School of Security and Global Studies. Criminal Justice CMRJ698 Comprehensive Exam in Criminal Justice. 8 Week Course

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1 School of Security and Global Studies Criminal Justice CMRJ698 Comprehensive Exam in Criminal Justice 8 Week Course Instructor Information Course Description Course Scope Course Objectives Course Delivery Method Course Materials Evaluation Procedures Grading Scale Course Outline Policies Academic Services Selected Bibliography Instructor Information Please see the syllabus tool for instructor contact information. Course Description (Catalog) Comprehensive final examination for students in the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice program. The "Comprehensive Final Exam" is tailored specifically to each program and must be taken after students have completed 36 hours of study (i.e. during the semester following the final course) and successfully completed before the award of a degree. The course number for the exam will be the Area of Study or Major, followed by a 700 number (i.e. for Strategic Intelligence, the Comprehensive Exam course

2 number is IN700, for Management, the Comprehensive Exam course number is DM703). Course Scope This is the comprehensive final exam administered at the conclusion of your courses in the Criminal Justice program. The examination is six hours in duration, closed book, and proctored. Examinations will consist of questions relevant to core and major courses as well as electives. This examination may be taken in the final semester of coursework, or the semester immediately following. Course Objectives (CO) Upon completion of this course the student will be able to: CO1: Demonstrate comprehension of various core and elective criminal justice courses through the responses to examination questions based upon the degree program objectives of the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice program. Course Delivery Method This M.A. in Criminal Justice course delivered via distance learning will enable students to complete academic work in a flexible manner, completely online. Course materials and access to an online learning management system will be made available to each student. Online assignments are due by the last day of each week and include 2 weeks with Forums, five separate Assignments within the Assignment Folder (one being the Week 3 Assignment; practice Question, and the other four dealing with proctor requirements/notifications), and the Comprehensive Exam itself, which is due no later than Sunday of Week 8. Assigned faculty will support the students throughout this eight-week course.

3 Course Materials Required Text None. Preparation for the comprehensive exam does not require any participation with other students or a professor (beyond the forums in Week 1 and 2, and the Week 3 Assignment; Practice Exam Question). Beyond this, the professor is not expected to take you through study drills. At this point, you should be sufficiently prepared to reflect upon key common concepts and theories learned during your academic. It is recommended that students review (as a minimum) all core programs. For example: Ethics, Criminology, and Research classes, etc, as these core classes and topics are heavily utilized for each student s random comp questions. Again, it is the responsibility for all students to review all past core courses in order to prepare for the examination, as well as to submit the proctor information (as stated in the Assignments Folder; via 4 different assignments), and to ultimately take the exam in the final week of class. End of Program Manual Software Requirements Microsoft Office (MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint) Adobe Acrobat Reader (Click here for free download) Evaluation Procedures Grade Instruments Percent of Final Grade Comp Exam 100 Total Week Course Outline Please see the Student Handbook to reference the University s grading scale. Table of Contents

4 Week Assignment(s)/Requirements 1 - Review Syllabus - Forum: Introduce Yourself...(Mandatory; Week 1) - Read Critical Thought article under Week 1 Lessons Tab - Forum: Week 1; Key Grading Components DUE END OF WEEK 1 Note: Proctor Assignments via the Assignments Folder should be submitted as completed (these are described in further detail below this table) - Forum: Week 2; Critical Thought Note: Proctor Assignments via the Assignments Folder should be submitted as completed (these are described in further detail below this table) - Complete Week 3 Sample Question (via the Assignments Folder) Note: Proctor Assignments via the Assignments Folder should be submitted as completed (these are described in further detail below this table) Continue to prepare for Comp Exam by as a minimum

5 reviewing past core courses : CMRJ500 - Criminal Justice Ethics CMRJ501 - Criminology CMRJ505 - Research Methods in Criminal Justice and Security CMRJ512 - Police Administration LSTD502 - Criminal Law LSTD503 - Criminal Justice Process 8 Complete Comp Exam As stated in the above table, prior to completing the Comprehensive Final Exam, several procedures must be followed and confirmed so that when you sit to complete the exam you will be able to access the exam. With that in mind, four ungraded assignments have been set up in your course site so that you follow the proper procedures and convey this to the professor assigned to grade your exam. For each assignment, submit the information directly into the dialog box. Do not submit an attachment to any of these assignments. Assignment 1 Proctor Identification Submission After you have identified your proctor, submit this information to the professor by accessing the Proctor Identification Submission assignment and entering the full name, address, phone number and address of this proctor. This should be completed no later than the start of Week 3 of the course. Assignment 2 Online Proctor Form Acknowledgement After you have completed and submitted your Online Proctor Form, you are to convey this to your professor by accessing the Online Proctor Form Acknowledgement assignment and indicate to the professor that you have successfully submitted this form. This should be completed no later than the start of Week 3 of the course.

6 Assignment 3 Proctor Acceptance Confirmation After you have communicated with your proctor and the proctor indicated he/she responded electronically to AMU that he/she has agreed to be your proctor, you are to convey this to your professor by accessing the Proctor Acceptance Confirmation assignment and indicate to the professor that your proctor has successfully communicated to AMU that he/she will be your proctor. This should be completed no later than the start of Week 5 of the course. Assignment 4 Proctor Letter Confirmation After you have communicated with your proctor and the proctor indicated he/she has received the proctor letter from AMU containing the user name and password necessary to access your Comprehensive Final Exam, you are to convey this to your professor by accessing the Proctor Letter Confirmation assignment and indicate to the professor that your proctor has received the proctor letter from AMU containing the user name and password to access your Comprehensive Final Exam. This should be completed during Week 6 of the course. Once these steps have been completed, you are now ready to sit with your proctor and complete your Comprehensive Final Exam. You are required to complete the Comprehensive Final on/by the Sunday of Week 8 of this term. In order to access the Comprehensive Final, you must submit your proctor information. You will go to to enter information about you and your proctor. A group of monitors within academics will monitor the process and keep track of those of you who have not identified a proctor in a timely manner. They will communicate with you that the proctor needs to be identified and confirmed before the exam timeframe. Regular reports will also be provided to the faculty member, so that he or she knows about any students who have not arranged proctors. The proctor monitors are under the guidance of AMU, and questions may be referred to AMU. The for this is proctor@apus.edu. You may indicate on the web form that they are unable to find a proctor. If this occurs, a member of the proctor monitoring staff will contact you to discuss possible options. The requirements for a proctor are minimal, and

7 you should be able to find someone to fulfill the role. If you indicate that there is no proctor available to the proctor monitor, the monitor will pursue the waiver if needed, and provide you with the code to enter the exam. Faculty members will not be expected to deal with the lack of a proctor in this situation. The following are the requirements for proctors: Your proctor will have overall responsibility for the security of the test administration. Your proctor must hold either a minimum of a Bachelor's degree OR one of the following professional positions: Administrator or faculty member of any accredited institution of higher education. School teacher, counselor, librarian, or administrator. Local or regional librarian. Human Resources manager, a training manager, supervisor, or manager of higher rank. For military personnel: a DANTES test control officer, an educational services officer, a base librarian, or an officer. Member of the clergy. Please Note: Family members are not eligible to proctor your exam. Family members are defined as: Spouse, and his or her parents; Sons and daughters, and their spouses; Parents, and their spouses; Brothers and sisters, and their spouses; Grandparents and grandchildren, and their spouses; Domestic partner and his or her parents

8 This is the comprehensive final exam administered at the conclusion of your courses in the Criminal Justice program. The examination is six hours in duration, closed book, and proctored. Examinations will consist of questions relevant to core and major courses as well as electives. This examination may be taken in the final semester of coursework, or the semester immediately following. You should plan on taking your exam in the final week of class. The examination is proctored and must be written without notes, books, or other references. You will answer four questions randomly selected that are related to the program objectives (objectives are identified further down in this syllabus). As such, your answers should be well thought out and comprehensive and they should include general references to books, articles, or other works that support your arguments. You need not quote source material directly as if in a research paper, but you should clearly articulate the essential points of the authors you incorporate into your answers. Your responses are expected to be well organized and free from spelling and grammatical errors.

9 APUS Comprehensive Examination Rubric Graduate Level SYNTHESIS OF KNOWLEDGE (FOCUS/THESIS) ACADEMIC SKILL APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE (CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS) CJ Comprehensive Exam responses will be scored on the following scale: PASS WITH DISTINCTION 5 Student exhibits a defined and clear understanding of the topic. Thesis is clearly defined and well constructed to help guide the reader throughout essay. Student builds upon the thesis of the assignment with welldocumented and exceptional supporting facts, figures, and/or statements with appropriate citations. Student demonstrates proficient command of the subject matter. Essay shows an impressive level of depth of student s ability to relate disciplinary content to practical examples and applications. Student provides comprehensive analysis of details, facts, and concepts in a logical sequence. It is obvious from essay content and citations that student has an excellent grasp of the literature on the topic. Student demonstrates a higher-level of critical thinking. Student provides a strategic approach in presenting examples of problem solving or critical thinking, while drawing logical conclusions which PASS 4 Student displays a good comprehension of topic. Student demonstrates an effective presentation of thesis, with most statements helping to support the key focus of assignment. Use of supporting facts, figures, and/or statements with appropriate citations is adequate. Student exhibits above average usage of subject matter in essay. Student reveals above average ability in relating disciplinary content in examples given. Details and facts presented provide an adequate presentation of subject matter knowledge. Essay content and citations reveal student has an above average grasp of the literature on the topic. Student exhibits a good command of critical thinking skills in the presentation of material and supporting statements. Essay demonstrates the student s above FAIL 3-1 Student exhibits a basic understanding of the topic, but the thesis is not fully supported throughout the essay. While thesis helps to guide the development of the assignment, the reader may have some difficulty in seeing linkages between thoughts. Student provides few supporting facts, figures, and/or statements and limited citations. The essay reveals that the student has a general, fundamental understanding of the material. However, there are areas of some concern in the linkages provided between facts and supporting statements. Student generally explains concepts, but only meets the minimum requirements in this area. Essay content and citations reveal student has only a basic grasp of the literature on the topic. Student takes a common, conventional approach in guiding the reader through various linkages and connections presented in assignment. However, student TOTAL POINTS

10 ORGANIZATION OF IDEAS/FORMAT WRITTEN COMMUNICATION TOTAL POINTS are not immediately obvious. Student provides well-supported ideas and reflection with a variety of current and/or world views in the assignment. Student presents a genuine intellectual development of ideas throughout essay. Student thoroughly understands and excels in explaining all major points. An original, unique, and/or imaginative approach to overall ideas, concepts, and findings is presented. Overall format of essay includes an appropriate introduction, welldeveloped paragraphs, and conclusion. Finished essay demonstrates student s ability to organize material in a logical sequence. Student demonstrates an excellent command of grammar, as well as presents material in a clear and concise writing style. Presents a thorough, extensive understanding of word usage. Student excels in the selection and development of a wellplanned essay. Essay is virtually error-free and reflects student s ability to prepare graduate-level writing for possible publication in a peerreviewed (refereed) journal. average use of relating concepts by using a variety of factors. Overall, student provides adequate conclusions. Student explains the majority of points and concepts in the assignment. Student demonstrates a good skill level in formatting and organizing material in essay. Student provides an effective display of good writing and grammar. Essay reflects student s ability to select appropriate word usage and presents an aboveaverage presentation of a given topic or issue. Essay appears to be well written with only a few errors. Student provides a good final product that covers the above-minimal requirements. presents a limited perspective on key concepts throughout assignment. Student appears to have problems applying information in a problemsolving manner. Student applies some points and concepts incorrectly. Student uses a variety of formatting styles, with some inconsistencies throughout the paper. Essay does not have a continuous pattern of logical sequencing. Assignment reflects basic writing and grammar, but with numerous errors. Key terms and concepts are somewhat vague and not completely explained by student. Student uses a basic vocabulary in essay. Student s writing ability is average. Student only demonstrates a basic understanding of the subject matter. A minimum of 80 points across all 4 questions is required to pass. A 96 or above across all 4 questions is considered a pass with distinction. Rubric to be applied to each essay question. Scale:

11 Pass with Distinction: 25 Pass: 20 Fail: 0-19 Evaluation criteria The distribution of grades for each of the four questions you answer will be of the following categories: 1. Pass with Distinction. This grade is assigned for essays that are clearly demonstrate an understanding of the issue beyond what is typically expected of the graduate student. 2. Pass. This grade is assigned for essays that meet the requirements for a graduate-level essay. 3. Fail. This grade is assigned for essays that clearly do not meet the requirements for a graduate-level essay. The final grade will be entered at the end of the semester. Your grade will not be entered in the system until that time in order to comply with AMU s policy in this area.

12 Grading Scale Please see the student handbook to reference the University s grading scale. Course Online Your exam must be completed prior to the end of the semester. It is due on/by the last scheduled day of the semester on/by 11:55pm eastern time. Comprehensive examination questions are based on the following program objectives: Distinguish between the major systems of Criminal Justice and how the functions of police, prosecution, courts, and corrections interface. Analyze the various biological and psychological theories and philosophies of criminal behavior as they influence modern developments in punishment, sentencing, and corrections. Evaluate the various definitions, objectives, and issues of new or emergent criminal threats, such as terrorism, and how they compare and contrast with traditional criminal behavior theories. Assess the rule of law and changes to it as it pertains to direct and indirect influence and impact on social reactions to crime, corrections, and victims of crime. Critically examine landmark criminal justice cases, from the Supreme Court down to local levels, and determine their cultural, social, and economic impact. Apply the concepts of professional and ethical behavior within the criminal justice system. Polices Please see the student handbook to reference all University policies. Quick links to frequently asked about policies are listed below.

13 Drop/Withdrawal Policy Plagiarism Policy Extension Process and Policy Late Assignment Students are expected to submit classroom assignments by the posted due date and to complete the course according to the published class schedule. As adults, students, and working professionals, I understand you must manage competing demands on your time. Should you need additional time to complete an assignment, please contact me before the due date so we can discuss the situation and determine an acceptable resolution. Routine submission of late assignments is unacceptable and may result in points deducted from your final course grade. Deductions: Late forum posts can be penalized up to 5 points per day Late assignments can be penalized up to 5 points per day Selected Bibliography Johnson, W., Rettig, R., Scott, G. & Garrison, S. (2004). The criminal justice student writer s manual (3 rd ed.). New York: Prentice Hall. Knowles, M., Swanson, R., Holton, E. & Holton, E. (2005). The adult learner: The definitive classic in adult education and human resource development. Burlington, MA: Elsevier Science & Technology Books. Prins, H. (1999). Will they do it again?: Risk assessment and management in criminal justice and psychiatry. New York: Taylor & Francis. Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.). (2010). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. Tannen, D. (2001). You just don t understand: Women and men in conversation. New York: Quill.