CRIJ 3316-01 Juvenile Delinquency MWF 9a spring 2007 Hardy 126 Page 1 of 18 can
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Course Syllabus Spring 2007
CRIJ/SOCI 3318: Juvenile Delinquency
Class Days/Time MWF 9:00 – 9:50 a.m.
Class Location Hardy Hall Rm 126
Required Text Agnew, R., ((2005).
Juvenile Delinquency: Causes and Control (2e)
Los Angeles, CA
Roxbury Publishing Company
Perquisites UMHB email
Computer access to LMS and the World Wide Web
Instructor Christine Nix, M.S., CJA
Office/Office Hours Hardy 141/Posted and by appointment
(See additional info regarding civility).
Telephone 254.295.5513
Course Description
This course focuses on basic theories, causal factors, and explanations associated juvenile delinquency. During this course of instruction research conducted regarding individual traits will be examined. The role of criminal justice practioneers will be examined in regards to the control and prevention of delinquency.
Course Objectives
By course end the student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the nature and extent of delinquency.
2. Understand the causal factors or theories of delinquency.
3. Enhanced critical thinking in regards to the causes of delinquency based upon research.
4. Understand the role of criminal justice practioneers in the prevention and control of delinquency.
5. Verbally or in writing apply the above concepts.
5. Select a topic of interest and conduct research for presentation both in written APA format and a visual presentation.
UMHB email and LMS usage:
You do not have the option of not utilizing your UMHB email, LMS, or the World Wide Web (internet) for assignments, information, and Knowledge and Application Inquires.
Each student will activate and utilize their assigned UMHB email address in order to receive assignments, notifications, and correspond with me. I will not accept, read, or acknowledge student email from sources external to the UMHB email system. You have an option available through your UMHB email account to have correspondence forwarded to a secondary account of your choice, however, to initiate or reply to my email you must use your UMHB email account. A link will be provided on LMS regarding setting up and forwarding your UMHB email account.
I am terrible with names and associating names with classes. You must identify the course in which you are addressing issues. A topic must be in the subject line to avoid automatic “dumping” into the junk file (this is a fail safe feature to prevent unsolicited spam and phishing).
Assignments, quizzes, and information will be posted on the UMHB LMS system. It will be necessary for you to obtain your log on information from Information Technology to access LMS. It is your responsibility to check both your UMHB email account and portals on LMS for assignments and information.
Semper Fi
I am a proud U.S. Army Reserve Veteran but for the purpose of professionalism we will abide by the Marine Corps motto of adapt, improvise, and overcome. With the advantages of technology come the disadvantages of interruptions in service. If an assignment is due and LMS is out of service, do not panic. If you can’t access the program; neither can I. Therefore we will adapt, improvise, and overcome.
Here is the big HOWEVER. If you do not post your assignments in a timely manner and miss the deadline due to computer failure or inability to correctly assess the assigned portal – you miss out on the assignment (Refer to: Late assignments under Course work). (Note: Technology does allow for distinct advantages. LMS avails to instructors the ability to determine whether or not students have conducted assigned tasks in a timely manner).
Classroom decorum
Do not wear a cap, hat, scarf, etc. in class. If you wake up late and have a bad hair day – I don’t mind. It will not distract me – I often have unruly hair days. This applies to everyone; after all we are an equal opportunity society.
You may bring drinks, no food, into the classroom. Pick up after yourself.
No video recording or photographing any one in the classroom without my permission (NOTE: I did not state “without the permission of another student).
You will be courteous and polite towards others. We will agree to disagree; one voice at a time.
Civility
a.k.a courtesy, politeness, good manners, respect, graciousness, consideration.
The following are the only correct and acceptable forms for addressing me whether verbally or in writing:
Ms. Nix
Professor Nix
Sergeant Nix
Ranger Nix
Major Nix
I have an open door policy. If the door is open – please come in. You can chat, study, or visit with others. I don’t mind. What I do mind are rude interruptions. When you approach me in my office or elsewhere – do not launch into a conversation without a greeting. If someone else is in my office or I am in a conversation with someone – do not interrupt and certainly do not behave as though the other person or persons are invisible to you. (Only I can see the invisible people in the immediate area).
Acknowledge one another’s presence. If you are in my office or in my company and we are approached I expect you to extend the same courtesy. As future public servants you need to be aware of your demeanor when in the presence of others.
If you elect to be rude while proclaiming your need to speak with me – you will be turned away and instructed to return later (later will be determined by me). Regardless if you are having a bad day did not have enough rest, are stressed, or just plain unhappy. Take a deep breath, gather your composure, and think before you speak.
An emergency is defined as natural or man made catastrophe, incidents of bleeding, broken bones, lack of oxygen, immediate emotional or physical trauma.
Attendance
“Students are expected to attend all classes regularly and are held responsible for all course work, assignments, and exams (2006/2007 UMHB Student Handbook, p. 30).” Attendance is required and is taken at the beginning of each class. To ensure proper credit for attendance a sign in roster will be available at the beginning of each class. Arriving late is rude and disruptive to both your cohorts and the professor. Late arrivals and early departures times will be noted and applied towards unexcused absences.
If you are absent for an extended period of time due to illness or other reasons beyond your control, you are required to inform me as soon as possible. Extended absences due to bona fide medical reasons must be professionally documented by appropriate medical personnel (e.g., medical doctor, the UMHB nurse, etc.). Dependent upon the circumstance, an absence of this nature may fall under excused absences. Do not ask nor expect me to extend to you special privileges or to treat you different than other students in the class.
“I need a me day” is a day you do not want to see or hear me, or just do want to attend class. Therefore each student is allotted 4 excused absences beyond the UMHB excused absence policy. Upon the 5th absence the course grade will drop by one letter grade. Thereafter, every absence the course grade will drop by one letter grade.
What constitutes an absence beyond non attendance during lecture?
Conducting business other than Juvenile Delinquency course work (homework or studying for other courses.
Reading novels, comic books, etc. (you get the point)
Writing letters
Sleeping in class to include:
your head lower than shoulders
eyes closed
and the two most obvious drooling and snoring
Talking to others without a direct contributive value to the class and the topic of discussion
Attempting to establish a disruptive influence
The ringing, buzzing, beeping, looking at, listening to, or checking an electronic device once class commences.
Wearing a head covering for other than religious purposes during class.
Video recording or photographing any one in the classroom without my permission.
Non compliance with UMHB dress code
C. Nix’s interpretation of the above
I view class attendance in the same venue as regular job attendance. Each of you is an integral part of the class cohort. Similar to a job with employee benefits the student begins the semester with 4 days of compensatory leave to be used as you determine to be necessary. Upon the 5th absence at a job you would lose a portion of your pay. In this class, instead of losing pay you will lose a letter grade. UMHB provides free to each student a UMHB calendar and student handbook. Keep up with your absences, late arrivals, and early departures. I will not, as a matter of routine, inform you of the sum total of absences you accrue.
Utilize your absences, late arrivals, and early departures wisely.
EXCEPTIONS:
“TOES UP”
Have you ever been at a meal where the person blessing the food prayed as though you were at the hospital or the grave? In Criminal Justice this is referred to as “toes up” or an exigent circumstance.
Your 4 days of compensatory leave may not be used in conjunction with:
Knowledge or Application Inquiries
Upon commencement of poster presentations
Athletes
You must make and keep an appointment to have your academic/attendance chart signed prior to the assigned due date at a convenient time. Be prepared to spend several minutes discussing your progress in the class and have knowledge of the number of absences you have accrued. I will not sign records after the due date has passed nor if you do not have an accurate accounting of the days of lecture you have missed. UMHB provides free to each student a UMHB calendar and student handbook.
Academic Integrity:
All policies of UMHB regarding academic integrity will be enforced in this class. Please refer to the UMHB Student Handbook for complete statement of these policies. Plagiarism, cheating, or other forms of academic dishonesty will result in course failure and other possible sanctions applied by UMHB. (CNix’ interpretation: YOU CHEAT YOU FAIL)! Avoiding plagiarism certification online class will be posted on LMS as a part of the course evaluation.
Special Needs
If you feel have a disability or have special needs, notify the Director of Counseling and Testing and me. You, the Counseling Center, and I will determine how to best accommodate you for an optimal learning environment. Keep in mind, not wanting to appear for an exam at the pre-determined class time, turn in assignments at the assigned due date, or reluctance to participate in presentations does not qualify as a special need in accordance with UMHB policy.
Weather Closing
Weather-related closing, although rare in central Texas, does occur occasionally. Tune into local radio and television stations for information. I will post on LMS and to your UMHB email of cancelled classes, if possible. Adapt, overcome, and improvise.
Other Information
Do not make plans to miss due dates, knowledge inquiries, or presentations. This is an exception to: adapt, overcome, and improvise.
It is my responsibility and discretion to determine whether the criteria of an exigent circumstance for missing an assignment due date or knowledge inquiry.
NO extra credit work to shore up sagging grades.
Don’t ask! In the world outside of UMHB – bonuses are given as appreciation and recognition of exceptional work. It will be at my discretion to decide whether extra credit is merited.
Fairness
I have discovered this is a carry over concept from elementary school. Let me help you understand this concept. We are all at a catered event and pie is served. Do not compare and contrast your type or size of, or presentation of your slice of pie. Be grateful you received a slice of pie. An example of unfairness would be if you were purposefully served an empty dessert plate. I grade your work product based upon comparison and contrast to others of your cohort. Your research, poster presentation, and Application Inquiry are based upon your individual conceptualization and application of critical thinking skills.
Electronics:
All electronic devices are to be turned OFF (Not on vibrate or silent. UMHB officials are prepared to locate and notify you of an emergency situation). In the days prior to pagers and cell phones we were able to deal with emergencies. Exceptions will require an employer’s letter stating an on call status. Once class commences ringing, buzzing, beeping or looking at or checking an electronic device will result in one (1) unexcused absence.
If you need to note the time – wear a watch or note the time on the clock in the classroom.
Course work
Grades are cumulative (point system) and not weighted (percentages). You keep up with your accumulated grades via LMS. Please do not share with me if you can not add; ask a cohort for assistance. Failure to complete or turn in any assignment is an automatic failure of the course. The course work and lectures are designed to keep you engaged in and interested in the topics of discussion. You must read the assigned text, take copious notes, and complete your assignments. Most students fail to achieve their desired or expected grades due to absenteeism and/or failure to comply with the requirements of the course work.
Late assignments
Deductions will not be applicable to the anti-plagiarism Instead you will not be allowed to continue to the next assignment which will ultimately affect the rest of your coursework.