CRJ 101
Fall Semester 2004
Lecture: 250 BSB, Mon and Wed at 10:00 a.m.
Professor Joseph L. Peterson
Office: 4022A BSB Tel: (312) 996-5262
e-mail: mailto:joepete@uic.edu
Office Hours: MW 11:00-12:00, F 8-9, By Appointment
INTRODUCTION TO THE JUSTICE SYSTEM
Introduction
Crime, justice and public safety are issues of paramount concern to all citizens, particularly in this post 9-11 era, and amid continuing threats of terrorism. Consider the following crime statistics:
· Serious crime reported to the police in the United States decreased 3.2 percent in 2003. Crime has fallen steadily (or remained unchanged) over the past decade. Serious crime statistics encompass the incidents of homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft (but omits less serious crime) reported to the police. Nationwide, arson decreased the most among all crime categories, dropping almost 6.9 percent. The Midwest saw the biggest decline in violent crime among all geographical regions of the country, falling 7.0 percent. The Midwest also showed the biggest decline in murder, falling nearly 5 percent.
· Total crime in Illinois fell for the eighth year in a row in 2003, declining by about 4.8 percent. Chicago’s crime rate declined 4.3 percent, and its number of homicides (598), although the highest of any city in America, declined by about 8 percent. The drop in the murder rape in Chicago was reversed in Maywood that saw a doubling of its homicides to 20, a rate per capita three times higher than Chicago’s. And, the crime of rape, after spiking upward the year before, declined to below the five year average. Sexual assault is a good illustration of a crime in which victimization rates (tabulated through surveys of victims) differ widely from those offenses reported to the police. Typically, only about half of actual rapes get reported to the police. The complete and accurate measurement of crime remains one of the most challenging issues facing criminal justice researchers and practitioners.
· By midyear 2003, federal and state prisons and jails in the United States held more than 2 million persons. When individuals on probation and parole are included in the total, persons under correctional supervision in the U.S. exceeds 6.7 million. From 1980 to 2000, prison populations climbed dramatically, increasing more than three-fold, but have now leveled off. Illinois was one of nine states in the country that actually experienced a decline in its prison population in 2002 (down 3.7 percent). Nevertheless, the United States incarcerates more persons per capita (almost 500 persons per 100,000) than any other nation in the world. We must also consider that about 95% of prison inmates are eventually released; recent statistics show that more than 500,000 state prison inmates are released back into the community each year, and more than two-thirds of them will be re-arrested for new crimes within three years. In many respects our criminal justice system is dysfunctional and this course will examine many of the factors that contribute to this.
Crime was down substantially in the 1980s and 1990s as the prison population spiraled upward. What accounts for this? Was there a connection between the lowering of the crime rate and placing more of our fellow citizens in prison, the successful economy, or more effective police strategies like community policing? A recent article in the New York Times reported many urban neighborhoods across the county (including UIC's Taylor Street area) became revitalized because of a "renewed sense of safety", driven by the reduction of gang and drug activity, fewer abandoned buildings, and diminishment of civil disorder. Now, many worry that there are several factors that could cause crime to increase again rapidly: the souring economy, budget shortfalls at the state and local level leading to cutbacks in police departments, court, and prison resources, and the increase of prisoners being released from prison and re-entering our communities. This course will address these and many related crime and justice issues. It will begin by introducing students to the origin and purposes of the criminal law, examining why rules are broken and who breaks them, and exposing students to those agencies that comprise the American system of criminal justice. We will examine some of our society’s most basic assumptions with respect to crime control: that the threat of arrest and punishment effectively deters crime. Expectations of American law enforcement have, in many ways, fundamentally changed since 9-11. We will explore these issues as well as how some of our cherished constitutional protections can restrict some crime control strategies. Furthermore, the course and text address international/global questions that affect our public safety, but also affords students the opportunity to see how issues of law, crime, and justice are treated in other countries. This international perspective will be supplemented with lecture material on conditions in the People's Republic of China's (P.R.C.).
Coverage of the criminal justice system is broad, indeed, beginning with the police, who are called upon to enforce the law and to preserve the peace; prosecutors who charge suspected law violators with crimes and a judiciary that decides the defendant's guilt or innocence and the penalty criminals must pay; and correctional institutions (jails, prisons, and community based programs) where convicted offenders are confined and/or supervised. Complex organizational relationships among agencies, and discretionary prerogatives of criminal justice officials determine which suspected law violators are processed through, or screened from, the justice system. This course should be of considerable interest both to nonmajors as well as students who decide to major in criminal justice and take additional courses in the curriculum which address these various problems and issues in greater depth.
Course Requirements
The required text for the course is: Criminal Justice, 6th ed., by Joel Samaha, Wadsworth/Thomson Learning, Belmont, CA, 2003. Copies of the text will be available at the UIC Bookstore. Make sure the new or used text you purchase includes the Criminal Justice, 6th ed., CD-ROM.
Transmitters/keypads (Interwrite-PRS) are included with new required texts from the UIC bookstore. If you purchase a used text, you must purchase the transmitter separately at the bookstore. These transmitters are an added feature of this course to stimulate student feedback and interaction during the lectures. Students are expected to bring their transmitters to all lectures. Don’t lose your transmitter; it costs $30 to replace it.
A special arrangement has also been made with the New York Times to have this newspaper delivered to your homes/dorms five days/week (M-F) at a cost of $2/week for the 15 week semester. Local, national, and international news of important crime, justice, and legal matters are reported in the Times everyday and will provide you with in-depth coverage of contemporary legal questions and controversies. The Times also provides you with rich background information on important economic, political, scientific, and cultural conditions that influence nations around the world in their treatment of victims and offenders. Plus, the Times has wonderful coverage of technology, arts, entertainment, and business matters. I want students to think about these important national and international issues of crime and justice as we proceed through the course, and reading the Times each day provides an excellent foundation for understanding these factors. This subscription is a requirement and assignments and examination questions will be taken from this source.
Web Page Access
You can access this syllabus and two additional documents for this class through my Criminal Justice Home Page at the WWW URL http://www.uic.edu/~joepete. You can also access necessary course documents by going to the Blackboard Learning System (Release 6) at http://blackboard.uic.edu/?bbatt=Y Blackboard is discussed later in this syllabus under Discussion Sections. If you haven't already established your computer account, see the instructions on the attached handout Criminal Justice and the Internet, or if on the internet, click here. In particular, you need to view the Criminal Justice and the Internet document using a computer, so you can connect to a number of research links and documents that will be helpful in completing your assignments..
General Course Requirements
My primary objective is to get students excited and engaged in the study of crime and criminal justice. I want to meet and get to know as many of you as possible and for you to make an investment in the study of crime and justice. For you to make this investment, you will need to attend lecture and discussion sections, do your required reading, and allow us to get to know who you are. Several short assignments (amounting to 10% of your grade) will be assigned during lecture and another 10% of your grade will depend on your attendance and participation in your discussion groups. Discussion sections are not interchangeable and you are expected to stay in the same section all semester. You are accountable for information and explanations presented in both lectures and discussion sessions – and they are likely to be included on examinations.
I recommend that students print out a copy of the syllabus and keep it handy for weekly reference.
There will be a strict policy on makeup examinations and overdue assignments. Make-ups will be allowed only where the student has notified the professor or TA in advance and has received permission to take a makeup. Absences due to medical or family emergencies will only be considered where the student supplies a written explanation from a doctor, parent or guardian. No exceptions.
Written assignments are due at your discussion section for the assigned week and exceptions will be made only if pre-arrangements are made or in the case of medical/family emergencies (as described above). Your RTA assignments are the exception and are defined later in the syllabus. Points will be deducted for late assignments at the rate of 1/2 point per day. There are no extra credit opportunities in this course.
My other principal suggestion for students is to get to know your teaching assistants and me. All TAs will hold a minimum of three office hours a week and will be available to you. I will hold office hours after lecture (11-12) on Mondays and Wednesdays, and will also be available in the BSB grill/coffee area one-half hour before class on those days. I will also hold office hours from 9-10 on Fridays.
Evaluation and Student Grades
Your final grade will be based on the total number of points you accumulate throughout the semester. As shown under the Grading section below, all your assignments can earn you points -- up to a maximum of 100. The key to maximizing your points and, in turn, getting a good grade in this class is relatively simple: read your textbook and New York Times each weekday, come to lecture and discussions, take good notes, complete your assignments carefully, and turn them in on time. If you do the above, you should also do very well on your exams and in the course.
Examinations - There will be two mid-terms and one final examination. There will be forty-five multiple choice questions on each of these exams. Examination questions will be drawn from the required text, NY Times articles, lectures and discussion sections. The dates of these exams are noted on the attached schedule. T.A.s help me write the exam questions, so attending your discussion sessions (as well as my lectures) is the best way to score well on these tests. I plan to post a sample examination from last year to familiarize you with the type of exam questions to expect.
Short Papers - There will be several short written assignments during the semester that you can submit to your TA. or turn in to the main CRJ office in 4022 BSB. The papers will be of two varieties (explained in more detail below): 1) rapid one-page assignments made in lecture; and 2) two additional assignments described below. The due dates of these papers are noted in the Schedule below. The TAs and I expect these papers to be typed. You will be evaluated as much on the quality and clarity of your writing as on your ability to supply the desired information. If you do not already have them, I recommend you buy a dictionary and style manual (e.g., Turabian's A Manual for Writers, Strunk and White's The Elements of Style, or Williams' Style: Ten Lessons in Clarity and Grace.) I would like to see you make progress in your writing skills during the course, culminating in a well-crafted final research paper. I strongly advise students who are in need of special writing assistance to contact the Writing Center in 100 Douglas Hall. The Writing Center’s hours are: Mondays through Thursday, 9 – 5, and 9 –3 on Friday. You may call for an appointment at 413-2206.
(1) Rapid Turn-Around (RTA) Assignments will be assigned randomly, about once every third week, at lecture, and should be submitted to your TA by Friday afternoon (4:30 pm) of the same week. RTA assignments are to be written and submitted to your TA, or to the CRJ main office in 4022 BSB. Late RTA papers will not be accepted. These will typically be short, one-page (double-spaced) assignments that will be based on articles from the NY Times , or to summarize key material presented/discussed in lecture. You will be given five (5) of these short assignments during the semester, each counting two points. Coming to lecture will be the only way in which you will learn about the assignment and information requested. If you miss lecture, neither I nor the TAs will give you the assignment.
(2) Short Papers – These two short papers are in addition to the above assignments. These are a little “meatier”, are worth 5 points a piece, and ask you for a longer response (two pages, double spaced). One will require you to access the Bureau of Justice Statistics website and to answer five questions. The first question will be available on the Blackboard website the second week of the semester. In the second "You Decide” exercise taken from the textbook/CD-ROM, your assignment is to answer the question(s) at the end of the problem. Points will be taken off for late papers (1/2 point per day). Also, be sure to proofread your papers to correct misspellings, typographical errors, etc.. The second of these short papers will be assigned the tenth week of class and will be assigned via Blackboard
Research Paper - Students are also expected to write and submit a term research paper of approximately 2,000 words (10 double-spaced, typed pages) in length. A list of potential topics is being distributed with this syllabus and is available via the computer if you click here. Students are expected to submit their primary question, tentative thesis statement, outline, and bibliography at their discussion session the 7th week (October 4) of classes. This material will be returned to you in one week, with comments and suggestions. Drafts of your final papers are due the 10th week (October 25) of class. These will be returned with comments by the 12th week. The final papers are due the 14th week (November 22) and will be returned after your final exam. (See attached Schedule.) All research paper related assignments are due at your discussion section in the week indicated.
Grading - The various requirements will be weighted as follows:
Mid Term Exam #1 15%
Mid Term Exam #2 15%
Short Paper* Assign (2) 10%
RTA** Assign (5) 10%
Term
Paper*** 25%
Prelim (5%)
Draft (10%)
Final (10%)
Final
Exam
15%
Discussion (partic) 5%
Discussion
(attend) 5%
TOTAL 100%
*Short Papers (SP) are discussed above on the syllabus. The first one I am asking you to answer five questions from the Bureau of Justice Statistics web site, and the second comes from your book.
**Rapid Turn-Around Assignments (RTAs) will be given at lecture and must be submitted to your TA by Friday at 4:30 pm of the week assigned. These will be typically one-page assignments that will ask for your reaction to material presented at lecture.
***As noted on the attached handout on research papers, the "preliminary" submission of your term paper assignment includes: your major question, thesis statement, outline, and bibliography.
Discussion Sections/Blackboard (Edition 6)
You will meet with your TA at your discussion section once a week. As indicated under the foregoing Grading section, if you attend all sessions you will earn an automatic 5 points. If you miss class, you will lose points. In addition, students are expected to come to the discussion having read the assigned material, having attended the lecture, and ready to discuss the material. At one of the discussion sections for the semester, students will be assigned to lead the discussion on that day. Your TAs will make these assignments and score you (up to 5 points for the term) based on your contributions. Any questions on this, please see your instructor or your TA.
You will be using UIC’s Blackboard (Edition6) system to communicate with your TA. You can access Blackboard by clicking on the following link http://blackboard.uic.edu/?bbatt=Y. You must have your computer account to use this system and your TA will give you additional instructions during your Discussion section. We are still updating our Blackboard information and all necessary course and TA information will be added within the next two weeks.
Teaching Assistants
Your teaching assistants will be Chelsea Brown (clb644@hotmail.com), Angel Camacho(acamac4@uic.edu), Jill Canovan (jcanov2@uic.edu), and Michael O’Brien (mobrie3@uic.edu). They are all criminal justice graduate students, they will lead your discussion sessions, and will assist you in anyway they can. The TAs' offices are located in 4030 BSB and their office hours will be announced at your initial discussion sections, and posted on the department bulletin board. Please take the time to visit your T.A. during their office hours and get to know her or him. Chelsea will be the TA designated to answer any of your questions about Blackboard.
Rules of Civility
I believe in common courtesies. My TAs and I will treat you with respect and I expect the same from you. I will come to class and dismiss you on time, make my lectures as interesting as possible, keep my office hours, grade your assignments fairly, return your e-mails within 24 hrs, and your longer papers within a week. In return, I expect some basic things from you. You must turn off your cell phones. I want you to get to class on time, not to disturb the class by talking, sleeping, or eating, and not to leave class until I dismiss you. This includes not shuffling papers and starting to leave five minutes before class is over! The last five minutes of class are very important where I summarize key points and make those RTA assignments. I really want you to stay attentive until class is over.
Integrity/Plagiarism
Plagiarism is a violation of the rules of the university and will be dealt with severely. You will fail the class and possibly be brought before the campus judicial board. I want to inform you I have software that enables me to check the content of your papers against other published books, articles, and newspapers. It is very effective. The Internet is a wonderful device for students in doing research, but it also enables professors to check your submissions against that very same material. I know it is tempting to “lift” sections of material from the Internet and to incorporate big chunks of it in your papers. Don’t do it! You must give a reference/citation for any material that is not your own. Any questions about this, ask a TA or me.
Students with Disabilities
If any students have a documented disability and wish to discuss academic accommodations, please contact your TA or me as soon as possible.
Declaring Criminal Justice as Your Major
Students who wish to declare criminal justice as their major must receive a grade of "C" or higher in CRJ 101. For more information contact Dwayne Alexander in Room 4078B, BSB (6-9871).
FINAL EXAM (Dec. 6-10) (Check official
timetable)
SCHEDULE
|
WEEK |
DATES |
LECTURE TOPIC/ READING (Samaha) |
DISCUSSION / |
|
I |
8/23 |
Overview/Administration NY Times Subscription |
Introduction to your T.A.s, Discussion of Syllabus and Current Week's Readings |
|
8/25 |
Chap. 1 Formal and Informal Criminal Justice |
Discussion of Week I Lecture continues |
|
|
II |
8/30 |
Chap. 1 (continued) UIC Writing Center – Dr. Vainis Aleksa |
Discussion of Week II Lecture and Readings |
|
9/1 |
Chap. 2 Criminal Justice and the Law |
Discussion continues |
|
|
III |
9/6 |
Labor Day – No class |
|
|
9/8 |
Chap. 2 (continued) |
Discussion - Week III |
|
|
IV |
9/13 |
Video: The Constitution and the Bill of Rights |
Discussion - Week IV |
|
9/15 |
Chap. 3 Crime, Criminals, and Victims Understanding Why Crime Fell in the 1990s – You May be Surprised |
Discussion continues |
|
|
V |
9/20 |
Chap. 3 (continued) ”Father Steals Best”–The “Rooster” Bogle Clan |
Discussion - Week V |
|
9/22 |
Chap. 4 – Police: History, Missions, and Working Personality |
Discussion continues |
|
|
VI |
9/27 |
Chap. 4 (continued) |
Discussion - Week VI |
|
9/29 |
Mid-Term Exam #1 |
Discussion continues |
|
|
VII |
10/4 |
Chap. 5 – Police Strategies |
Return Mid Term exam #1 |
|
10/6 |
Chap. 5 (continued) |
Discussion continues |
|
|
VIII |
10/11 |
Chap. 6 – Police and the Law Do Police Follow the Miranda Rules? |
Discussion - Week VIII |
|
10/13 |
Guest Lecture |
Discussion continues |
|
|
IX |
10/18 |
Chapter 6 (continued) |
Discussion- Week IX |
|
10/20 |
Chap. 7 – Court Structure and Process |
Discussion continues |
|
|
X |
10/25 |
Chap. 7 (continued) |
Discussion - Week X |
|
10/27 |
Chap. 8 – Charge, Trial and Guilty Pleas |
Discussion continues |
|
|
XI |
11/1 |
Chap. 9 - Sentencing |
Discussion - Week XI |
|
11/3 |
Mid Term Exam #2 |
Discussion continues |
|
|
XII |
11/8 |
Chap. 9 (continued) |
Return Mid Term Exam #2 |
|
11/10 |
Video - DNA Fingerprinting |
Discussion continues |
|
|
XIII |
11/15 |
Chap. 10 – Community Corrections Probation - Most Programs Fall Short |
Discussion - Week XIII |
|
11/17 |
Chap. 11 – Prisons, Jails, and Prisoners |
Discussion continues |
|
|
XIV |
11/22 |
Chap. 11 (continued) |
Discussion - Week XIV |
|
11/24 |
Guest Lecture |
Discussion continues |
|
|
XV |
11/29 |
Chap. 12 - Prisoner Life |
Discussion - Week XV |
|
12/1 |
Chap 12 (cont) |
Review for Final Exam |