THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF BALTIMORE COUNTY

Catonsville Campus – School of Justice

Criminal Justice Program

 

 

Instructor:        Linda L. Fleischer, Ass. Prof., Criminal Justice Program

                        Office:  Room D-206A (Essex)

                        Campus Phone:   410-780-6734 (Essex)

                        E-mail:   lfleischer@ccbcmd.edu

                        Faculty Home Page:  student.ccbcmd.edu/~lfleisch/

Office               Monday – 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. (Essex campus)

Hours:              Tuesday – by appointment at Catonsville and 30 minutes before each class

                        Wednesday – 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. (Essex campus)

                        Thursday – 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Essex campus)

                        Other times as arranged in advance at each of three campuses

Textbook:            Criminology:  The Core by Larry Siegel

                        In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

Catalog            This course enables the student to gain knowledge of the basic theories,

Description:    fundamental facts and problems associated with the            science of criminology.

Course             The purpose of this course is to provide students the opportunity

Objective:         to examine crime, criminals, the law and other social processes involved in crime causation.  Upon successful completion of this course, students will have a better understanding of crime as a social phenomenon, the nature of criminal law and related matters of crime in a modern society.

YOUR NAME:            ____________________________________________________

ROSTER NUMBER:            ______________________________________________

Criminology – CRJU/SOCL 202

Spring, 2004

College Academic and Administrative Policies

Class attendance and student participation:

It is the policy of the Criminal Justice Department to record student attendance at all class sessions in this course.  You are expected to attend all class sessions and participate fully in all activities of the class.  You are expected to arrive  for class on time and remain in attendance until you are dismissed by the professor.  Excessive absences, repeated tardiness, leaving early or failure to adequately prepare for class will result in a reduction in your course grade, at the discretion of the professor.

College writing policy:

The faculty recognizes that clear, correct and concise use of language is a characteristic of an educated person.  Grades on papers and examinations which are poorly written, in any course, may be reduced for the quality alone, at the discretion of the professor.  Poor writing is sufficient cause for a failing grade on a paper and, in extreme cases, a failing grade in the course.  English grammar, spelling and neatness are important qualities and will be reflected in your grade.

No cheating policy:

Academic honesty is required of all students.  Work submitted by students as their own shall be their own and materials taken from any other source shall be clearly identified as such.  Plagiarism, “cribbing”, copying from others in class, using research work of others and/or other violations of academic honesty will be dealt with by the imposition of appropriate penalties, at the discretion of the professor.  Ms. Fleischer believes that a student who cheats automatically earns a failing grade for the course.

Early dismissal from class:

Students are permitted to leave class early only with the consent of the professor.  In the event that Ms. Fleischer is not in class at the beginning of the assigned class period, all students are expected to wait in place for at least 15 minutes.  If Ms. Fleischer has not arrived within those first 15 minutes, class for that day is cancelled

Emergency closing of the college:

Should it become necessary for the college to close or alter its times of operation due to bad weather or other unexpected emergencies, radio (WBAL) announcements will be made timely beginning after 6:30 a.m.  Should the college’s opening be delayed, faculty and students are expected to be where they would normally be at the announced opening time.

Criminology – CRJU/SOCL 202

Spring, 2004

College Academic and Administrative Policies (continued)

No smoking/no eating in class:

Smoking tobacco products of any kind is prohibited inside all college buildings.  If you must smoke, go outside.  You may not eat food of any kind in classroom, but Ms. Fleischer does permit you to drink water, sodas, tea and/or coffee during class as long as your drinking does not bother others.  Remove all litter from the classroom when you leave. 

Use of restrooms:

Public restrooms are conveniently located on every floor of this classroom building.  In the event you must leave class for the restroom, please depart quietly and return as quickly as possible without interrupting class activities.

Respect for others in class:

The primary purpose of this class is to help you learn the subjects being taught.  To this end, you are urged to pay strict attention at all times.  Respect those near you who want  to hear the professor’s words and the responses of other students.  DO NOT conduct private conversations during class.  If you wish to speak out and participate in class discussions, simply raise your hand and be recognized.

Assignment of student roster numbers:

Each student properly enrolled in this class will be assigned a “Roster Number.”  Your Roster Number will be used to record your class attendance and/or absences.  It will be used to post your grades on the bulletin board outside Ms. Fleischer’s office (D206-A).  It is the responsibility of every student to memorize his/her Roster Number.

Credit for attending class:

In order to receive full credit for class attendance, it is the personal responsibility of each student to sign the Attendance Roster every day he/she is in class.  Failure to sign the roster next to your assigned Roster Number will be evidence that you did not attend class.  Each student may sign only his/her name to the Attendance Roster.  Signing someone else’s name to the Attendance Roster is a form of academic dishonesty.

Homework assignments:

All written assignments must be submitted on the day they are due in order to receive credit for the homework you have done.  Your name and Roster number must be in the upper right hand corner.

Pager/Cell phone policy:

Pagers and cell phones must be turned off prior to class so that they will not be disruptive. 

Criminology – CRJU/SOCL 202

Spring, 2004

         Course Requirements

Attendance, assigned reading and participation:  100 points

All students are expected to complete assigned readings and homework on time.  It is the obligation of every student to be fully prepared for class by keeping up with all reading assignments as they appear on the Assignment Sheet and Class Calendar in this information packet.  Regular class attendance and participation are necessary to achieve course objectives.

All assignments must be completed on time.  Class discussions in this course are based on the reading assignments.  Therefore, you are expected to both read and study your textbook as assigned.  You will be expected to participate in class discussions based on your assigned reading.  Failure to do so will be reflected in your grade for that class and very likely will lower your final course grade.

In Cold Blood evaluations:  100 points

You will read the book “In Cold Blood” during this semester and submit written evaluations of each of the four sections. Each evaluation will be worth a possible 25 points. Refer to the section in this syllabus that explains this requirement.

Tests:  100 points each (Total 300 points)

There will be two tests during the semester and a final exam. The final exam is not cumulative.  Each will be worth a possible 100 points.  Please refer to your course calendar for dates.

You will not be excused from a scheduled test without prior permission from Mrs. Fleischer or documentation of an emergency.  Tests must be made up prior to the next scheduled class.  You must call Mrs. Fleischer no later than the time of the class during which the test will be administered.

Final research paper:  100 points (Due May 11)

You will analyze a theory of criminal behavior that we discussed in class support its application to the criminal offenders and events depicted in the novel “In Cold Blood”.

This is a research paper and must follow APA format.  A summary of APA format is attached. The paper must be at least seven pages long, including title and reference pages.

You may choose any theory that is outlined during the semester.  Review the definition and concepts of one theory and describe how you think the behavior of the two murderers could be explained.

Points will be determined as follows:                                    

            Quality of content of paper-                                                  80 points

            Grammar, spelling, sentence structure, APA style,

followed instructions-                                                 20 points

                                                                                    TOTAL=                  100 points

Criminology – CRJU/SOCL 202

             Spring, 2004

Grading Policy/Due Dates

Your final grade will be based on:

Student Requirement	Possible points
Assigned reading and participation	100
Exams	300
“In Cold Blood” evaluations	100
Research paper/presentation	100
TOTAL	700

The letter grades and numerical equivalents are:

Letter Grade	Total points earned during semester
A	630 – 700
B	560 – 629
C	490 – 559
D	420 – 489
F	419 and below

Written work due:

Assignment	Date Due
“In Cold Blood” part one evaluation	Feb. 24
“In Cold Blood” part two evaluation	March 16
“In Cold Blood” part three evaluation	April 13
“In Cold Blood” part four evaluation	May 4
Research paper	May 11

                  Extra Credit:

You will have the opportunity to earn extra credit during the semester.  There will be written assignments in class that will be collected.  Points earned on these assignments will be added to your total points for the semester and can help improve your final grade.  You must be present on the day that the assignments are completed in order to earn these points.  Make-up work will not be distributed and cannot receive the extra points.

Criminology – CRJU/SOCL 202

Spring, 2004

                                    Assignment Sheet and Class Calendar

Week Number	Objectives	Preparation Required
ONE:   Feb 3	*Review components of Criminal Justice System *Define criminology and what criminologists do	Purchase text; review syllabus
TWO:   Feb. 10	*Discuss the history of criminology *Identify the ways in which criminologists view crime and conduct research *State the origins of law *Define common law and classifications of law *Identify the functions of criminal law *Recall the legal definition of a crime and defenses	Read Chapter 1 – Crime and Criminology
THREE:   Feb. 17	*Discuss ways in which criminal statistics are collected (UCR, self-report, victim surveys) *Identify crime trends and patterns *State criminal behavior in terms of careers	Read Chapter 2 – Nature and Extent of Crime
FOUR:   Feb. 24	*Identify the three problems of crime victims *Recall the nature of victimization *Discuss the theories of victimization *Explain care of the crime victim	Read Chapter 3 – Victims and  Victimization Discuss part one of novel Part one evaluation due
FIVE:   March 2	*Distinguish between classical and choice theories *Define the concept of rational choice *Discuss the elements of crime prevention and deterrence	Read Chapter 4 – Choice Theory   Test #1 - Chap. 1-3
SEVEN:    March 9		Independent assignment
SIX:   March 16	*Identify the components of biological trait theory *Recall the components of psychological trait theory *Discuss the  social policy implications of crime control and prevention	Read Chapter 5 – Trait Theory Discuss part two of novel Part two evaluation due
SEVEN:   March 23	*Explain the connection between economic structure and crime *Discuss the branches of social structure theory – social disorganization, strain and cultural deviance *Relate social structure theory to social policy	Read Chapter 6 – Social Structure Theories
EIGHT:   March 30	*Identify the ways in which social processes impact crime *Discuss the branches of social process theory – social learning, social control and labeling *Relate social process theory to social policy	Read Chapter 7 – Social Process Theories Test #2  - Chap. 4-6
	SPRING BREAK
NINE:   April 13	*List contributions of theorists to conflict theory *Identify the modern social conflict theories *Define peacemaking criminology *Discuss the multifactor theories of crime *Recall the latent trait approach to crime *Identify the life course theories of crime	Read Chapter 8 –Social Conflict Theories Read Chapter 9 – Integrated Theories Discuss part three of novel Part three evaluation due

Criminology – CRJU/SOCL 202

Spring, 2004

                  Assignment Sheet and Class Calendar (continued)

Week Number	Objectives	Preparation Required
TEN:   April 20	*Discuss the roots of violence *Explain the dynamics of violent crimes – rape, murder, assault, robbery *Identify evolving forms of violence – hate crimes, workplace violence, political violence and terrorism	Read Chapter 10 - Violent Crime Test #3 - Chap. 7-9
ELEVEN:   April 27	*Describe the forms of modern thieves *List offenses which are considered larceny/theft *Discuss components of burglary and arson	Read Ch. 11 - Property Crimes
TWELVE:   May 4	* Identify the types and causes of white-collar crime *State ways in which to control white-collar crime *Discuss the concept of organized crime	Read Chapter 12 - White Collar and Organized Crime Discuss part four of novel Part four evaluation due
THIRTEEN:   May 11	*Relate sexuality and morals to illegal activity *Relate substance abuse to the criminal justice system	Read Chapter 13 - Public Order Crimes:  Sex and Substance Abuse Video:  In Cold Blood Papers Due
FINAL EXAM TBD		Chapters 10 – 13

Students are encouraged to seek help from their instructors whenever they encounter academic difficulty.  In addition, the Learning Assistance Center has information about free tutoring, provided on a drop-in or appointment basis.

·         Create "flash cards" with the key terms at the end of each chapter to study

·         Be able to define key terms from memory

·         Take notes from the textbook and be able to discuss main topics/concepts

·         Spend 6-9 hours per week studying material in addition to class time

·         Don't wait until an exam to become familiar with material; work on each chapter every week

·         See the instructor as soon as any problems/concerns may arise

                         Criminology – CRJU/SOCL 202

Spring, 2004

        “In Cold Blood” evaluations:

You will read the novel “In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote during this semester and submit written evaluations of the four sections.  The directions for each section are:

Part One:  The Last to See Them Alive – due Feb. 24

Write an evaluative summary of the first part of this novel.  Include the following points and use references in the text:

·         Brief description of each member of the Clutter family

·        Randomness of crime (how did the Clutters become victims of this crime?)

·        Victimization (impact of the crime on the family and the community)

Part Two:  Person Unknown – due March 16

            Write an evaluative summary of the second part of this novel.  Include a summary

            of Hickock and Smith’s personalities and background.

·        How do you think they complimented each other or encouraged each other to commit the crime?

·        Did their personalities work together to commit the murders?

·        What is your opinion of each of the murderers?  Describe them in your own words.

Part Three:  “Answer” – due April 13

            Write an evaluative summary of the third part of the novel.  Include the following:

·        How did the pair get caught?

·        What environmental experiences are described in this chapter to explain the behavior of the two men?

·        What could the victims done to avoid the murders?

·        What is the murderers' opinion of the world and people around them?

            Part Four:  “The Corner” – due May 4

                        Write an evaluation of the fourth part of the novel and describe the criminal

                        justice process as it is depicted.   Include the following points:

·        How did each character prepare themselves for their execution?

·        How were they treated? Was it fair?

·        What was Hickock’s motive?  What was Smith’s motive?

·        How did their families respond?

·        Do you agree or disagree with their sentences?

Each assignment will be worth a possible 25 points.  You will lose four points for every calendar day the assignment is late.  We will also discuss the book in class.