Syllabus

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CJL 6568 Syllabus and Course Schedule Download CJL 6568 Syllabus and Course Schedule

 

Instructor Contact Information

Professor:

Dr. Matthew Matusiak

Office:

Health Sciences 1, 327

Phone:

407.823.3931

Email:

Contact me via email in Webcourses@UCF (online course portal)

Office Hours:

Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Webcourses Chat)
Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Webcourses Chat)
Zoom meetings by appointment

 

Course Information

Course Name:

Law and Social Control

Course ID & Section:

CJL 6568.0W61

Credit Hours:

Three

Semester/Year:

Spring 2022

Location

Online

Class Hours:

Online

Final Exam:

Due Monday, May 2nd by 11:59 p.m. through Webcourses

Course Description

This course will examine the types of behavior the state has sought to control and the means employed to exert such control. The course will provide an overview of theory and research related to law, the organization of law, and societal means of control. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Course Objectives

  • Critically examine differing typologies of social control
  • Describe how laws and policies are utilized as mechanisms of social control
  • Explain the process of the creation of law and its organization
  • Examine the role of social science research in policy making
  • Assess contemporary debates surrounding law and social control as applied to the criminal justice system

Required Books

Beckett, K., & Herbert, S. (2009). Banished: The new social control in urban America. Oxford University Press.
ISBN:  9780199830008

Chriss, J. J. (2013). Social control: An introduction (2nd ed.). Polity Press.
ISBN:  9780745654393

Harris, S. R. (2014). How to critique journal articles in the social sciences. SAGE.
ISBN:  9781452241340

Lippman, M. (2021). Law and society (3rd ed.). SAGE.
ISBN:  9781544392585

Peer-reviewed journal articles assigned for each module are identified in the course schedule below. Additional readings may be assigned at my discretion.

Recommended Books (but not required)

American Psychological Association (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). American Psychological Association.
ISBN:  9781433832161

Black, D. (2010). The behavior of law: Special edition. Emerald Group.
ISBN:  9780857243416

Black, D. (2011). Moral time. Oxford University Press.
ISBN:  9780199737147

Stevens, J. P. (2014). Six amendments: How and why we should change the Constitution. Little, Brown and Co.
ISBN:  9780316373722

Works of Fiction

Bradbury, R. (2003). Fahrenheit 451: 50th Anniversary edition. Ballantine Books. (Originally published in 1953).

Huxley, A. (2006). Brave new world. HarperCollins. (Originally published in 1932)

Orwell, G. (2003). 1984. Signet Books. (Originally published in 1949).

Grading Policy

Your grades will be based upon 8 module assignments. All materials submitted for credit in this course must be 100% original works; they may not have been submitted for any other courses (including prior semesters of this course). Make-up, revise and resubmit, and individual extra credit assignments are not available in this course. Additionally, late work is not accepted.

Module Assignments

You will be required to complete assignments related to each module. Module assignments will be used to assess your level of understanding related to the concepts and topics discussed in the assigned readings. These assignments will take the form of quizzes and essay questions.

Essay questions for each module are conceptual in nature, meaning that the assigned questions are about the theories, ideas, topics, etc. discussed in the assigned readings not the findings of the specific reading assigned. Assigned readings serve as an example of concepts discussed in the course, but they should not be interpreted as the definitive position related to an area of research.

Your written responses to questions should thoroughly address each question and employ APA style when formatting, citing, and referencing materials. The written portion of assignments must be submitted as Word (.doc or .docx) files only. Writing assignments will automatically be uploaded to TurnItIn.com for an evaluation of originality. Individual modules will identify the total points available for that module.

Semester Paper

The semester paper draws on all material covered in the course and will assess your understanding of topics and concepts presented in assigned readings and your ability to apply that information to other subjects and situations. The paper will be presented in essay format (i.e., Introduction, Body, Conclusions with proper sentence, paragraph structure, and APA style/formatting). The paper asks you to evaluate the topics discussed by Beckett and Herbet (2009) in the context of law and all forms of social control. Beckett and Herbert (2009) is assigned as part of Modules 2–6. The semester paper is worth 100 points.

In-Person, Zoom, or Telephone Meetings

Although this course is offered online, you are encouraged to contact me by email, in-person, Zoom, or by telephone if you experience issues with the course during the semester. At the beginning of the semester, you may earn 10 extra credit points by meeting (in-person, Zoom, or telephone) with me. These meetings will be an opportunity to discuss course material, helpful information, and examples, as well as any concerns you may have. You must schedule meetings or telephone calls via email. Due to other meetings and responsibilities, I cannot guarantee that I will be in my office. Please call me at 407-823-3931 for your scheduled meeting. Again, you are encouraged to call me anytime during the semester if you are having trouble with the material.

Breakdown of possible points

Assignment

Points Possible

Approximate Percent of Final Grade

Approximate Percent per Assignment

Module 1

75

7.5

—

Module Quizzes (12)

480

47.8

3.9

Module Writing Assignments (7)

350

34.8

4.9

Semester Paper

100

9.9

 

Total:

1,005

100

 

 

Final Grading Scale

905 – 1,005 points

(90% – 100%)

= A

885 – 904 points

(88% – 89.9%)

= B+

804 – 884 points

(80% – 87.9%)

= B

784 – 803 points

(78% – 79.9%)

= C+

704 – 783 points

(70% – 77.9%)

= C

684 – 703 points

(68% – 69.9%)

= D+

603 – 683 points

(60% – 67.9%)

= D

0 – 602 points

(0% – 59.9%)

= F

 

Grade Dissemination

I will return feedback and graded materials to you as an email attachment through Webcourses. You must open and review the attachment to view all feedback related to writing assignments. You can access your scores at any time using the Grade Book function of Webcourses as well.

Grades of “Incomplete”

The current university policy concerning incomplete grades will be followed in this course. Incomplete grades are given only in situations where unexpected emergencies prevent a student from completing the course and the remaining work can be completed the next semester. Your instructor is the final authority on whether you qualify for an incomplete. Incomplete work must be finished by the end of the subsequent semester or the “I” will automatically be recorded as an “F” on your transcript.

Attendance & Participation

At the graduate level, participation in all class activities is required. You are expected to complete all assigned readings prior to the submission of your module assignments.

Online/Email Etiquette

Students are encouraged to utilize email (through Webcourses) as the primary form of communication. In an academic setting, online postings and emails are professional communications; please adhere to standards of professional writing.

  • Please email me through Webcourses only. Do not email me at my regular address regarding class. Webcourses maintains a record of emails and will serve as proof of our communication.
  • I will respond to emails during normal business hours (approximately 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.). Urgent emails outside of those hours are likely to go unanswered until the next business day.
  • Do not submit questions related to assignments through the “Assignment Comments” function in Webcourses. I will not receive or respond to these comments in a timely manner.

Academic Integrity

Students should familiarize themselves with UCF’s Rules of Conduct at https://scai.sdes.ucf.edu/student-rules-of-conduct/. According to Section 1, “Academic Misconduct,” students are prohibited from engaging in

  • Unauthorized assistance: Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information or study aids in any academic exercise unless specifically authorized by the instructor of record. The unauthorized possession of examination or course-related material also constitutes cheating.
  • Communication to another through written, visual, electronic, or oral means: The presentation of material which has not been studied or learned, but rather was obtained through someone else’s efforts and used as part of an examination, course assignment, or project.
  • Commercial Use of Academic Material: Selling of course material to another person, student, and/or uploading course material to a third-party vendor without authorization or without the express written permission of the university and the instructor. Course materials include but are not limited to class notes, Instructor’s PowerPoints, course syllabi, tests, quizzes, labs, instruction sheets, homework, study guides, handouts, etc.
  • Falsifying or misrepresenting the student’s own academic work.
  • Plagiarism: Using or appropriating another’s work without any indication of the source, thereby attempting to convey the impression that such work is the student’s own.
  • Multiple Submissions: Submitting the same academic work for credit more than once without the express written permission of the instructor.
  • Helping another violate academic behavior standards.
  • Soliciting assistance with academic coursework and/or degree requirements.

Responses to Academic Dishonesty, Plagiarism, or Cheating

Students should also familiarize themselves with the procedures for academic misconduct in UCF’s student handbook, The Golden Rule https://goldenrule.sdes.ucf.edu/. UCF faculty members have a responsibility for students’ education and the value of a UCF degree, and so seek to prevent unethical behavior and respond to academic misconduct when necessary. Penalties for violating rules, policies, and instructions within this course can range from a zero on the exercise to an “F” letter grade in the course. In addition, an Academic Misconduct report could be filed with the Office of Student Conduct, which could lead to disciplinary warning, disciplinary probation, or deferred suspension or separation from the University through suspension, dismissal, or expulsion with the addition of a “Z” designation on one’s transcript, see http://goldenrule.sdes.ucf.edu/zgrade.

Being found in violation of academic conduct standards could result in a student having to disclose such behavior on a graduate school application, being removed from a leadership position within a student organization, the recipient of scholarships, participation in University activities such as study abroad, internships, etc.

UCF Creed Ethics

UCF faculty support the UCF Creed. Integrity – practicing and defending academic and personal honesty – is the first tenet of the UCF Creed. This is in part a reflection of the second tenet, Scholarship: – I will cherish and honor learning as a fundamental purpose of membership in the UCF community. – Course assignments and tests are designed to have educational value; the process of preparing for and completing these exercises will help improve your skills and knowledge. Material presented to satisfy course requirements is therefore expected to be the result of your own original scholarly efforts.

Plagiarism and cheating – presenting another’s ideas, arguments, words, or images as your own, using unauthorized material, or giving or accepting unauthorized help on assignments or tests – contradict the educational value of these exercises. Students who attempt to obtain unearned academic credentials that do not reflect their skills and knowledge can also undermine the value of the UCF degrees earned by their more honest peers.

Many incidents of plagiarism result from students’ lack of understanding about what constitutes plagiarism. However, you are expected to familiarize yourself with UCF’s policies regarding plagiarism. All work you submit must be your own scholarly and creative efforts. UCF’s Golden Rule defines plagiarism as follows: “Whereby another’s work is used or appropriated without any indication of the source, thereby attempting to convey the impression that such work is the student’s own.” Close paraphrasing, or patchwriting, is a common form of plagiarism that occurs when writers add, remove, or replace several of an author’s original words. Use of the synonym function in Word is not equivalent to paraphrasing the author’s ideas in your own words.

Turnitin.com

In this course we will utilize turnitin.com, an automated system which instructors can use to quickly and easily compare each student's assignment with billions of web sites, as well as an enormous database of student papers that grows with each submission. Accordingly, you will be expected to submit all assignments in electronic format (.doc or .docx files). After the assignment is processed, as an instructor I receive a report from turnitin.com that states if and how another author’s work was used in the assignment. For a more detailed look at this process, visit http://www.turnitin.com Links to an external site..

Unauthorized Use of Class Materials

There are many websites claiming to offer study aids to students, but in using such websites, students could find themselves in violation of academic conduct guidelines. These websites include (but are not limited to) Quizlet, Course Hero, Chegg Study, and Clutch Prep. UCF does not endorse the use of these products in an unethical manner, which could lead to a violation of our University’s Rules of Conduct. They encourage students to upload course materials, such as test questions, individual assignments, and examples of graded material. Such materials are the intellectual property of instructors, the university, or publishers and may not be distributed without prior authorization. Students who engage in such activity could be found in violation of academic conduct standards and could face course and/or University penalties. Please let me know if you are uncertain about the use of a website so I can determine its legitimacy.

Unauthorized Use of Class Notes

Third parties may be selling class notes from this class without my authorization. Please be aware that such class materials may contain errors, which could affect your performance or grade. Use these materials at your own risk.

Class Recording Statement

Students may, without prior notice, record video or audio of a class lecture for a class in which the student is enrolled for their own personal educational use. A class lecture is defined as a formal or methodical oral presentation as part of a university course intended to present information or teach students about a particular subject. Recording classroom activities other than class lectures, including but not limited to lab sessions, student presentations (whether individually or part of a group), class discussion (except when incidental to and incorporated within a class lecture), clinical presentations such as patient history, academic exercises involving student participation, test or examination administrations, field trips, and private conversations, and invited guest speakers is prohibited. Recordings may not include the image or voice of other students in the class, may not be used as a substitute for class participation and class attendance, and may not be published or shared without the written consent of the faculty member. No student has permission to distribute or sell any recording or written notes made in this course. Failure to adhere to these requirements may constitute a violation of the University’s Student Code of Conduct as described in the Golden Rule.

Course Accessibility Statement

The University of Central Florida is committed to providing access and inclusion for all persons with disabilities. Students with disabilities who need access to course content due to course design limitations should contact the professor as soon as possible. Students should also connect with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) http://sas.sdes.ucf.edu/ (Ferrell Commons 185, sas@ucf.edu, phone 407.823.2371). For students connected with SAS, a Course Accessibility Letter may be created and sent to professors, which informs faculty of potential course access and accommodations that might be necessary and reasonable. Determining reasonable access and accommodations requires consideration of the course design, course learning objectives and the individual academic and course barriers experienced by the student. Further conversation with SAS, faculty and the student may be warranted to ensure an accessible course experience.

Deployed Active-Duty Military Students

Students who are deployed active-duty military and/or National Guard personnel and require accommodation should contact their instructors as soon as possible after the semester begins and/or after they receive notification of deployment to make related arrangements.

Religious Observances

Students must notify their instructor in advance if they intend to miss class for a religious observance. For more information, please see the UCF policy at http://regulations.ucf.edu/chapter5/documents/5.020ReligiousObservancesFINALJan19.pdf.

UCF Cares

During your UCF career, you may experience challenges including struggles with academics, finances, or your personal well-being. UCF has a multitude of resources available to all students. Please visit UCFCares.com Links to an external site. if you are seeking resources and support, or if you are worried about a friend or classmate. Free services and information are included for a variety of student concerns, including but not limited to alcohol use, bias incidents, mental health concerns, and financial challenges. You can also e-mail ucfcares@ucf.edu with questions or for additional assistance. You can reach a UCF Cares staff member between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. by calling 407-823-5607. If you are in immediate distress, please call Counseling and Psychological Services to speak directly with a counselor 24/7 at 407-823-2811, or please call 911.

University Writing Center

The University Writing Center (UWC) offers writing support to students from first-year to graduate in every discipline. Tutors provide help at every stage of the writing process, including understanding assignments, researching, drafting, revising, incorporating sources, and learning to proofread and edit. The UWC’s purpose is not merely to fix or edit papers, but to teach writing strategies that can be applied to any writing situation. Consultations are available for individuals and small groups. You may schedule a 45-minute appointment by clicking the Success Resources tab on Webcourses, calling the UWC at 407-823-2197, or through the UWC website http://uwc.cah.ucf.edu/. The UWC is in Trevor Colbourn Hall – 109 and has satellite locations at the Main and Rosen Libraries. As a reminder, UWC tutors will assist you with your writing, but they are not subject matter experts related to course content. If you have questions about course content, those questions should be directed to your professor.

The Student Role in Learning

Traditionally in the United States, the burden of learning during the primary years of schooling has been deemed to rest with the teachers. During the middle or junior high school years, the burden of learning gradually shifts to that of the student. Students during their high school years are expected to adjust their responsibilities for learning. Students who attend colleges and universities are expected to be ready, willing, and able to accept their own responsibilities for their own individualized learning.

Thus, the primary role of the professor is to make learning less difficult, less threatening, and more rewarding than if the student studies alone. The function of the professor is to lead, guide, coach, and direct their students in the learning process. Assignments, exams, and feedback are for the benefit of students’ learning. Five points extra credit, if you have read the syllabus and course schedule in their entirety, please cut and paste the following text, “I have read the syllabus and course schedule in their entirety; the reference material for Black in Module 8 is missing the correct year of publication, 2004.” Then, email that sentence to your professor through Webcourses; literally, just cut and paste the sentence in quotation marks and email it to me by the due date for Modules 1 and 2. Also, please apply this level of detail to your reading of all assigned materials including assignment directions and feedback this semester.

Be Prepared for Class

  • Read assigned materials before attempting to complete your module quizzes and writing assignments.
  • Read the required materials as many times as necessary for you to understand the readings.
  • Be resourceful in your preparation and consult reference materials whenever possible.
  • Do not expect to be relieved of a course requirement or deadline because another non-emergency commitment (e.g., family or work) prevents you from completing the requirement.
  • Act with decorum and civility even when in serious disagreement with another person.

Exams, Assignments, and Grades

  • Seek my help before an assignment or quiz if you do not understand the material.
  • Accept responsibility for your performance without blaming the instructor or others when you do not perform well.
  • Accept your limitations. Sometimes it is not possible to manage family life, school, and your job without sacrifices. Prioritize our obligations and accept the consequences of those decisions.
  • Accept feedback. It is provided to assist you in future assignments.
  • Do not cheat in any form (see above). All work is expected to be your own.
  • Do not assist other students in cheating (see above).
  • Satisfy all course requirements.

UCF Financial Aid Policy

As of Fall 2014, all faculty members are required to document students' academic activity at the beginning of each course. To document that you began this course, please complete the UCF enrollment verification module by the end of the first week of classes, or as soon as possible after adding the course, but no later than Friday, January 14, 2022. Failure to do so may result in a delay in the disbursement of your financial aid.

Precautionary Disclaimer

The class schedule and grading procedure in this syllabus are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances. If changes are made, an email will be sent to students through Webcourses.