Assignments

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Threaded Discussion Forums

The purpose of the threaded discussions in the forum is to create an exchange of ideas on criminal justice related course work.  This semester, students from a wide variety of courses will be using the same forum.  Many of these students are mid-career professionals in the criminal justice fields taking a course through another university.  You are encouraged to ask questions and explore issues with your peers and future peers.

Due January 29, 2007

Go to the Criminal Justice Online forum and post:

1.      Register and create a user name that is your first initial, last name, and the
         word  "CJ31507."  If I  were creating that user name I would be

         rfostercj31507.

2.     Click here to find the first threaded discussion assignment.

3.      After you have posted, you must respond to a post made by another Union     

         learner.

Due February 9, 2007

Go to the Criminal Justice Online forum you will find the discussion question here.

Due April 13, 2007

Go to the Criminal Justice Online forum and post this thread discussion.

Due May 12, 2007

Go to the Criminal Justice Online forum and post your final discussion question here.

Issue Papers Subjects

Explore the death penalty.  Which criminological theories are used to support the death penalty?  Which criminological theories tend not to support the death penalty?  What are the strengths and weaknesses of these theories?  Describe any research you locate, include analysis of the theoretical model, variables and research design.  Based on your research and analysis,  reach a conclusion about the death penalty.  Support your arguments and conclusions.

Issue Paper Instructions

Students will be required to prepare a typed, 5-7 page analysis of a course related issue.  At a minimum, it is expected that the students will produce an academically sound and properly formatted work (APA format is strongly encouraged) with a minimum of five sources, not including the text book.  The instructor will provide more information concerning Issue Paper expectations during class.  The paper will graded on content as well as exposition. 

Final Questions

1.    Describe situational crime prevention, its components, theories and current

       practical applications.

2.    In general, describe the historical development of the major criminological

       theories.  Highlight those theories major components.

3.    Describe, compare and contrast, UCR, NCVS and NIBRS.

4.    Describe the "ingredients of crime."  Compare and contrast the use of this   

       model of crime in society's development of laws against violent crimes as

       opposed to laws against typical public order crimes.

5.    In general, criminological theories attempt to explain deviant human behavior in

       context with laws.  However, deviant behavior isn't restricted to violating laws.

       There is also deviant behavior in organizations; simply put, breaking

       organizational  rules.  Describe how criminological theories might be used to

       describe organizational  rule breaking - be specific.

Final Instructions

You will need at least one large Bluebook.

You must submit your participation log with the final.

Read all of the instructions on this website - ask questions, early and often!

The final examination will consist of two essay questions and will be cumulative.  The five final questions are posted on the course website. However, only two of them will be the final examination.  The student should be prepared to answer all five at the time of final because the two questions to be asked will be announced at the final.  Although this is not an open book test, students may use any notes they took during class or while studying during the final examination.  An in class review will be held prior to the final. They must be the students notes refer to the syllabus section on ethical conduct for further information.  The student MUST answer both questions. Above average and superior responses to the final questions will include sourcing from the readings, lectures, videos and class discussions

Recall our discussion about my expectations.  Superior work (A) will cite multiple sources, build logical arguments, commentary and answers.