Fall, 2004
Textbooks: Erikson, Kai T. Wayward Puritans.
Shoemaker,
Donald J. Theories of Delinquency: An
Examination of Explanations of Delinquent Behavior. 4th edition.
Catalog Description of course: Crime, delinquency, and deviance in social and theoretical context.
Learning objectives: Students will learn that society is criminogenic. They will learn the major theories and theorists associated with crime and delinquency, and will learn to recognize the application of those theories in every-day discussions of crime. They will improve their critical thinking skills, their writing, and their ability to verbally present and defend an argument.
Power Point Slides:
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Dates |
Assignments |
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Aug. 31 |
Erikson: Preface, Ch. 1, 2 |
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Sept 7 |
Labor Day Holiday |
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Sept 9 |
Erikson: Ch. 3, 4 |
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Sep 14 |
Erikson: Ch. 5 |
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Sep 21 |
Exam One |
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Sep 28 |
Shoemaker, Preface, Ch 1, 2; Paper subject due the 28th. |
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Oct 5 |
Shoemaker, Ch. 3, 4, 5 |
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Oct 12 |
Shoemaker, Ch. 6, 7, 8 |
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Oct 19 |
Fall Break |
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Oct 26 |
Shoemaker, Ch. 9, 10, 11 |
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Nov 2 |
Shoemaker, Ch. 12 |
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Nov 4 |
Exam Two |
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Nov 9, 11 |
Debate One |
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Nov 16, 18 |
Debate Two |
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Nov 25 |
Thanksgiving |
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Nov 30, Dec 2 |
Debate Three |
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Dec 7, 9 |
Papers due, oral presentations. |
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Thursday, December 16 |
8:00 A. M. Final Exam. Exam must be taken at this time. Make your plans accordingly. |
Debates
100 (2 verdicts at 20 each = 40; Peer evaluation = 30; Team score = 30;
Hourly Exams (2 x 50) = 100
Final Exam = 50
Paper 100 (Written 90; presentation 10)
Total Possible = 350
Points translate into letter grades as follows: A = 90% to 100%; B = 80% to 89%; C = 70% to 79%; D = 60% to 69
Opening
Statement--Affirmative 3 minutes
Opening Statement--Negative 3 minutes
Presentation of Case--Affirmative 25 minutes
Cross-Examination--Negative 8 minutes
Presentation of Case--Negative 25 minutes
Cross-Examination--Affirmative 8 minutes
Non-Argumentative Questions--Jury, Remaining Time
Rebuttal
Testimony--Negative 12 minutes
Cross-Examination--Affirmative 5 minutes
Rebuttal Testimony--Affirmative 12 minutes
Cross-Examination--Negative 5 minutes
Summary--Affirmative 5 minutes
Summary and Closing--Negative 8 minutes
Closing--Affirmative 3 minutes
Questions, Argument, Discussion--All, Remaining Time
1.
The judge is always right.
2. Rebuttal must be related to previous testimony.
3. Cross-examination may only cover points brought up by the person who is
being cross-examined, and may not be argumentative.
4. Testimony given in both "Presentation of Case" and "Rebuttal
Testimony" must be given in response to questions from "attorney."
Presenters should prepare themselves as "expert witnesses."
5. No new evidence may be presented during summary or closing.
6. Audio-visual aides and printed handouts are allowed, but they cannot stand
on their own; someone must be willing to be cross-examined about them.
7. Testimony will include social science theory and research findings.
8. Burden of proof is on the affirmative side. Such proof will be determined
"by a preponderance of the evidence."
9. Either side may object if it thinks the above rules are being violated.
10. In case of questions or disagreements, see rule number one.
Thirty possible team points will be awarded by the instructor on the basis of: organization, use of relevant social science, thoroughness, ability to deal with cross- examination and questions, full use of allotted time, polish, etc. All participants on the same team will receive the same number of points for this portion. Thirty additional possible points will come from peer evaluations done by all members of the team, including self, based on the contribution made to the team. The following scale should be used: A = 27-30; B = 24-26; C = 21-23; D = 18-20; F < 18. Evaluations higher than 25 or lower than 21 must be accompanied by written justification.
This grade will be entirely based on a "verdict" due on the class period immediately following the conclusion of the debate. This should be a summary and discussion of the debate, with a decision about which side won, and why. The decision should be based on a dispassionate analysis of the information presented, not on personalities or personal views about the topic. These verdicts should be no more than three double-spaced pages long. While typing or word processing is strongly preferred, neat and legible handwriting will be accepted. All other standards discussed under "papers" will apply.
Select a public figure such as a candidate for public office or a person already in public office. Research the person's views on crime. Among other things, you might find out the person’s opinions about the following:
1. What are the major causes of crime?
2. How could crime best be prevented in the United States?
3. What are the roles of prison and of other treatments of offenders?
4. Is there any discrimination in the criminal justice system based on race, social class, or other factors? If so, what can be done about it?
5. What changes, if any, should be made in criminal laws or processes?
6. Should some drugs be legalized or dealt with differently?
7. Should capital punishment ever be used? If so, for what crimes?
8. In what situations, if any, should juveniles be tried as adults?
Then, using the knowledge about theories of crime from the books and lecture, identify which theories the candidate's views most closely resemble. Students must have their subject approved by Dr. Starbuck by September 28. Brief oral presentations will be given to the class.
Papers will be typewritten or word-processed. Formal English will be used: proper grammar, correct spelling, complete sentences, no contractions, no use of the first person, and so on. All quotes and paraphrases will be attributed to their sources, using any widely accepted method. Papers not adequate in meeting the standards may be returned to the student, who must rewrite the paper before receiving credit. Late papers will be penalized at the rate of five points for each class period late. Absence on the due date will not constitute an excuse for a late paper.
(Two
hourly exams, 50 points each; cumulative final exam, 50 points.)
Exams will be a mix of multiple choice and essay, with emphasis on the essay
questions. Students will provide a blue book for the exam. As an aide for the
tests, students may bring a standard sheet of typing paper with handwritten
notes on one side. Letter grades for essay questions are based on these
guidelines:
A
= B answer plus use of out-of-class or original material.
B = Comprehensive, complete, correct answer based on all relevant course
material; well written.
C = Generally complete, well-written answer.
D = Missing important points; not well written.
F = Missed the boat; poorly written.
Internet
Sites of Interest
Visit the Federal Bureau of Investigation site.
The Department of Justice site accesses considerable valuable information, especially the Bureau of Justice Statistics.
You can do a search of the Colorado Revised Statutes.
Return to start of syllabus.
Go to Gene H. Starbuck's Homepage.
Go to Mesa State College's Homepage.