Juvenile Delinquency

Course: CRMJ-212-51

Instructor: Craig C. Ally, MA

Phone: Cell 732-236-1869 Work 732-873-7219

Course Description:

This course examines the juvenile justice system and the method for processing juvenile offenders. Review of issues causing delinquency to include social-cultural factors, the family, the school, and other institutions. We will also examine characteristics and treatment of both status offenders and delinquents.

Texts:

Juvenile Delinquency, Theory, Practice and Law, Eight Edition, 2003, Siegal, Welsh and Senna. Wadsworth Thomson Learning.

Manchild in the Promise Land, Claude Brown, Touchstone 1999. (Paperback).

Course Objectives:

This course will provide a framework for the understanding of the juvenile justice system. Exploring yesterday, today and tomorrow’s issues pertaining to the juvenile justice system. Covering the origins of society’s concern for children and the development of the concept of delinquency. Students will interact and respond to these issues in writing and in class discussion. This will enable the student to develop a better understanding and opinion of the juvenile justice system. Students will also be required to familiarize themselves with the college e-mail system, and be able to receive and reply to e-mail assignments given by the instructor.

Attendance:

The policy of RVCC requires class attendance. Should an emergency develop that requires you to miss class, it is your responsibility to notify the instructor as soon as possible. Three or more unexcused absences may result in a reduction of your final grade. If you are absent from more than one fifth of the semester, the instructor can withdraw you from the course without prior notice or refund.

Class participation:

This subjective grade will be based on the students overall involvement in the classroom experience. Participation as well as attendance will be considered. Behavior that is disrespectful of others or negatively effects the learning experience will affect this grade.

Grading: Exam #1 (mid term) 25%

Exam #2 (final) 25%

Quizzes 20%

Homework/ Paper(s) 20%

Class Participation 10%

Grade Breakdown: 90-100 = A

85-89 = B+

84-80 = B

75-79 = C

74-68 = C+

67-57 = D

58 and Below = F

Written Assignment(s):

Students will be required to read Manchild in the Promised Land and prepare a three page reaction paper. The paper must be double spaced and typed in a 12 point font (or smaller). This paper should be a thoughtful piece that incorporates, compares and analyzes the subject matter discussed in the book with theories from the textbook and discussions in the class. All references must be cited according to MLA or APA standard format on a separate sheet of paper.

Late submissions/ Makeup Exams:

· All assignments must be submitted on the due date. Late submissions may result in a reduced grade.

· In the event you cannot attend class on an exam date, you must notify the instructor prior to the scheduled exam. The instructor will determine if a make up exam will be permitted.

Plagiarism/ Cheating:

Any student submitting plagiarized material or found cheating on any assignment will receive a failing grade for the class and their actions will be reported accordingly.

Office Hours:

The instructor will be available to meet with students after class. The instructor is also available to meet prior to class by appointment only.

READING ASSIGNMENTS

Jan. 30 Course Overview and Requirements

Chapter 1 Childhood and Delinquency

Feb. 6 Chapter 1 (Cont.)

Feb.13 Chapter 2 The Nature and extent of Delinquency

Feb.20 Chapter 3 Individual Views of Delinquency

Feb.27 Quiz – Chapter 4 Sociological Views of Delinquency

March 5 Chapter 4 (Cont.) – Review for Midterm Exam

March 12 Midterm Exam – Chapter 5 Developmental Views of Development

March 19 Spring Break No Class

March 26 Chapter 6 Gender and Delinquency/ Chapter 7 The Family & Delinquency

April 2 Chapter 7 (Cont.) / Chapter 8 Peers and Delinquency

April 9 Chapter 9 Schools and Delinquency/ Chapter 10 Drug Use

April 16 Chapter 11 Delinquency Prevention Chapter 12 History and Development

Paper Due – Manchild in the Promised Land

April 23 Quiz – Chapter 13 Police Work and Juveniles/ Chapter 14 Juvenile Court

April 30 Chapter 15 Juvenile Corrections/ Chapter 16 Juvenile Justice Abroad

May 7 Last Day of Class – Review for Final

Final – TBA

Reading Assignments:

Students are responsible to prepared for class by reading the assignments. The students are also responsible for reading and completing the assigned book and completing the required paper.

This Syllabus is subject to change without prior notice. Students are responsible for all information presented during class time.