CJK Criminal Justice Ethics Spring 2015

Transcription

1 CJK Criminal Justice Ethics Spring 2015 Instructor: Ms. Lopez Course and Contact Information: Class Location: Online Class Duration: January 20, 2015-May 15, 2015 Virtual Office Hours: available by appointment-basis ( to schedule) Contact Preferred modes of communication: Please direct all communication through this . Blackboard has an feature, but I do not check it on a regular basis This is synced with my cell and I will receive them regularly and reply as promptly as possible When communicating electronically you should use complete sentences and be very clear about what you are asking or saying to avoid miscommunication. Catalog Description: This course presents an analysis of contemporary ethical issues in crime and justice. Classical and contemporary ethical theories will be applied to the discussion of such issues as discretion, corruption, and use of force, racism, deception, professionalism, and the nature and meaning of justice. Expanded Course Description: This course provides an overview of classical and modern theories of ethics as applied to enforcing order, justice, and professions in society. Specific topics include: theories of ethics, philosophies of justice, and application of ethical positions to various areas of the criminal justice system. The course instructor will emphasize the utilization of the ethical reasoning 1

2 process for resolving problems commonly encountered by criminal justice practitioners and in the field in general. Course Objectives: 1) Develop and demonstrate writing skills 2) Demonstrate proficiency in use of technology 3) Introduce students to Criminal Justice ethics ideologies a. Students will demonstrate understanding of the nature of justice. b. Students will demonstrate understanding of basic ethical theories and their application to criminal justice system. c. Students will demonstrate ability to apply knowledge and reasoning to resolving common ethical dilemmas encountered in criminal justice practice. 4) Students will demonstrate multi-cultural awareness and respect for cultural diversity. 5) Students will understand key concepts of Criminal Justice. Required Textbooks: Martin, C. et al. (2010). Ethics across the professions. Oxford University Press. ISBN: Recommended Textbook: Rachels and Rachels' Elements of Moral Philosophy (2011/7th ed.) by McGraw-Hill. ISBN-13: American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (6 th Ed.). Washington, DC: Author. (This will be referred to as the APA Manual in this syllabus and in the course.) Struck, W., & White, E. B. The elements of style. (Any edition will do.) *NOTE: Student is expected to have an adequate knowledge of grammar and writing style essentials and of the guidelines for paper organization and referencing in accordance with the APA Manual. If a student is not confident of their knowledge in these areas, then the purchase and use of a handbook is highly recommended. Supplementary Materials: Supplementary material may take the form of uploaded handouts, websites/links, or references from your instructor or discussion material from your fellow peers. This supplementary material is designed to broaden the educational experience and create more variety to the format of this class. 2

3 Mode of Instruction and Course Access: This is an online course and uses the TAMUCT Blackboard system. To be able to successfully complete this course, the student must be able to access Blackboard. The student can access Bb on the Texas A&M-Central Texas website: If student has difficulty using Bb, he/she may call for toll-free assistance: This is a web-based course and all communication between students and myself will be corresponded electronically (via ). All students are welcome and encouraged to schedule a virtual office appointment, wherein, I will schedule blocked time to correspond with the student per their inquiries via or Blackboard chat as pre-arranged. In addition, I will be checking and replying to student s on a daily basis. Any deviations from this will be announced on Blackboard. There will be a Discussion Board available for students to post general questions that will be checked on a daily basis. This is highly recommended for general questions (for example, what chapters will be covered on an exam), so that all students in the class may benefit from the answers. Accessing Blackboard: Access Blackboard at the following link: Login using your MyCT Username and Password. To set up your MyCT account, follow the instructions in the following link: Select Criminal Justice Ethics from the course list Required Course Work: 1. Reading: Reading assignments are to be completed (see course calendar). You are expected to be familiar enough with the readings to apply the material to course forum discussions as well as to respond to posted questions based on the readings. We will not spend class time going over the book, per se. 2. Critical Thinking Essays: Students will be responsible for completing six (6) critical thinking essay assignments. These assignments will be posted on Blackboard issue dates are listed in the course calendar. These assignments will engage the student in applying theories to criminal, delinquent, and deviant behavior, as well as, policy applications. These writing assignments are also intended to require you to engage in critical thinking and logical reasoning as well as to further assist you in developing your written communication skills. 3

4 Requirements for writing assignments: - Separate cover page (Student name, identify which writing assignment #, date, course, Instructor name), this is not included in assignment length -1-3 pages in length (page length will be specified for each assignment), double-spaced; 12-pt. font; Ariel or Times New Roman - Grammatically correct and free from proofreading errors - Paragraph, narrative format - Must be completed in Microsoft Word and ed directly to KL1308@TAMUCT.EDU by designated deadline. No other method of submission will be accepted. - If outside sources are used, they must be properly cited using APA format for in-text and reference page citations Grading Criteria for Critical Thinking Essays: 20 Unacceptable does not meet the intent of the assignment; many writing errors 35 Acceptable/Weak meets the intent of the assignment but lacks detail, clarity or specifics; some writing errors 55 Acceptable meets the intent of the assignment; shows understanding of class content; few writing errors 75 Excellent/Superior meets the intent of assignment and goes beyond the required/expected performance; free from writing errors; outside sources used *Unless prior arrangements have been established and approved by the instructor or an official documented excuse is provided, 5-points will be deducted for any late assignments the instructor agrees to accept late. The assignment is considered a day late once due date has passed. 3. Discussion Forum Leader Each student is responsible for leading a discussion forum for 1 week of the entire course. You can view which assigned week you will have on the course calendar in this syllabus. I have assigned the weeks in alphabetical order. After each week had, at least, one student assigned as a forum leader, a second student was then assigned to a certain amount of weeks. Therefore, there will be 1-2 students leading discussion forums each week. As an assigned discussion forum leader, you are responsible for starting the discussion forum for your assigned week by posting your thoughts on the assigned reading, followed by discussion questions for your fellow students to post replies towards. You will post replies and continue in discussions between yourself and fellow peers. You are required to post replies to at least 3 4

5 comments posted in reply to your discussion question. You are welcome to reply to all comments posted in response to your discussion question, but 3 are only required of you for completion of this assignment. Grading Criteria for Discussion Leader Forum: Leader initiates discussion forum & manages this forum until it closes on due date/time -Reaction/thoughts on a topic/topics from assigned reading: 3-5 complete sentences at minimum -Follow reaction with posting discussion question for fellow peers to critically think about and reply to Leader must reply to, at least, 3 student peers who have posted replies to their discussion question (leaders are welcome to reply to all posts if they choose) Leader must initiate this discussion forum early in the week and not wait till the end of the week to begin. This allows enough time for students to reply and a discussion occur all week 4. Discussion Question Posted Responses: This course requires each student to participate in each weekly discussion forum. Therefore, at the end of this semester, each student is required to post, at minimum, twelve (12) replies during the entire course. Posting multiple times in the same discussion forum is highly encouraged, however, you are required to participate in each of the 12 discussion forums. Refer to your calendar to view the due dates and times. Each student is required to post thoughts and/or replies to forum leader discussion questions regarding the reading for that assigned week. Each weekly post discussion is worth a total of 25-points. *Points are awarded to students, based on the quality of participation in threaded discussions. Quality participation pertains to a student s response in relevant, meaningful ways, based upon the assigned readings for that week. *Students may elect to continue to post responses to other student if they choose. This allows a forum for the expression of ideas among peers and foster critical evaluation and understanding of concepts. *There are not makeups for discussion threads, because the course will move on to the next topic after the deadlines. No one is required to read posts or respond to posts after the deadline has passed. *Please avoid procrastinating on posts; complete initial posts as early as possible. If a post is inadequate, and it is early enough in time to revise, I will let you know it is inadequate. Therefore, you will have time to revise your post for credit before the deadline. Waiting until the last minute to post, will not allow time for myself to review and notify you that it is inadequate and you will not have time to resubmit your post. Therefore, you will not receive credit for posts that fail to adhere to class standards. 5

6 *Periodically, I will respond to selected discussion threads that were posted. This will clarify incorrect information provided by a student or foster further discussion of concepts to enhance critical thinking. 5. Overall Course Conduct: Your overall course conduct will be graded at the conclusion of this course and worth a 100 points. Mastery of course content is greatly enhanced through professional conduct in the classroom. Although this is an online class, professional conduct must still be observed in your written communication. You will be expected to conduct yourself in a professional manner at all times during this course. Netiquette Communication Courtesy Code: All members of the class are expected to follow rules of common courtesy in all messages, threaded discussions and chats. If I deem any of them to be inappropriate or offensive, messages will be forwarded to the Chair of the department and the online administrators and appropriate action will be taken, not excluding expulsion from the course. In addition, all students should refer to the TSUCT Student Handbook for classroom conduct policies, as it applies equally to online students as well. The TSUCT Student Handbook is available online at the TSUCT website. *Note: The course will be an environment conducive to educational attainment. Accordingly, both the instructor and students must engage in the course with mutual respect. Inappropriate behavior will be considered towards this grade and overall course grade. Class preparation will also be considered for this grade. Students are expected to read and complete all discussion threads, required assignments, readings, and quizzes for this class. A tentative outline of the semester is provided below and is it your responsibility to follow along and keep pace with the material and coursework. This syllabus is provided to you in order to follow along and hold yourself accountable. Also, as in many criminal justice and social science courses, the issues of racial and ethnic diversity must be considered part of the course content. In addition, topics may come up in this course that not everyone will be comfortable with or agree upon. Civility and courtesy to everyone in the class, including the instructor, is expected. Incivility or discourtesy to anyone in the course will not be tolerated and may result in your expulsion from the course. 6. Final Course Essay You will be required to find and select an article/topic related to any area of the criminal justice system (e.g., corrections, police, law/policies, punishment, courts, professions, etc.) in the United States or another country. You will be required to write a 3-4 page paper applying ethical reasoning and this paper will be worth 500-points. Your paper will entail a brief overview summary of the topic or article selected. In addition, you will choose two competing ethical positions discussed in the course. You will provide the viewpoint of that ethical position concerning your selected topic. You do or do not have to agree with your selected ethical 6

7 positions, and your writing will not be a reflection of your personal opinion, beliefs, or morals. This is to expand perspectives in order to better prepare for diverse cultures, religions, beliefs, morals, etc. that you may face in a future career in the criminal justice field. Expanding one s mind to see two sides of position allows you to better prepare what to expect, and how to best address a situation or conflict. Also, this builds communications and networking skills. At times in this field, one may be put to the test to put personal morals and beliefs aside and act out of duty or requirement. This paper will allow you to dapple in controversial topics and explore multiple arguments and positions on the topic. Grading Criteria for Course Reaction Essay: Content 250 points Does the paper describe the article adequately, is the article appropriate to the assignment/course, is more than one ethical reasoning presented, are counter arguments raised and refuted. Is the level of thought, logic, reasoning, and vocabulary appropriate to the level of the course, is student opinion presented, explained, and defended, does student tie article to ethical positions and course adequately, etc. Mechanics 150 points grammar, spelling, word usage, proofreading, use of APA format Title page Article Selection Deadline Ethical Positions Selection Deadline Outline Deadline 25 points 25 points February 27 th by 11pm via 25 points April 3 rd by 11pm via 25 points April 17 th by 11pm via *APA paper Format: Double-spaced; 12-pt. font; Times New Roman Grammatically correct and free from proofreading errors Paragraph, narrative format, indent new paragraphs, standard margins Page numbers at bottom of page (centered or right side of page) Must be completed in Microsoft Word and ed directly to me by deadline (TBD) to: KL1308@TAMUCT.EDU Any sources used must be appropriately cited in text and in a reference section as per APA standards. 7

8 Grading Criteria Rubric and Conversion: Final course grades will be assessed on the following scale: Course Grading: Overall Course Conduct 100 points Discussion Forum Leader 150 points (12) Discussion Forum 25 pts. each 300 points (6) Reaction 75 pts. each 450 points Final Course Reaction essay points A points B points C points D points F 500 points Total= 1500 points Mastery, understanding, and familiarity with course content will be demonstrated through, written assignments, on-line Blackboard discussions, and final course paper. Academic Integrity: Texas A&M University - Central Texas expects all students to maintain high standards of personal and scholarly conduct. Students found responsible of academic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary action. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an examination or other academic work, plagiarism, collusion, and the abuse of resource materials. The faculty member is responsible for initiating action for each case of academic dishonesty and report the incident to the Associate Director of Student Conduct. More information can be found at Plagiarism: Plagiarism is a form of academic dishonesty. Plagiarism, most simply defined, is not properly crediting your sources of information through the use of textual citations and the provision of a works cited list. If something is not your own original idea, thought, words, or the product of your original data collection and analysis, you need to cite your source in the text. You must also include a works cited list. Failure to do so is cheating and will be dealt with as such. Submitting the same, or essentially the same work, from another class may also be a form of academic dishonesty, unless I approve it in advance. Work handed in should be your own, not that of a friend, relative, Internet site, published article, or anyone else. 8

9 Disability Support Services: If you have or believe you have a disability and wish to self-identify, you can do so by providing documentation to the Disability Support Coordinator. Students are encouraged to seek information about accommodations to help assure success in their courses. Please contact Vanessa Snyder at (254) or visit Founder's Hall 114. Additional information can be found at Tutoring: Tutoring is available to all TAMUCT students, both on-campus and online. Subjects tutored include Accounting, Finance, Statistics, Mathematics, and Writing (APA). Tutors are available at the Tutoring Center in Founder's Hall, Room 204, and also in the Library in the North Building. Visit and click "Tutoring Support" for tutor schedules and contact info. Chat live with a tutor 24/7 for almost any subject on your computer! Tutor.com is an online tutoring platform that enables TAMU-CT students to log-in and receive FREE online tutoring and writing support. This tool provides tutoring in Mathematics, Writing, Career Writing, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Spanish, Calculus, and Statistics. To access Tutor.com, click on Library Services: INFORMATION LITERACY focuses on research skills which prepare individuals to live and work in an information-centered society. Librarians will work with students in the development of critical reasoning, ethical use of information, and the appropriate use of secondary research techniques. Help may include, yet is not limited to: exploration of information resources such as library collections and services, identification of subject databases and scholarly journals, and execution of effective search strategies. Library resources are outlined and may be accessed through the webpage. Drop Policy: If you discover that you need to drop this class, you must go to the Records Office and ask for the necessary paperwork. Professors cannot drop students; this is always the responsibility of the student. The record s office will give a deadline for which the form must be returned, completed, and signed. Once you return the signed form to the records office and wait 24 hours, you must go into DuckTrax and confirm that you are no longer enrolled. If you are still enrolled, you must FOLLOW-UP with the records office immediately. Should you miss the deadline or fail to follow the procedure, you will receive an F in the course. Extra Credit: Extra credit is not available in this class. 9

10 Calendar: I reserve the right to change the syllabus as necessary as necessary. Class Date Topic Readings/Assignments WEEK 1 *Course expectations *Personal introductions *Textbooks should be in hand or arriving by this week *Technical Issues addressed *Students Review syllabus *Students should post personal introductions on discussion board *Verify student/instructor access and communication 1/19 1/20 1/21 1/22 1/23 WEEK 2 1/26 1/27 1/28 1/29 1/30 WEEK 3 2/2 2/3 2/4 MLK HOLIDAY Spring 2015 Semester Begins *CHAPTER 1: What is it to be a Professional? (pp. 1-18) Discussion Board posts due Today *Chapter 1: What is it to be a professional? (pp ) NO SCHOOL *Personal Introductions *Notify instructor of any technical or textbook issues Personal Introductions continue * Students Leading Discussion Forum: Blank, Perkins #1 discussion post due by 11pm today & closes *Students Leading Discussion Forum #2: Brake, Salinas Critical Thinking Essay #1 issued 10

11 2/5 2/6 WEEK 4 *Chapter 2: How to be ethical (pp ) #2 Discussion post & reply due by 11pm & closes Critical Thinking Essay #1 due by 11pm on Feb 8 th *Student Leading Discussion Forum #3: Burney, Shahan 2/9 2/10 2/11 2/12 2/13 WEEK 5 2/16 2/17 2/18 2/19 2/20 WEEK 6 2/23 2/24 2/25 2/26 *Chapter 2: How to be ethical (pp ) *Chapter 3: Professional Duties, Clients Rights (pp ) #3 Discussion board posts due by 11pm & closes *Students Leading Discussion Forum #4: Burts, Tessay *Critical Thinking Essay #2 issued *#4 Discussion board posts due by 11pm & closes *Critical Thinking Essay #2 due by 11pm on Feb 22 nd *Students Leading Discussion Forum #5: Cortez, Wiggins 11

12 2/27 WEEK 7 3/2 3/3 3/4 3/5 3/6 WEEK 8 3/9 3/10 3/11 3/12 3/13 Week 9 3/16 3/17 3/18 3/19 Discussion board posts due Final course essay article due *Chapter 3: Professional Duties, Clients Rights (pp ) *Chapter 4: Truth, Lies, and Deception (pp ) SPRING BREAK WEEK SPRING BREAK WEEK SPRING BREAK WEEK SPRING BREAK WEEK SPRING BREAK WEEK SPRING BREAK WEEK #5 Discussion board posts due by 11pm & closes selected article to KL1308@TAMUCT.EDU by 11pm today Students Leading Discussion Forum #6: Ellis; Williams Critical Thinking Essay #3 issued *#6 Discussion board posts due by 11pm & closes * Critical Thinking Essay #3 due by 11pm on March 8 th *Students Leading Discussion Forum #7: Gammill; Ximinez #7 Discussion board posts due by 11pm & closes 12

13 3/20 Week 10 3/23 3/24 3/25 3/25 3/26 Week 11 3/30 3/31 4/1 4/2 4/3 Week 12 4/6 4/7 4/8 4/9 4/10 Chapter 4: Truth, Lies, and Deception (pp ) Chapter 5: Privacy, Confidentiality, Secrecy, and Trust (pp ) * *Select ethnical positions for final paper essay Chapter 5: Privacy, Confidentiality, Secrecy, and Trust (pp ) *Students Lead Discussion Forum #8: K. Green; Morris Critical Thinking Essay #4 issued #8 Discussion board posts due by 11pm & closes *Critical Thinking Essay #4 due by 11pm on March 28 th *Students Lead Discussion Forum #9: M. Green; Kelley *#9 Discussion board posts due by 11pm & closes * which two ethical positions you have selected for final course essay by 11pm today to KL1308@TAMUCT.EDU *Students Lead Discussion Forum #10: Griffith *Critical Thinking Essay #5 issued #10 Discussion board posts due by 11pm & closes *Critical Thinking Essay #5 due by 11pm on April 12 th 13

14 Week 13 4/13 4/14 4/15 4/16 4/17 Week 14 4/20 4/21 4/22 4/23 4/24 Week 15 4/27 4/28 4/29 4/30 5/1 Chapter 6: Integrity, and Loyalty: Whistle-blowing and self-regulation (pp ) Outlines Due Chapter 6: Integrity, and Loyalty: Whistle-blowing and self-regulation (pp ) Last Critical Thinking Essay due this week. No assigned reading this week. *Students Lead Discussion Forum #11: Gustave *#11 Discussion board posts due by 11pm & closes * final course essay outline by 11pm today to *Students Lead Discussion Forum #12: Karl #12 Discussion board posts due by 11pm & closes *Critical Thinking Essay #6 issued *Critical Thinking Essay #6 due by 11pm on May 3rd 14

15 Week 16 FINAL COURSE ESSAY Use this week to wrap up final course essay paper 5/4 5/5 5/6 5/7 5/8 Optional draft paper submission *Restricted: No student Activity If you would like me to review you final course essay paper before the deadline, drafts must be ed to me by today at noon. STUDY DAY Week 17 ~~~~FINALS WEEK~~~~ 5/11 Final course essay due Final course essay due by 11pm today via to 5/12 5/13 5/14 *Spring Terms Ends 5/15 ***I reserve the right to change the syllabus as necessary. 15