- Identifying and recognizing a wide range of methods of crime control in America—and effectively recalling during examinations their primary characteristics, advantages, and shortcomings.
- Understanding the literature concerning what works and does not work in crime control and applying this knowledge to crime control strategies and perspectives with the purpose of considering the gaps between research and practice and the political nature of crime control.
- Analyzing the research about the effectiveness of police and prosecution strategies in America and recalling and synthesizing this knowledge during the assessments (i.e. examinations, a class presentation, or a research paper).
- Analyzing the research about the effectiveness of criminal control legislation, sentences, intermediate sanctions, correctional interventions, and court-based strategies and recalling and synthesizing this knowledge during the assessments (i.e. examinations, a class presentation, or a research paper).
- Analyzing the research about the effectiveness of the prison boom in America and critically engaging with racial discrimination issues that are prevalent in the U.S. Criminal Justice System—synthesizing this knowledge and articulating it during assessment projects, such as, examinations, a class presentation, or a research paper.
- Producing a research paper that is grammatically correct, well organized, and properly formatted.
- Producing an oral communication project that demonstrates subject knowledge of criminal justice, an organization of ideas, efficient delivery, and appropriate use of communication aid.
- Cheating – The unauthorized use of books, notes, aids, electronic sources; or assistance from another person with respect to examinations, course assignments, field service reports, class recitations; or the unauthorized possession of examination papers or course materials, whether originally authorized or not.
- Plagiarism – The use and appropriation of another’s work without any indication of the source and the representation of such work as the student’s own. Any student who fails to give credit for ideas, expressions or materials taken from another source, including internet sources, is responsible for plagiarism.
- For hybrid classes, prepare for class before the class meeting
- For hybrid classes, attend class every day on time
- For online and hybrid classes, review the weekly online lectures
- For online and hybrid classes, turn-in required work on time
- For online and hybrid classes, complete all work honestly without cheating and plagiarizing
- Prepare weekly lectures
- Attend class on time and/or email routinely
- Prepare you to complete all the required work for the course
- Grade all work objectively and fairly
- Discuss the syllabus
- Discuss the structure of the class
- Evaluation of student knowledge*
- Listen & watch online Lecture 1: Mass incarceration and the Criminal Justice System
- Class check for understanding: 4 to 5-question exercise to assess understanding of racialized mass incarceration
- Discuss the capstone research project
- Take the ‘pre-module’ quiz #1
- Listen & watch online Lecture 2: US Corrections Policy and Evaluating the Prison Experiment
- Class check for understanding: 4 to 5-question exercise to assess understanding of the prison experiment
- Discussion about the prison experiment
- Listen & watch online Lecture 3: Concentration of Incarceration and Other Options
- Take the ‘post-module’ quiz #1
- Class check for understanding: 4 to 5-question exercise to assess understanding of prevention and social action
- Discussion about crime prevention and social action
- Take the ‘pre-module’ quiz #2
- Listen & watch online Lecture 4: Collateral Consequences of Incarceration
- Class check for understanding: 4 to 5-question exercise to assess understanding of criminal justice policy and crime policy choices
- Discussion about policy choices
- Take the ‘post-module’ quiz #2
- Class check for understanding: 4 to 5-question exercise to assess understanding of the conclusion and afterword of Crime & Punishment in America
- Introduce the book Criminal Justice Policy
- Take the ‘pre-module’ quiz #3
- Listen & watch online Lecture 5: Evidence-based Policy
- Class check for understanding: 4 to 5-question exercise to assess understanding of chapters 1 & 2
- Discussion about evidence-based practice
- Listen & watch online Lecture 6: Contemporary Issues in Policing
- Watch video Prison State
- Class check for understanding: 4 to 5-question exercise to assess understanding of chapters 4 & 5
- Discussion about the video Prison State
- Discussion about racialized policing
- Listen & watch online Lecture 8: The War on Drugs
- Take the ‘post-module’ quiz #3
- Class check for understanding: 4 to 5-question exercise to assess understanding of chapters 8 & 11
- Discussion about the War on Gangs and Gangs
- Discussion about Writing Assignment #1
- Write a short evidence-based argument to persuade policymakers to reform or even abolish supermax prisons or capital punishment
- Peer review the short evidence-based argument paper
- Discussion about the writing assignment #2
- Locate online a journal article on the topic of correctional intervention or reentry, and summarize in two paragraphs, the key findings and conclusion of that article (and include the full reference). Then in 1-2 pages, use what you learned about corrections and reentry to plan a set of recommendations for policymakers.
- Peer review the short literature review and recommendations paper
- Discussion about Scaffolding Draft #1
- Locate online at least three journal articles, which are related to your policy report topic of investigation. Then summarize in about 4-5 pages the research contained in them
- Submit Scaffolding Draft #1
- Discussion about the PowerPoint presentation of the policy report
- Discussion about Scaffolding Draft #2
- Write the policy report section Context and Importance of the Problem, otherwise known as the Introduction
- Submit Scaffolding Draft #2
- Peer review the Introduction of the Policy Report/Scaffolding Draft #2
- Discussion of the conclusion and recommendation sections of the Policy Report
- Write the conclusion and recommendation sections of the policy report
- Create PowerPoint slides
- Policy Report Presentation due April 16th at 11:00am
- Submit the Policy Report Paper by April 21st at 11:59pm
General Information
Course Description and Purpose
This senior capstone course introduces students to the various policies of crime control. The course integrates material learned in the Criminal Justice curriculum and explores criminal justice policy issues. It assesses the consequences of criminal justice policies on the system and society and examines the effectiveness of crime control at the individual, family, school, and community levels.
Course Objectives
After successful completion of this course you will have developed the intellectual skills of:
Important Information
Policies
Please review the FIU's Policies webpage. The policies webpage contains essential information regarding guidelines relevant to all courses at FIU, as well as additional information about acceptable netiquette for hybrid courses.
Early Alert:
In an effort to help you succeed in your academic courses, FIU utilizes an Early Alert system. Instructors are now able to notify students’ academic advisors if there are concerns about class performance. If an alert is submitted, your academic advisor will send you a message via your Student Dashboard (accessed via your MYFIU page) to discuss ways to improve your performance. Please respond to any communication you receive from your academic advisor about an early alert. Our goal with this program is to help you to be successful by identifying any issues as early on as possible and working to address them.
Incomplete Grades:
An incomplete grade is a temporary symbol given at the discretion of the instructor for work not completed because of serious interruption not caused by the student’s own negligence. To be eligible, written documentation must be provided. The student also must have successfully completed half of the coursework with a passing grade. An incomplete must be made up as quickly as possible; it should be completed within two consecutive semesters after the initial taking of the course or it will automatically default to an “F” or the grade that the student earned in the course. There is no extension of the two semester deadline. The student must not register again for the course to make up the incomplete. Students who have incomplete grades on their records must remove the incomplete by the end of the fourth week of the term in which they plan to graduate. Failure to do so will result in a cancelation of graduation.
Academic Dishonesty:
Florida International University is a community dedicated to generating and imparting knowledge through excellent teaching and research, the rigorous and respectful exchange of ideas, and community service. All students should respect the right of others to have an equitable opportunity to learn and to honestly demonstrate the quality of their learning. Therefore, all students are expected to adhere to a standard of academic conduct, which demonstrates respect for themselves, their fellow students, and the educational mission of the University. There is a zero tolerance policy in terms of academic dishonesty including but not limited to cheating, plagiarism, receiving and giving help (unless allowed by the professor), falsifying records, stealing exams, and submitting work from another course. Plagiarism means the use of somebody else's work without citing properly (including copying and pasting from the internet). Please visit the FIU Plagiarism Prevention site to help you avoid this type of misconduct. All students are deemed by the University to understand that if they are found responsible for academic misconduct, they will be subject to the academic misconduct procedures and sanctions, as outlined in the Student Handbook.
Harassment:
The professor seeks to develop a meaningful academic student-professor environment. As such, any perceived unwelcome innuendos and overtures from students to professor or from students to another student will not be tolerated. In accordance with FIU commitment, students, faculty, and staff are entitled to work and study in an environment free from harassment. “Sexual harassment undermines the integrity of the academic and work environment, and prevents its victims and their peers from achieving their full potential. All members of the University community are entitled to work and study in an atmosphere free from sexual overtures or innuendoes that are unsolicited and unwelcome” (for more information see FIU-104 Sexual Harassment Regulation).
Technical Requirements and Skills
One of the greatest barriers to taking a hybrid course is a lack of basic computer literacy. By computer literacy we mean being able to manage and organize computer files efficiently, and learning to use your computer's operating system and software quickly and easily. Keep in mind that this is not a computer literacy course; but students enrolled in hybrid courses are expected to have moderate proficiency using a computer. Please go to the "What's Required" webpage to find out more information on this subject.
Please visit our Technical Requirements webpage for additional information.
Accessibility and Accommodation
The Disability Resource Center collaborates with students, faculty, staff, and community members to create diverse learning environments that are usable, equitable, inclusive and sustainable. The DRC provides FIU students with disabilities the necessary support to successfully complete their education and participate in activities available to all students. If you have a diagnosed disability and plan to utilize academic accommodations, please contact the Center at 305-348-3532 or visit them at the Graham Center GC 190.
Please visit our ADA Compliance webpage for information about accessibility involving the tools used in this course.
Please visit the Canvas Accessibility webpage for more information.
For additional assistance please contact FIU's Disability Resource Center.
Academic Misconduct Statement
Florida International University is a community dedicated to generating and imparting knowledge through excellent teaching and research, the rigorous and respectful exchange of ideas and community service. All students should respect the right of others to have an equitable opportunity to learn and honestly to demonstrate the quality of their learning. Therefore, all students are expected to adhere to a standard of academic conduct, which demonstrates respect for themselves, their fellow students, and the educational mission of the University. All students are deemed by the University to understand that if they are found responsible for academic misconduct, they will be subject to the Academic Misconduct procedures and sanctions, as outlined in the Student Handbook.
Academic Misconduct includes:
Learn more about the academic integrity policies and procedures as well as student resources that can help you prepare for a successful semester.
Expectations of this Course
My expectations of you:
What you can expect from me:
Textbooks
Note: Lectures are posted on Canvas and it is essential for you to read and listen to them as you complete weekly readings.
Course Detail
Course Communication
Communication in this course will take place via Announcements.
The Announcements feature is a communication tool that allows users enrolled in the course to receive messages and post replies. The Announcements tool is located on Canvas, on the left side of the course webpage.
Visit our Writing Resources webpage for more information on professional writing and technical communication skills.
Quizzes
The ‘pre-module’ quizzes are designed to gauge understanding and ‘sign-post’ what you will be learning. The ‘post-module’ quizzes are more like traditional exams and your scores on them will count 30% towards your overall class grade. The quizzes are on Canvas, and based on the readings and lectures.
In order to mitigate any issues with your computer and online assessments, it is very important that you take the "Practice Quiz" from each computer you will be using to take your graded quizzes and exams. It is your responsibility to make sure your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements.
Assessments in this course are not compatible with mobile devices and should not be taken through a mobile phone or a tablet. If you need further assistance please contact FIU Online Support Services.
Research Project
(Written as a policy report/policy brief and presented orally using PowerPoint slides)
There is one required research project that is presented by you in writing. A second reader and I will assess your paper using a rubric with a 5-point rating scale of four critical thinking indicators and four writing indicators. The main goal of the research project is for you to demonstrate effective critical thinking skills and written communication skills in criminal justice by effectively organizing empirical research to support a conclusion to be disseminated to a policymaking audience while demonstrating a command of writing mechanics, syntax, and referencing.
There is one required oral presentation of your research project. You will present to a live or virtual audience made up of your colleagues, the TA, and myself. The TA and I will assess your presentation using a rubric with a 5-point rating scale of four oral communication indicators. The purpose of the oral presentation is for you to demonstrate effective oral communication skills through your subject knowledge of criminal justice, organization of ideas, efficient delivery, and appropriate use of PowerPoint.
Writing Assignments
Class Discussion Writing Assignments: There are two (2) graded writing assignments that students will complete before the assigned class, and discussed during class time.
Research Project Scaffolding Drafts: There are two (2) graded draft writing assignments. The writing assignments are designed to help you construct your research project incrementally—while providing a framework for me to give you helpful feedback and the time for you to make revisions. That is to say, scaffolding drafts #1 and #2 are the building blocks, or beginning drafts, of your capstone policy report.
Grading
The method of determining final grades is based on the following course requirements. Please be advised that Criminal Justice majors must earn a grade of C or better to pass this class. Providing opportunities for extra credit is at the discretion of the instructor. The following grading scale will be used to determine your course grades:
COURSE REQUIREMENTS | % Value |
---|---|
‘Pre-module’ Quizzes #1, #2, and #3 (90 pts.) | 5% |
‘Post-module’ Quiz #1 (100 pts.) | 10% |
‘Post-module’ Quiz #2 (100 pts.) | 10% |
‘Post-module’ Quiz #3 (100 pts.) | 10% |
Writing Assignment #1 (25 pts.) | 5% |
Writing Assignment #2 (25 pts.) | 5% |
Scaffolding Draft #1 (25 pts.) | 5% |
Scaffolding Draft #2 (25 pts.) | 5% |
Policy Report Presentation (40 pts.) | 20% |
Written Policy Report (40 pts.) | 25% |
Total | 100% |
LETTER | RANGE (%) | LETTER | RANGE (%) | LETTER | RANGE (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
A | 92.5 - 100 | B | 82.5 - 87.4 | C | 69.5 - 77.4 |
A- | 89.5 - 92.4 | B- | 79.5 - 82.4 | D | 59.5 - 69.4 |
B+ | 87.5 - 89.4 | C+ | 77.5 - 79.4 | F | ≤ 59.4 |
Course Calendar
Weekly Schedule
Module 1
Date | Topic/Assignment/Assessment | Required Reading |
---|---|---|
Week 1 |
During Class (Jan. 8) |
Read: The Syllabus |
After Class |
Read: The Preface, Introduction, and Chapter 1 of Crime & Punishment in America by Elliott Currie | |
Week 2 Jan. 14 - Jan. 20 |
During Class (Jan. 15) |
Read: The capstone research project prompt |
After Class |
Read: Chapter 2 of Crime & Punishment in America by Elliott Currie Read: Punishment’s Place article |
|
Week 3 Jan. 21 - Jan. 27 |
During Class (Jan. 22) |
----- |
After Class |
Read: Chapter 3 of Crime & Punishment in America by Elliott Currie | |
Week 4 Jan. 28 - Feb. 3 |
During Class (Jan. 29) |
----- |
After Class |
Read: Chapter 5 of Crime & Punishment in America by Elliott Currie | |
Week 5 Feb. 4 - Feb. 10 |
During Class (Feb. 5) |
----- |
After Class |
Read: The Conclusion and the Afterword of Crime & Punishment in America (by Elliott Currie) |
Module 2
Date | Topic/Assignment/Assessment | Required Reading |
---|---|---|
Week 6 Feb. 11 - Feb. 17 |
During Class (Feb. 12) |
----- |
After Class |
Read: The Preface, Chapter 1, and Chapter 2 of Criminal Justice Policy (in Mallicoat & Gardiner) | |
Week 7 Feb. 18 - Feb. 24 |
During Class (Feb. 19) |
----- |
After Class |
Read: Chapter 4 and Chapter 5 of Criminal Justice Policy (in Mallicoat & Gardiner) | |
Week 8 Feb. 25 - Mar. 3 |
During Class (Feb. 26) |
----- |
After Class |
Read: Chapter 8 and Chapter 11 of Criminal Justice Policy (in Mallicoat & Gardiner) |
Module 3
Date | Topic/Assignment/Assessment | Required Reading |
---|---|---|
Week 9 Mar. 4 - Mar. 10 |
During Class (Mar. 5) |
----- |
After Class |
Read: Chapter 17 and Chapter 18 of Criminal Justice Policy (in Mallicoat & Gardiner) | |
Week 10 Mar. 11 - Mar. 17 |
Spring Break | ----- |
Week 11 Mar. 18 - Mar. 24 |
During Class (Mar. 19) |
----- |
After Class |
Read: Chapter 13, 14 and Chapter 19 of Criminal Justice Policy (in Mallicoat & Gardiner) |
Module 4
Date | Topic/Assignment/Assessment | Required Reading |
---|---|---|
Week 12 Mar. 25 - Mar. 31 |
During Class (Mar. 26) |
----- |
After Class |
Read: Self-Directed Research and Writing | |
Week 13 Apr. 1 - Apr. 7 |
During Class (Apr. 2) |
----- |
After Class |
Read: Self-Directed Research and Writing | |
Week 14 Apr. 8 - Apr. 14 |
During Class (Apr. 9) |
----- |
After Class |
Read: Self-Directed Research and Writing | |
Week 15 Apr. 15 - Apr. 21 |
During Class (Apr. 16) |
----- |
After Class |
----- |