POLSC 154 Instructor: Dr. Joanna Briganti
Office Hours Room C-208: _______________________________________________________________
E-mail: jbrgianti@monroeccc.edu
Textbooks (bring to class)
Criminal Justice a Brief Introduction. Frank Schmalleger. Fifth Edition.
From time to time the instructor may assign library readings or handouts. The due dates for these readings will be assigned with the readings.
Methodology
Classes
are primarily lecture, discussions and in-class activities, with some variation
from session to session. Small
group discussions, debates, and student activities will be facilitated, and
various media will be utilized to involve students and maintain interest.
Course
Requirements
1.
Attendance/Participation/In-Class Learning Activities:
Attendance
is absolutely required. There will
be material presented in class that will supplement the material in the
textbooks. At times extensive material is covered in class outside of
the textbooks. Students are
responsible for all material covered during class sessions including class
activities. Note taking is very
strongly recommended. Notebook
computers are welcome if self-powered and quiet.
Attendance
is also necessary to earn enough points for a higher grade in this course. As noted below, points are awarded for participation in
various in-class activities. You
must be actively and visibly participating to receive points for in-class
activities.
2.
Text and Supplemental Readings:
Students
are expected to read the assigned material before each class session and be
prepared to participate in discussions or activities related to the text
readings. Additional readings may
be assigned during the semester.
3.
Position Papers:
Two
brief argumentative research papers are required to complete this course. One
paper will be an opinionated essay (minor research required), and the other
paper will require research-based argument.
Although each paper has different requirements, the purpose of both
papers is to present your positions
concerning two contemporary criminal justice issues.
Also, it is required that you participate in a group presentation of one
of your topics. Your instructor
will provide you with information regarding topic choices, and deadlines for
these papers. NO LATE PAPERS ARE ACCEPTED FOR POINTS. Note: The college provides writing assistance through the
Writing Fellows Program and the Learning Assistance Laboratory.
4.
Internet/Minor Homework Assignments
From
time to time a short homework assignment will be required.
A few of these assignments involve using the internet.
If you need assistance with these assignments you should notify your
instructor well before the due date.
5.
Exams/Quizzes:
There
will be four equally weighted exams administered in class.
Questions on the exams may be in the format of multiple choice,
true/false, fill in the blank, or short answer.
In addition, the final exam includes questions of a cumulative nature for
the basic requirements of the course. Questions
for exams and quizzes are drawn from all course resources: textbooks, lecture,
discussions, activities, handouts, movies, guest speakers, etc.
As
a policy, NO MAKE-UP EXAMS OR QUIZZES ARE GIVEN (proven emergencies
considered on a case-by-case basis). Exams
and quizzes are weighted as outlined below.
Missed exams or quizzes will receive a score of zero points.
In the event that a make-up exam or quiz is allowed because of an
emergency, that quiz or exam may be different from the quiz or exam administered
in class. All assignments and tests
will be kept by the instructor. You
will be given the opportunity to examine your grade and any comments written on
the assignments. You should make yourself a copy of all completed assignments and your
position paper before you turn them in.
Field
Interviews
Students
will interview a professional currently working in the criminal justice system.
Your instructor will provide an interview guide for you to use, however, you
will still be required to compose some questions of your own. This assignment
also requires you to complete a series of reflective, normative questions
regarding your experience.
Final Grades
Grades
are determined by a point/percentage system.
Research papers and in-class activities are required assignments, and if
not completed will result in lower calculation of the final grade. Late assignments will not receive grade points.
Exams-
(50 points possible x 4)
200
Essay Paper-
50 points possible
50
Research Paper-
50 points possible
50
Field Interviews-
50 points possible
50
Other in-class activities
and homework-
100 points possible
-------------------------
-----
Total 450 points possible
A = (90%) 404 - 450 pts.
B = (80%) 358 - 403
C = (70%) 312 - 357
D = (60%) 268 - 311
E = less then 268 pts.
Policy
on Academic Dishonesty
The college catalogue policies regarding cheating and plagiarism apply in this class. Copying material is one form of plagiarism, even if the material is not copied word for word. You may be asked to produce your sources where plagiarism is suspected.
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