Announcements

Chapter PowerPoints

SOC 5: Introduction to Criminology

CRN: 10349

Summer 2023

Online Distance Learning

Mount San Antonio College

Image of Professor Nani Kim holding a stack of textbooks with a green apple on top.

Professor: Nani Kim, M. S. Sociology with an Emphasis in Education

Email: [email protected] (preferred contact method)

*I will be checking my email at 10am and 6PM, Monday - Friday*

Phone: (909) 274-6555, Ext. 3178

Office Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:30PM-1:00PM (via email or Zoom appointments) A Message from Professor Kim

“Hello and welcome to SOC 5! I hope you find many take-aways from this course and continue to learn something new every day – whether in this course or out and about in society.  Please email with any questions or concerns. I look forward to being part of your educational journey.”

Online Success

The successful online student is independent, self-motivated, willing to learn in isolation, willing to ask questions as soon as questions arise, good with written instructions, good at expressing him/herself in writing, and aware of technology as a convenience and barrier. This student        frequently logs into the course website, reads all announcements frequently, and actively          engages with the other students.

· The most important task in this class is read and follow the directions.

· Skipping the last bullet point will cause students to miss important information and points. · Log into our course at least 3 times per week to complete work and read announcements.

Intellectual Competencies

INTELLECTUAL COMPETENCIES:

1. Reading – the ability to analyze and interpret a variety of printed material at the college level.

2. Writing – the ability to produce clear, correct and coherent prose adapted to purpose, occasion and audience – at a college level.

3. Critical Thinking – think and analyze at a critical level. Distance Learning Course

This is an online class. Our goals and objectives are comparable to any other class, but this       course consists of substantial internet-based practical applications and discussion. Most of the  regular class time is replaced by online individual and group discussions, in addition to the         out-of-class activities that would be part of any regular course. You must have adequate internet access to complete this course; on-campus labs are available for this purpose.

The distance learning component will require students to access their Portal and Canvas           course. Students will be required to check their email several times a week. It will be necessary for students to dedicate about 6-10 hours to reading the course material in addition to 4-8 hours of course work per week. This is a very intense course and students are encouraged to plan     ahead and accordingly.

ON-LINE COURSES ARE NOT EASIER, THEY ARE JUST MORE FLEXIBLE. I ENCOURAGE AND CAUTION YOU TO REMEMBER THIS AS YOU BEGIN THIS CLASS.

Course Description

This course presents a scientific analysis of the nature, extent, and causes of violations of societal rules of behavior

that are formally defined as crime and delinquency. The course includes an analysis of the theoretical perspectives

that led to the development of criminal law and the administration of justice, the patterns of criminality and delinquency,

the impact of crime on social change, and the labeling, identification, characteristics, and the treatment of criminals and

delinquents. (3 UNITS)

This course focuses heavily on theory. I recommend reading the chapter summaries, then reading the

chapter and taking notes. Review your notes regularly.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)

SLO information for this and all courses can be found at: slo.mtsac.edu. The SLOs for our SOC 5 course are:

1. Students will be able to use criminological theories and research to analyze of the nature, extent, and causes

of crime and delinquency.

2. Students will be able to apply a sociological understanding to assess how race, class, gender, sexual

orientation, and age affect victimization patterns, arrest rates, charges, sentencing, and treatment of criminals.

Course Measurable Objectives

1. Describe the historical theoretical development of modern criminal theory.

2. Identify and evaluate the treatment of criminals and delinquents.

3. Apply relevant information of criminal statistics to their personal lives.

4. Articulate the complexity of defining and addressing crime and delinquency.

5. Analyze the distinctions and interrelationships between personal socialization to societal norms and patterns of crime and delinquency.

6. Compare and contrast competing theories of causes of crime and delinquency.

7. Evaluate the role of the criminal justice system within society.

Required Materials

Textbook

Siegel, Larry. Criminology: The Core .4th Edition.

** Additional readings and handouts will be required in the course.

Technology

1. High Speed connection required for viewing of media (video, audio, etc.)

2. Microsoft Word, Power Point, Adobe Acrobat Reader

3. Anti-Virus Software

Computer Labs There are several computer labs available on campus for student use. The        Learning Lab (Bldg. 6) is a great place to complete your online class work. The Learning Lab     offers you free use of PC and MAC computers, which are all Internet accessible and are             connected to the Mt. SAC Library databases. Software includes word processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint and tutorials on various subjects.

Learning Lab located in the Learning Assistance Center, Building 6

Phone: (909) 594-5611, Ext 5666.

http://testing.mtsac.edu/instruction/learning/lac/

Computer Skills The Mt SAC Library offers Open Instruction Classes that students find helpful.  The following topics are available: Searching the Library Catalog, Introduction to Online             Databases, Navigating the Net. Reservations are required. For more information visit the library website at http://library.mtsac.edu/OpenInstruct.html or contact them at (909) 594-5611, ext.

4260.

ACCESS

Any students needing special accommodations should contact me via email immediately so that I can make any necessary arrangements. Mt. SAC strives to make our online courses                accessible to everyone. We specifically consider design features that make our courses             accessible to individuals with disabilities, including those using assistive technology for               computer access. If you find a feature/course inaccessible to you, please contact the instructor, or Mt. SAC Access at (909) 594-5611, ext. 4290

Technical Requirements for this Course

Access to the Internet, Microsoft Word, and possible use of other technology applications beyond the basics of Canvas.

Course Requirements/Format

Netiquette

All assignments are expected to be completed independently, i.e., these are not group or        partner assignments. Proper grammar and spelling are required in all written responses. Text abbreviations are not acceptable and assignments with such abbreviations will not be graded.

The due dates/times for these assignments may vary. See course calendar and announcements for changes. The method of submission of each assignment also varies, see instructions on the assignment and class schedule.

All regular/weekly assignments, discussion board postings, exams, etc. are due by date and time indicated on our schedule below.

· It is recommended that students allow for enough time to complete the course work through out the week.

· Early submissions are accepted. All discussion boards for the entire course are available. So, it is possible to complete work ahead of time. This is highly recommended.

Discussions Boards (DBs) Forums

Each student must participate in the weekly online discussion boards. Students must post their main post to the question(s) by clicking on the button (top left side when you are in the             discussion forum) that says “Add a new discussion topic” or “Pose a Question” . In addition,      before the weekly deadline students must sufficiently respond to at least two other students’    posts (not just “Good Job” or “I like what you said” ) using the “ reply” button. Please identify the student you are responding to by using his or her name at the beginning of the post. You will    need to complete five of the six discussion boards, please plan accordingly.

Grammar and spell check is available on the discussion board and should be used as this will also be taken into consideration when grading the assignments. Please use black font as well as the font size default for your responses and replies as it can be difficult to read otherwise.

Discussion Board Grading Criterion—when writing in the discussion board, keep this rubric handy and refer to it often.

Excellent—A The post/comment is accurate, original, relevant teaches us something new, and   is well-written. It stimulates additional thought about the issue under discussion. It also reflects a thorough understanding of the chapter material.

Above Average— B The post/comment lacks at least one of the above qualities, but is above average in quality. It makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the issue being discussed.

Average—C The post/comment lacks two of the three required qualities. Comments solely   based upon personal opinion or personal experience often fall within this category.                Minimal— D The post/comment presents little or no new information. However, the comment may provide important social presence and contribute to a collegial atmosphere.                   Unacceptable – F The post/comment adds no value to the discussion

The idea behind discussion boards is to generate discussion among your classmates that would have typically occurred in a group or class activity/discussion held on campus. In other words,    these take the place of in-class discussions. Therefore, waiting until right before the deadline to  post and respond to my original prompt is not enough time for your classmates to read your post and respond thoughtfully. Ideally, then, you would post around the middle of the week to generate maximum discussion.

Students who have a problem with writing may want to purchase a writing manual to provide a   resource. Such manuals may prove helpful with writing assignments in other classes. Our library has an excellent selection of books available. Students may want to ask an English professor     for a recommendation.

IMPORTANT: Discussion board posts/responses must not be hostile in nature, ridicule or insult other students, or make subtle or obvious threats. See the netiquette guidelines. Students who

do not follow these rules may be asked to leave the class.

Analysis Assignments (AAs)

There will be four analysis assignments offered which will require students to critically analyze, apply, and evaluate the course material. Students will need to complete two of the four analysis assignments, please plan accordingly. This assignment is worth 150 points each. There are no make-ups for this missed assignment.

Skipping Discussion Board (DBs) Forums

I know that life can often present challenges to one’s success in a class. So, I have designed     our class so that students can skip TWO analysis assignments and ONE discussion forum.        There will be more than the required number of discussion forums and analysis assignments     available. Students will be able to skip ONE discussion forum and TWO analysis assignments.  Please check the course home page for more information. When students skip an assignment   or forum, then there is no point loss. But be aware that each student can only skip ONE             discussion forum and TWO assignments. You do not need to email me to let me know that you  are skipping these. You can just leave them blank. I will finalize the grades and confirm that only one discussion forum and two analysis assignments were skipped.

Quiz

We will only have a syllabus quiz. All of our remaining coursework will be written. Final Exam

Our final exam is a brief paper on one criminal or criminal event. You can find instructions for this paper in our Canvas home page.

Participation

Students are required to actively participate in all online class discussions. Active participation is defined as at least two instances in which a student verbally shares one’s thoughts, reactions.    Active participation is crucial in learning the material.

Points will also be given for your overall participation in the web course. This will be accessed by looking at the statistics for each person’s participation at the end of the semester.               Participation is defined as how often you log into the course, visit the required sites, and         participate in the discussion board (posting and responding to your classmates’ posts).

Announcements

I recommend frequently checking Canvas for announcements regarding class material,              assignments, changes to schedule, lecture notes, directions for assignments and/or exams, etc. Part of your grade in this class is related to how often you participate in the online assignments, discussion boards, etc. I will check statistics as to how often you are logged into the course. Not logging in and checking announcements will result in your missing important which may impede your success in this course.

Make-Up/Late Work Policy

Any assignment turned in after the deadline is late and late assignments are subject to

point-deductions. If you need an extension on coursework, please email me. Check your grades frequently.

Any assignment turned in after the deadline is late and will need substantial documentation of a

medical emergency. Email me so we can find options for late work.

Late submissions will be subject to a 10%-point penalty per week.

The professor reserves the right to give a make-up exam/quiz that is more difficult than the original exam/quiz given in class.

Grading Policy

Grades will be based upon the above point scale. I do not curve grades, but there is extra credit that will help your final overall grade if you happen to be on the border. I will adjust a point or so on student’s exam scores if an item/s was missed my most students in the class and/or if an      item was a confusing question. Students are required to check their grades frequently. It is        expected that students will monitor their progress in the class using “Grades” function.

There will be a few extra credit opportunities available to students this semester for a possible    15 points (about 3% of total grade). I hope that you take advantage of these opportunities!          Beyond earning the maximum extra credit, the best way to improve your course grade is to work harder on additional assignments, etc.

Important

Discussion board posts/responses must not be hostile in nature, ridicule or insult other students, or make subtle or obvious threats. See netiquette guidelines. Students who do not follow these  rules may be asked to leave the class. The idea behind discussion boards is to generate            discussion among your classmates that would have typically occurred in a group or class           activity/discussion held on campus. In other words, these take the place of in-class discussions. Therefore, waiting until right before the deadline to post and respond to the original prompt is     not enough time for your classmates to read your post and respond thoughtfully. Ideally, then,    you would post around the middle of the week to generate maximum discussion. Students who  have a problem with writing may want to purchase a writing manual to provide a resource. Such manuals may prove helpful with writing assignments in other classes. Our library has an             excellent selection of books available. Students may want to ask an English professor for a        recommendation.

Academic Dishonesty

Instructors have the responsibility of planning and supervising all academic work to encourage   honest and individual effort, and of taking appropriate action if instances of academic dishonesty are discovered.

However, honesty is primarily the responsibility of each student. The College considers cheating to be a voluntary act for which there may be reasons, but for which there is no acceptable          excuse. It is important to understand that collaborative learning is considered cheating unless    specifically allowed by the professor. The term “cheating” includes but is not limited to:                Plagiarism (representing somebody else’s words or ideas as one’s own); receiving or knowingly supplying unauthorized information; using unauthorized materials or sources; changing an         answer after work has been graded and presently it as improperly graded; illegally accessing     confidential information through a computer; taking an examination for another student or           having another student take an examination for you; and forging or altering registration or grade documents. Any acts of academic dishonesty will be result in the following consequences:          students will receive a zero for the assignment and possibly an F for the course. In all cases,     acts will be reported to the Student Life Office and a disciplinary record will be established to      track any additional incidents of cheating/plagiarism. Students may be subjected to further         consequences given to them by the Student Life Office. (College Catalogue)

Online Classroom Conduct and Personal Responsibility

Students are given a time frame to submit assignments, therefore, all late submissions will receive a 10%-point loss per week.

Students are expected to familiarize themselves with acceptable online etiquette. Students are advised that our college has strict codes of conduct for on campus and online behaviors. Any  violation of our college policies will result in a filing of a Student Misconduct Report, a               disciplinary hearing, and/or further consequences including expulsion.

Correspondence: Emails should include your name and class information in all emails. Proper grammar and spelling are expected in all correspondence.

Drop Policy

It is the student’s responsibility to officially drop the class through their portal whenever he or      she determines that he or she can no longer attend the class. Failure to drop a class officially     results in a failing grade and/or a financial obligation to the college (per College Catalogue). The professor is bound by college policy to drop a student for failing to submit more than 20% of       assignments and/or quizzes, and/or participate actively.

Disabled Student Services

Any students needing special accommodations should contact me via email immediately so that I can make any necessary arrangements. Mt. SAC strives to make our online courses                accessible to everyone. We specifically consider design features that make our courses             accessible to individuals with disabilities, including those using assistive technology for               computer access. If you find a feature/course inaccessible to you, please contact the instructor, or Mt. SAC Access at (909) 594-5611, ext. 4290.

Basic Needs - Food, Shower, Housing, and Other

Food and housing challenges affect many students at Mt. SAC. If you are experiencing this, you are not alone If these challenges are affecting your success in the course, let us talk and I will    share what I know about campus resources. If you feel more comfortable talking with some else, many people are here to support you like Mountie Fresh Basic Needs Resources (Links to an     external site.), Counselors (Links to an external site.), the Mt. SAC Health Center (Links to an     external site.), your coaches or club advisor, and Mt. SAC staff at the many programs and           centers on campus. Or if you would like to explore resources on your own, check out the             Mountie Fresh Basic Needs Resources (Links to an external site.), Mountie Fresh Food Pantry   (Links to an external site.), and the Mt. SAC CalFresh Outreach (Links to an external site.)          webpages.

Course Schedule

The following is a tentative class schedule for the semester. Assignments & readings will be  added, deleted, or moved to different days/times when necessary. Any changes made will be announced via email/announcement. This is based on the discretion of the professor and is  subject to change.