What happened to eugenics, particularly to enforced sterilization, in the years following the Supreme Court s findings in the Buck v. Bell case? What is the current legal status of enforced sterilization in the U.S.? BCJ 2501, Criminology 2

3 Is the study of genetics, especially heredity, sufficiently predictable to justify using it to make decisions such as those imposed on Carrie Buck? Should genetics be used as the basis for any type of legal decision? Make sure that you support your answers. You are required to use at least two outside sources within your research paper. All sources used, including the textbook, must be cited in the text and included on the reference page. Unit IV Scholarly Activity For this scholarly activity, you will do further research on one of the three policy-implication projects discussed in your textbook and in the unit lesson. Please select one of the following, the Chicago Area Project, the Mobilization for Youth, or the War on Poverty. Within your scholarly activity, include responses to the following points: Explain your particular policy and the effect it has had. Was it effective in fighting crime or preventing crime or both? What could make this more effective from your perspective? What were the disadvantages to this particular project? Explain the policy that influenced this project. Your scholarly activity must be a minimum of two pages in length, not including a title and reference page. You are required to use at least two outside sources; one must be from the CSU Online Library. All sources used, including the textbook, must be cited in the text and included on the reference page. Unit V Scholarly Activity For this scholarly activity, you will explain the link between crime patterns, trends, and theory. From Chapters 7 and 8, you will focus on social criminological theories and their relation to crime rates. Select two theories (one from Chapter 7 and one from Chapter 8), and include responses to the following points in your scholarly activity: Explain the theories (one to two paragraphs for each). In your explanation, include how these would either raise or lower the crime rate and your rationale as to why. Explain how peer groups, families, and social organizations positively or negatively affect your theory. Explain your thoughts on the theories as far as their applicability to explain crime. Do you think these are relevant? Why, or why not? Is there anything missing that would make them explain crime better? Your scholarly activity must be a minimum of two pages in length. Outside sources are not a requirement; however, if you choose to use outside sources, they must be cited in the text and included on the reference page. Unit VI Scholarly Activity For this scholarly activity, you will do further research on patterns of offenses and victimization. Research the crime rates in both your local area and nationally. Include responses to the following points in your scholarly activity: 1. Research the most recent murder and aggravated assault data within the past four years. Find national data as well as data in your current city or town (or nearest metropolitan area). 2. Explain the national and local rates. Have they gone up or down? How do they compare? Do you see trends? What do you attribute to the differences? 3. Explain the terminology/definition of each crime. How do they differ? BCJ 2501, Criminology 3

4 4. Describe the characteristics of the crime, the offenders, the victims, and the event (location, weapon, and when it occurred). 5. What are the differences in arrest and clearance rates? 6. After learning more about these crimes, pick a theory from an earlier unit, and use it to explain the possible reasons for why people commit these crimes in your area. Your scholarly activity must be a minimum of two pages in length, not including a title and reference page. You are required to use at least two outside sources; one must be from the CSU Online Library. All sources used, including the textbook, must be cited in the text and included on the reference page. Unit VII Scholarly Activity This scholarly activity will include further research on white-collar crime. Visit the site below, and explore the different components of white-collar crime: Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2015). White-collar crime: Lying, cheating, and stealing. Retrieved from Then, include responses to the following points in your scholarly activity: different types of crime that are categorized as white-collar, the victims of these crimes, and the reasons why you believe it is difficult to enforce these laws. Your scholarly activity must be a minimum of two pages in length, not including a title and reference page. All sources used, including the textbook, must be cited in the text and included on the reference page. Unit VIII Case Study Log into the mycsu Student Portal and navigate to the Criminal Justice database within the CSU Online Library in order to access the resource below: Glassberg, J. (2015). The ransomware threat. Law Enforcement Technology, 42(9), Then, write a case study that answers the following questions: What was the problem? What effects did the problem have? What is the profile of the hacker? What can be done to protect someone from the threat? What should one do if his or her computer is infected with ransomware? What type(s) of cybercrime was/were involved in this article? Does the identified offender fit the characteristics for this type of cybercrime? Your assignment should be a minimum of two pages in length, not including a title and reference page, and you should use APA formatting. In addition, references used should be properly cited. All sources used, including the textbook, must be cited in the text and included on the reference page. BCJ 2501, Criminology 4

5 APA Guidelines The application of the APA writing style shall be practical, functional, and appropriate to each academic level, with the primary purpose being the documentation (citation) of sources. CSU requires that students use APA style for certain papers and projects. Students should always carefully read and follow assignment directions and review the associated grading rubric when available. Students can find CSU s Citation Guide in the mycsu Student Portal by clicking on the Citation Resources link in the Learning Resources area. This document includes examples and sample papers and provides information on how to contact the CSU Success Center. Grading Rubrics This course utilizes analytic grading rubrics as tools for your professor in assigning grades for all learning activities. Each rubric serves as a guide that communicates the expectations of the learning activity and describes the criteria for each level of achievement. In addition, a rubric is a reference tool that lists evaluation criteria and can help you organize your efforts to meet the requirements of that learning activity. It is imperative for you to familiarize yourself with these rubrics because these are the primary tools your professor uses for assessing learning activities. Rubric categories include: (1) Discussion Board, (2) Assessment (Written Response), and (3) Assignment. However, it is possible that not all of the listed rubric types will be used in a single course (e.g., some courses may not have Assessments). The Discussion Board rubric can be found within Unit I s Discussion Board submission instructions. The Assessment (Written Response) rubric can be found embedded in a link within the directions for each Unit Assessment. However, these rubrics will only be used when written-response questions appear within the Assessment. Each Assignment type (e.g., article critique, case study, research paper) will have its own rubric. The Assignment rubrics are built into Blackboard, allowing students to review them prior to beginning the Assignment and again once the Assignment has been scored. This rubric can be accessed via the Assignment link located within the unit where it is to be submitted. Students may also access the rubric through the course menu by selecting Tools and then My Grades. Again, it is vitally important for you to become familiar with these rubrics because their application to your Discussion Boards, Assessments, and Assignments is the method by which your instructor assigns all grades. Communication Forums These are non-graded discussion forums that allow you to communicate with your professor and other students. Participation in these discussion forums is encouraged, but not required. You can access these forums with the buttons in the Course Menu. Instructions for subscribing/unsubscribing to these forums are provided below. Click here for instructions on how to subscribe/unsubscribe and post to the Communication Forums. Ask the Professor This communication forum provides you with an opportunity to ask your professor general or course content questions. Questions may focus on Blackboard locations of online course components, textbook or course content elaboration, additional guidance on assessment requirements, or general advice from other students. Questions that are specific in nature, such as inquiries regarding assessment/assignment grades or personal accommodation requests, are NOT to be posted on this forum. If you have questions, comments, or concerns of a nonpublic nature, please feel free to your professor. Responses to your post will be addressed or ed by the professor within 48 hours. Before posting, please ensure that you have read all relevant course documentation, including the syllabus, assessment/assignment instructions, faculty feedback, and other important information. BCJ 2501, Criminology 5

6 Student Break Room This communication forum allows for casual conversation with your classmates. Communication on this forum should always maintain a standard of appropriateness and respect for your fellow classmates. This forum should NOT be used to share assessment answers. Grading Discussion Boards 2%) = 16% Unit I Assessment = 10% Scholarly Activities 10%) = 50% Unit III Research Paper = 12% Unit VIII Case Study = 12% Total = 100% Course Schedule/Checklist (PLEASE PRINT) The following pages contain a printable Course Schedule to assist you through this course. By following this schedule, you will be assured that you will complete the course within the time allotted. BCJ 2501, Criminology 6

7 BCJ 2501, Criminology Course Schedule By following this schedule, you will be assured that you will complete the course within the time allotted. Please keep this schedule for reference as you progress through your course. Unit I What is Criminology, and Why Are Crimes Committed? Unit Study Guide Chapter 1: What is Criminology? Understanding Crime and Criminals Chapter 2: Classical and Neoclassical Criminology Choice and Consequences Suggested Reading: See Study Guide Discussion Board Response: Submit your response to the Discussion Board question by Saturday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time) Discussion Board Comment: Comment on another student s Discussion Board response by Assessment by Unit II Criminal Behavior Theories Unit Study Guide Chapter 3: Early Biological Perspectives on Criminal Behavior It s What We Are Chapter 4: Biosocial and Other Contemporary Perspectives Interaction Is Key Suggested Reading: See Study Guide Discussion Board Response: Submit your response to the Discussion Board question by Discussion Board Comment: Comment on another student s Discussion Board response by Scholarly Activity by Unit III Personality and Behaviorism Unit Study Guide Chapter 5: Psychological and Psychiatric Foundations of Criminal Behavior It s How We Think Suggested Reading: See Study Guide Discussion Board Response: Submit your response to the Discussion Board question by Discussion Board Comment: Comment on another student s Discussion Board response by Research Paper by BCJ 2501, Criminology 7

8 BCJ 2501, Criminology Course Schedule Unit IV Environmental Influences Unit Study Guide Chapter 6: Social Structure It s How We Live Suggested Reading: See Study Guide Discussion Board Response: Submit your response to the Discussion Board question by Discussion Board Comment: Comment on another student s Discussion Board response by Scholarly Activity by Unit V Social Theories and Social Conflict Theories Unit Study Guide Chapter 7: Social Process and Social Development It s What We Learn Chapter 8: Social Conflict It s How We Relate Suggested Reading: See Study Guide Discussion Board Response: Submit your response to the Discussion Board question by Saturday,11:59 p.m. (Central Time) Discussion Board Comment: Comment on another student s Discussion Board response by Tuesday,11:59 p.m. (Central Time) Scholarly Activity by Unit VI Categories of Crime Unit Study Guide Chapter 9: Crimes against Persons What We Fear Chapter 10: Crimes against Property It s What We Lose Suggested Reading: See Study Guide Discussion Board Response: Submit your response to the Discussion Board question by Discussion Board Comment: Comment on another student s Discussion Board response by Scholarly Activity by BCJ 2501, Criminology 8

9 BCJ 2501, Criminology Course Schedule Unit VII Crime as a Job and as a Recreation Unit Study Guide Chapter 11: White-Collar and Organized Crime Crime as a Job Chapter 12: Drug and Sex Crimes Recreational Offenses Suggested Reading: See Study Guide Discussion Board Response: Submit your response to the Discussion Board question by Discussion Board Comment: Comment on another student s Discussion Board response by Scholarly Activity by Unit VIII Technology, Terrorism, and Crime Unit Study Guide Chapter 13: Technology and Crime It s a Double-Edged Sword Chapter 14: Globalization and Terrorism Our Small World Suggested Reading: See Study Guide Discussion Board Response: Submit your response to the Discussion Board question by Saturday,11:59 p.m. (Central Time) Discussion Board Comment: Comment on another student s Discussion Board response by Tuesday,11:59 p.m. (Central Time) Case Study by BCJ 2501, Criminology 9