Justice
must always question itself, just as society can exist only by means of the
work it does on itself and on its institutions.
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This course is grounded in two working assumptions:
Assumption 1: The millions of daily interactions and discretionary
decisions collectively referred to as the Criminal Justice System function
together as a structural element of any stable society. The strength and
stability of societies are, in part, a function of the perceived legitimacy of
that system. Thus, an understanding of the structure and functions of our
criminal justice systems, and the issues they are facing, is per se a
worthwhile goal justifying the expense, effort, and intellectual discipline
demanded by serious enquiry.
Corollary:
·
The course is designed for advanced students of
criminal justice willing and prepared to seriously reflect upon some of the key
issues facing American criminal justice systems today. It will require
extensive reading, research, online interaction, writing, and thinking. The
course is not appropriate for students simply in need of an upper level
CJ credit that are not prepared to meet the intellectual rigors of disciplined
inquiry.
Assumption 2: The Distance Learning format can provide a viable base
for serious intellectual inquiry.
Corollary:
·
There is no "holy grail" of teaching
methodology. Lectures, individual study, group study, Problem Based Learning,
and other faddish teaching strategies all have their successes and failures. Research
has clearly demonstrated, however, that online instruction can be as
effective as other modes; and like other modes, has its positive and negative
aspects. On the positive side, it takes advantage of the asynchronous nature of
internet communication and allows students to conduct their studies on their
own schedule. Interactions with other students and the instructor can be
scheduled during times when undivided attention can be devoted to the course.
On the negative side, the format requires higher levels of individual
discipline and motivation than standard lecture courses. In that fellow
students will rely on interaction with the entire class, a commitment to the
course is essential. Failure to submit timely, well-considered postings will
influence the learning experience of all involved. As such, individuals not functioning at expected levels will be
asked to drop the course prior to the end of the semester's free drop-add
period.
Text:
Samuel Walker, Sense And
Nonsense About Crime And Drugs 5th
Ed. (Belmont, California: Wadsworth, 2000).
Note - This text is considered by most criminal justice professionals to be part of the essential reading of the field. Walker presents a highly readable, yet sober, analysis of recent failures in criminal justice policy, blaming both liberals and conservatives for ideological excesses. His list of “Propositions” regarding criminal justice policy will function as a springboard for our exploration of criminal justice issues as presented in popular media throughout the semester. If you have used the text in other courses, good! You are therefore aware that it is a very enjoyable read for the serious student of criminal justice. If not, get ready for an intellectual treat! Walker’s ability to clarify and get to the “nut” of complex issues is well known (and appreciated) across a range of disciplines. After a brief overview, we will use the text extensively as a resource; particularly as it relates to ideological aspects of criminal justice policy.
Additional Resources:
·
It is assumed that students have access to the
standard criminal justice literature and texts they used while taking core
courses, and are familiar with resources available through the University of Delaware Library;
particularly, Expanded
Academic ASAP Plus
·
Throughout the semester we will explore topical
issues by regularly reviewing standard wire services, media outlets, and commentaries.
One convenient point of access we will use is the Drudge Report. Media items selected for
discussion
·
Resources contained in the research archive of the National Criminal Justice Reference Service
Course Requirements:
General:
·
It is assumed that all students are familiar with, and
willing to abide by, policies set forth in the Student Policy
Handbook
·
Excellence is assumed. All work, including
contributions to discussions, represents each individual’s best effort.
Students will read and study course materials and address assignments when
assigned. In that course content
will be largely driven by online discussions, class members agree to logon to
WebCt, and contribute to class discussions minimally twice weekly. Please note – this is not an
independent study course. Reasoned and thoughtful contributions to discussions
are an integral part of the course. They will be evaluated by the instructor in
terms of quantity and quality and will count 25% of the semester
grade.
·
In that this is a 300 level course, it is assumed
that students have successfully completed the departmental core courses
(CRJU110 Introduction to Criminal Justice; CRJU201 Problems of Law Enforcement;
CRJU202 Problems of the American Judiciary; CRJU203 Problems of Corrections)
and are prepared to relate basic information and perspectives from those
courses to issues covered during the semester. While having not completed all
the core does not, necessarily, bar registering for this course, it is a factor
that should be considered when making registration decisions.
Course Paper:
Each student will research and write a
15-20 page APA
Style course paper that meets reasonable standards for upper level
undergraduate work. The paper will be developed in stages and will be
progressively posted to the WebCt discussion group for suggestions and
critique. The completed paper will count 25% of the semester grade.
Exams:
There will be two “take home” essay type semester
exams. The midterm exam will cover primarily the policy oriented “Propositions”
Walker presents in his text. The final exam will review the propositions and
relate them to specific issues faced by today’s criminal justice system. Each
exam will count 25% of the semester grade. Exams will be mailed or included as
attachments to email as assigned.