MSCR604: Contemporary Issues in Criminology
Regis University
Online Course Syllabus
MSCR604
Contemporary Issues in Criminology
Course Description
This course examines the scope of criminology based on global research and practical applications. The scope includes public safety, terrorism and organized crime, urban crime, victimology, restorative justice, crime prevention and other existing and emerging issues.
Course Outcomes
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Examine major issues identified as global criminology concerns.
- Examine major issues identified as national and local criminology concerns.
- Identify and utilize major sources of scholarly research involving crime and criminology.
- Identify new core competencies pertaining to contemporary criminology issues.
- Discuss innovative applications of theory and practice in the area of contemporary criminology.
- Articulate in–depth knowledge of one key issue which pertains to contemporary crime, offenders and victims.
Prerequisites
None
Required Course Materials
Electronic reserves course packet at Dayton Library.
Course Instruction will provide reading materials for this course.
Suggested Reference:
American Psychological Association (APA) online tool for successfully writing in APA format - http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/
^Top
General Course Requirements
The following expectations will be in place for all who take this course:
Readings
In order to gain the maximum potential from the learning environment, it is expected that you complete the assigned reading(s) in advance.
Weekly Discussion Questions
Weekly discussions are an important part of demonstrating communication in the course. Your initial response to questions should be posted by midnight (MT) Wednesday of each week and reply to at least two other postings by midnight (MT) Sunday of each week. Your facilitator will post any amendments or changes to these requirements in the weekly discussion area. Use a formal writing style (no abbreviations and correct punctuation).
Written Assignments
It is expected that all written submissions be submitted to the instructor by the date it is due. All written work must be in a 12 point, Times New Roman font and spell–checked. Writing is a critically important skill for college–level students. Therefore, please carefully revise and edit any papers before submitting them to the facilitator. The instructor reserves the right to refuse to accept a paper if she or he believes that it is not up to Regis standards.Your Written Assignment is due each week on Sunday by midnight (MT).
Group Work
Working with a group in the online setting can be challenging. Here are a few suggestions to facilitate communication during this process.
- Exchange information containing several methods of communication (phone, fax, and e-mail for example) so you are not reliant on course access for conversation and document exchange between group members. This association will enable you to keep working in spite of unforeseen technical problems that may arise.
- Coordinate your efforts early to allow enough time to complete the tasks. You may find that you need to begin group work activities even sooner than you would in a traditional class setting to allow for the possibility of communication glitches.
- Let the instructor know as soon as possible about obstacles you are encountering or assistance you may need.
^Top
Grading Criteria
| Assignment |
Week(s) |
Percentage |
| Forum Discussions |
Weeks 1–8; 5 points per week |
40% |
| Assignments |
Weeks 1-6: 5 points per week
Week 8: Final assignment (Due Sunday, Week 8) |
30%
30% |
| TOTAL |
|
100% |
Criteria for assessing and grading will be discussed throughout the course. All products will be assessed with an emphasis on depth of understanding and connections made between the content of readings and class discussions. (See the below criteria).
Grading Scale
| 93–100 |
A |
| 90–92 |
A- |
| 87–89 |
B+ |
| 83–86 |
B |
| 80–82 |
B- |
| 77–79 |
C+ |
| 73–76 |
C |
| 70–72 |
C- |
| 67–69 |
D+ |
| 63–66 |
D |
| 60–62 |
D- |
| 59 or lower |
F |
^Top
Criminology Department Policies
Late Papers
Students are advised that what the course instructor writes for course requirements in the Week 1 discussion forum, email or other online postings for any class supersedes policies previously written in the course syllabus. Points will be deducted for any late papers by the course instructor. The number of points will be at the discretion of the instructor.
In addition, course assignment papers will not be accepted at all after the week following the date they are due. No final papers or presentations will be accepted after final paper deadlines because of University policies governing when faculty are required to submit semester grades.
Academic Honesty
Regis University is committed to intellectual integrity in its academic pursuits. Sanctions may, therefore, be imposed by the School of Contemporary Liberal Studies Undergraduate faculty, departments or programs for cheating (defined as using inappropriate sources of information on a test) or plagiarism (defined as presenting as one’s own, the ideas, words, or products of another). Such sanctions may include a failing grade on the assignment, failure of the course, or expulsion of the student from the course or the department.
Incomplete Grade
A grade of Incomplete or "I” denotes that the required work for the course is incomplete due to unforeseen circumstances. Unforeseen circumstances mean, for example, that an accident, an illness, a death or a major life transition has occurred. This grade is awarded at the discretion of the instructor and is submitted with an alternate grade of “I/F.”
A student must submit a written request to the instructor asking that an incomplete grade be assigned prior to the end of the term in which the course is taken. The course instructor will determine the length of time for course completion, and the remaining requirements to complete the course; however, the maximum time for completion is the end of the following semester. Faculty will notify students in writing of the approval or denial of their request and provide instructions and guidelines required to resolve the incomplete grade. If the course work is not completed by the end of the next applicable semester and a grade change form submitted by the instructor, the incomplete grade reverts to the alternate grade assigned by the instructor and is calculated in the grade point average.
^Top
Disability Guidelines
Regis University, in compliance with federal guidelines, is committed to equal educational opportunity by assuring otherwise qualified students with disabilities equal access to Regis University programs and activities that are provided to students without disabilities. An otherwise qualified person with a disability is a student who meets the academic and technical standards required for admission or participation in Regis University's educational programs and activities.
Eligibility
To ensure the provision of reasonable and appropriate services at Regis University, students with disabilities must identify themselves in a timely manner to the Office of Disability Services (ODS), Room 118B, Life Directions Center, 303-458-4941,http://www.regis.edu/Academics/SDS-UT/Disability-Services.aspx , in order to be eligible for the requested accommodation(s). Current and comprehensive documentation must be on file with the ODS prior to approval of the accommodation.
It is strongly encouraged that students self–disclose their disabilities at the beginning of their academic experience because accommodations are not retroactive. If you have questions or concerns please contact the ODS at 303-458-4941.
^Top
Course Assignments: MSCR604
Week One: Overview of the Study and Applications of Criminology
Readings:
See Electronic Reserve course packet: http://ereserves.regis.edu/ares/
Forum Discussions:
- Self introduction
- How is the study of Criminology different than the study of criminal justice, criminal law, criminal policy, penology, and forensics? The facilitator will divide you into five small groups. Each group will address the difference between Criminology and one of the five area of study. Review other groups responses and add additional differences you can imagine.
- Criminology is multidisciplinary in nature. Select three disciplines individually and explain how Criminology is related to these disciplines.
- Describe the roles Statistics can play in Criminology. Give a description of a case in which Statistics had a significant role, and describe what that role was and how it affected the outcome.
Written Assignment
Select one of the articles in this week’s reading list and write a three to four page essay on whether you agree or disagree with the author. Support your position with materials (journal articles) not used by the author. Discuss the material in depth.
^Top
Week Two: Public Safety
Readings:
See Electronic Reserve course packet: http://ereserves.regis.edu/ares/
Forum Discussions:
- There are a considerable number of offenders being monitored by electronic monitoring devices. These include low-risk and moderate to high-risk sex offenders living in local communities. What are the risk factors involved in electronically monitoring moderate to high-risk offenders? Describe the elements of a community risk management plan for these offenders.
- Select a public safety issue related to criminal activity. Explain the issue in the forum and analyze its potential damaging results on public safety.
- Research the topic of public safety and describe one innovative approach to public safety you have read which promotes collaboration, citizen education, local participation, and resource sharing while protecting rights and civil liberties. How did this approach address the four elements of public safety? Be sure to cite your research sources.
Written Assignment
Select one of the two articles in this week’s readings and write a three to four page essay on whether you agree or disagree with the author. Support your position with materials (journal articles) not used by the author. Again, be resolute and informative with your response.
^Top
Week Three: Crime Prevention
Readings:
See Electronic Reserve course packet: http://ereserves.regis.edu/ares/
Forum Discussions:
- Research and find at least three crime prevention programs from journal articles. Upon which criminology theories are these programs based? Are they successful? Why or why not? Be sure to cite your research sources.
- Identify ways policy makers might make use of Routine Activities Theory in crime reduction and prevention programs or initiatives. Also, identify ways individuals place themselves at risk of becoming victims of crime during their daily activities.
- Which emerging issue or topic have you decided to research in this course for your final project? Share with your classmates at least five good resources you have found so far that are pertaining to your issue or topic. These resources can be scholarly research articles, current blogs, international news sources, or professional articles or discussions.
Written Assignment
In this week’s reading, write a three to four page essay on whether you agree or disagree with the author. Support your position with materials (journal articles) not used by the author.
^Top
Week Four: Terrorism & Organized Crime
Readings:
See Electronic Reserve course packet: http://ereserves.regis.edu/ares/
Forum Discussions:
- A nightmare erupts. Terrorists have struck your city. The weapon of choice may be chemical, biological, nuclear or cyber in nature, or a more conventional weapon such as a traditional explosive device. Regardless of the method, your citizens are injured or dying, city services are interrupted, the media is issuing sensationalist and often conflicting information, and chaos reigns. Your city government must respond immediately, but it cannot handle the devastation alone. You must call upon an extensive federal network for assistance. Who do you need to call? What assistance will they be able to offer?
- Use concrete examples to discuss how terrorism and organized crime integrate technological advances, globalization of business, protection of local values, and equalization into their practices.
- The multi-billion dollar blank check given to the Bush administration to combat terrorism in the wake of the September 11 catastrophe raises fresh questions about how wisely such resources will be spent. Indeed, the fight against terrorism has been the justification for a series of controversial policies. Describe five of these activities and discuss who considers them controversial and why.
Written Assignment
In this week’s reading, write a three to four page essay on whether you agree or disagree with the author. Support your position with materials (journal articles) not used by the author.
^Top
Week Five: Urban Crime
Readings:
See Electronic Reserve course packet: http://ereserves.regis.edu/ares/
Forum Discussions:
- Please describe when and how urban crime was first recognized and discuss the discoveries related to that early recognition.
- There are a number of factors that researchers have identified to have impact on urban crime, factors such as poverty, family instability, welfare dependency, crime, housing abandonment, and low educational achievement. Please pick three of these factors, or others that you may be aware of, and discuss what roles they play in urban crime.
- Researchers have suggested that three levels of resident–based control shape the level of social disorganization versus collective efficacy in a locale (e.g., Bursik and Grasmick). What is meant by Private control, Parochial control, and Public control? Please provide an example of each type of control.
Written Assignment
Select one of the two articles in this week’s readings and write a three to four page essay on whether you agree or disagree with the author. Support your position with materials (journal articles) not used by the author.
^Top
Week Six: Victimology: A Holistic Approach
Readings:
See Electronic Reserve course packet: http://ereserves.regis.edu/ares/
Forum Discussions:
- How might theory directly pertaining to victimology be utilized by policy makers and law enforcement personnel to maintain citizen safety?
- Identify ways Routine Activities Theory utilizes the precepts of victimology? In what ways does this theory try to uncover the ways people become victims of crime or violence?
- What safety measures could an ordinary citizen take during their daily travels to remain safe that are in accord with victimology theories?
Written Assignment
Select one of the two articles in this week’s readings and write a three to four page essay on whether you agree or disagree with the author. Support your position with materials (journal articles) not used by the author.
^Top
Week Seven: Restorative Justice
Readings:
None
Forum Discussions:
- Provide examples of local, regional, national, and international programs of Restorative Justice that are making a difference and changing social perspectives on crime.
- How do various approaches to restorative justice differ in approach to the victim, offenders, and crime? Which approaches are more successful? Why?
- Is Restorative Justice available as an option under the justice system in your area? Does your state or country comply with elements of the United Nations Convention on Victims?
- What might be some limitations of restorative justice? Are there some offenses or crimes that are ill suited to a restorative justice format?
^Top
Week Eight: Emerging Issues in Global Criminology
Readings:
None
Forum Discussions:
- Identify three components within the larger criminal justice system that are affected by migration and immigration?
- In what ways is human trafficking considered a criminal justice topic?
- You have selected an emerging issue in global criminology to research at the beginning of the course and spent the past seven weeks reading and researching this issue. In no more than 500 words, share with you classmates what you have learned about this issue; why it is significant; and what its impacts are on the various parts of the world. Read at least two of your classmates postings and critically comment on what you agree and what you do not agree.
Written Assignment:
- Final assignment on your emerging issue: Due Sunday of Week 8
- The paper on your emerging issue must be in APA style with a title page, a reference page, approximately 10 to 12 pages in length in addition to the title page and reference page, with at least twelve research references. This essay should reflect all the APA-writing progress you have developed throughout the course.
Online Course Evaluation
We value your thoughts and comments! Please complete the Online Course Evaluation.
^Top