Course Syllabus

For a PDF version of the syllabus, go to the Files section

CCJ 3014: Crime in America

Department of Criminal Justice, College of Community Innovation and Education

SUMMER 2022

 

Instructor Information 

• Instructor: Ha-Neul Yim
• Office Location: Health Sciences 1., Suite 352
• Office Hours: Tusesday and Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and by appointment 
• Instructor Email: haneul.yim@ucf.edu

Course Information

• Course Number & Section: CCJ 3014
• Course Name: Crime in America
• Credit Hours: 3 
• Semester/Year: Summer A 2022
• Class Location: Online (W) 

Course Description

This course is designed to examine the crime and criminality in the United States, with emphasis on crime data, its weaknesses, and types of criminal behavior. The course focuses on concepts of crime, law, and criminology. Theories of crime causation will be examined as well as different crime typologies. Crime causation and typologies will be discussed within the framework established by the concepts of crime, law, and criminology. 

Course Purpose

1. Explain the major elements of criminology.
2. Understand the history, strengths, and weaknesses of multiple sources of crime data.
3. Describe, compare, and contrast the major theories of crime and understand their history, strengths, and weaknesses.
4. Differentiate among the various causes of multiple types of crime, including violent, theft, political, economic, and cybercrime.
5. Intelligently discuss all major aspects of crime and criminology.

Course Materials and Resources

Required Materials/Resources

• Sigel, Larry J. (2019). Criminology: The Core. 7^th Edition. Cengage Learning. ISBN-13: 9781337557719

Grading Policy

Basis for Final Grade 

• Exams - 80% (2 exams, equal weighting): Each exam will cover the most recent 5-6 main course topics and will consist of 10 questions about content from each module with (80% multiple-choice and true/false questions). Exam questions will focus on content that is covered in both the course powerpoint lectures and the textbook (i.e., not one or the other). Each exam is timed (2 hour limit each), they are open notes/book, and may be taken only once.

• Mid-term Exam: Monday, May 30^th , 2022, at 12pm – Friday, June 3^rd, 2022 at 12pm, ONLINE
• Final Exam: Monday, June 20^th, 2022, at 12pm – Friday, June 24^th, 2022, at 12pm ONLINE

• Quizzes - 20% (12 quizzes, equal weighting): There is ample evidence that spaced studying and testing (retrieval) lead to better retention of newly learned material. To optimize learning, students will be quizzed weekly on material learned that week’s module(s). In addition, quiz questions will be in a format similar to exams so that students gain practice with the exam format. Quizzes will test content learned from weekly powerpoints (with instructor voiceover) and textbook chapters. Quizzes will not be timed, but they may only be completed once. 

 

Evaluation and Grading

Letter Grade	Points
A	94 – 100+ points
A-	90 – 93.99 points
B+	87 – 89.99 points
B	84 – 86.99 points
B-	80 – 83.99 points
C+	77 – 79.99 points
C	74 – 76.99 points
C-	70 – 73.99 points
D+	67 – 69.99 points
D	64 – 66.99 points
D-	60 – 63.99 points
F	0 - 59.99 points

 

Assignment	Percentage of Grade
Exams	80%
Quizzes	20%

Grade Dissemination

You can access your scores using "myUCF Grades" in the portal. Please note that scores returned mid-semester are unofficial grades. If you need help accessing myUCF Grades, see the online tutorial: https://myucfgrades.ucf.edu/help/.

Incomplete Grades

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 Policy

A formal "attendance" check is not included this course. Your participation in the course will be evidenced by your submission of weekly assignments and exams.

Missed Assignments/Make-Ups

There are NO make-ups for any assigned work. All assigned work will receive a zero if submitted late. Both exams will count toward your final grade and there will be NO make-ups unless you have an emergency and a documented excused absence for your missed exam (see excused absence policy for exams below).

Excused Absence Policy for Exams

Students will have one week to complete all assignments in the course including exams. Thus, it is expected that students will plan their schedules such that course assignments can be completed on time. If a student knows in advance they must miss an exam due to their religious faith, university activities, or extenuating circumstances (e.g., medical condition), they must tell the instructor no later than one week before the start of the exam period. If a student has an emergency that prohibits them from completing an exam any time during exam week, they must contact the instructor as soon as possible and provide official documentation within the week following the exam period. An example of an emergency is a non-scheduled hospitalization and examples of non-emergencies are scheduled medical appointments, colds/flu, or the death of a pet. An example of official documentation is a note from your physician detailing the medical excuse during the exam period. Students involved in UCF authorized events must provide a Program Verification Form to the instructor prior to the exam where they will be absent.

Grade "Adjustments" and Special Assignments

No upward-grade adjustments (free points), additional point rounding, or special assignment opportunities will be granted to individual students in this course. Instead, students are encouraged to take advantage of the many opportunities they have to earn points in this course. This policy will be strictly upheld so that students have equal opportunities to earn their desired grade in this course.

Policy Statements

Academic Integrity

Students should familiarize themselves with UCF’s 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.

For more information about Academic Integrity, students may consult The Center for Academic Integrity.

For more information about plagiarism and misuse of sources, see “Defining and Avoiding Plagiarism: The WPA Statement on Best Practices”.

 

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. UCF faculty members have a responsibility for students’ education and the value of a UCF degree, and so seek to prevent unethical behavior and when necessary respond to academic misconduct. Penalties can include a failing grade in an assignment or in the course, suspension or expulsion from the university, and/or a "Z Designation" on a student’s official transcript indicating academic dishonesty, where the final grade for this course will be preceded by the letter Z. For more information about the Z Designation, 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.

Let’s avoid all of this by demonstrating values of honesty, trust, and integrity. No grade is worth compromising your integrity and moving your moral compass. Stay true to doing the right thing: take the zero, not a shortcut.

Course Accessibility Statement

The University of Central Florida is committed to providing access and inclusion for all persons with disabilities. This syllabus is available in alternate formats upon request. Students with disabilities who need specific access in this course, such as accommodations, should contact the professor as soon as possible to discuss various access options. Students should also connect with Student Accessibility Services (Ferrell Commons, 7F, Room 185, sas@ucf.edu, phone (407) 823-2371). Through Student Accessibility Services, a Course Accessibility Letter may be created and sent to professors, which informs faculty of potential access and accommodations that might be 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.

Campus Safety Statement

Emergencies on campus are rare, but if one should arise in our class, we will all need to work together. Everyone should be aware of the surroundings and familiar with some basic safety and security concepts.

• In case of an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.
• Every UCF classroom contains an emergency procedure guide posted on a wall near the door. Please make a note of the guide’s physical location and consider reviewing the online version at http://emergency.ucf.edu/emergency_guide.html. 
• Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes from each of your classrooms and have a plan for finding safety in case of an emergency. (Insert class-specific details if appropriate)
• If there is a medical emergency during class, we may need to access a first aid kit or AED (Automated External Defibrillator). To learn where those items are located in this building, see http://www.ehs.ucf.edu/AEDlocations-UCF (click on link from menu on left).  (insert class specific information if appropriate)
• To stay informed about emergency situations, sign up to receive UCF text alerts by going to my.ucf.edu and logging in.  Click on “Student Self Service” located on the left side of the screen in the tool bar, scroll down to the blue “Personal Information” heading on your Student Center screen, click on “UCF Alert”, fill out the information, including your e-mail address, cell phone number, and cell phone provider, click “Apply” to save the changes, and then click “OK.”
• If you have a special need related to emergency situations, please speak with me during office hours.
• Consider viewing this video (https://youtu.be/NIKYajEx4pk) about how to manage an active shooter situation on campus or elsewhere. 

Deployed Active Duty Military Students

If you are a deployed active duty military student and feel that you may need a special accommodation due to that unique status, please contact your instructor to discuss your circumstances.

 

Religious Observances

 Students must notify their instructor in advance if they intend to miss class for a religious observance. For more information, see the UCF policy

 

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 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.

 

COVID-19 and Illness Notification 

Students who believe they may have a COVID diagnosis should contact UCF Student Health Services at 408-823-2509 so proper contact tracing procedures can take place.

Students should not come to campus if they are ill, experiencing any symptoms of COVID, have tested positive for COVID or if anyone living in their residence has tested positive or is sick with COVID symptoms.  Students should contact their professor as soon as possible if they miss class for any illness to discuss reasonable adjustments that might need to be made.  When possible, students should contact their instructor(s) before missing class.

 

In Case of Faculty Illness 

If the professor falls ill during the semester, there may be changes to this course, including having a backup instructor take over the course.  Please look for announcements or e-mail in Webcourses or Knights E-Mail for any alterations in this course.

 

Copyright

This course may contain copyright protected materials such as audio or video clips, images, text materials, etc. These items are being used with regard to the Fair Use doctrine in order to enhance the learning environment. Please do not copy, duplicate, download or distribute these items. The use of these materials is strictly reserved for this online classroom environment and your use only. All copyright materials are credited to the copyright holder.

 

Third-Party Software and FERPA

During this course you might have the opportunity to use public online services and/or software applications sometimes called third-party software such as a blog or wiki. While some of these could be required assignments, you need not make any personally identifying information on a public site. Do not post or provide any private information about yourself or your classmates. Where appropriate you may use a pseudonym or nickname. Some written assignments posted publicly may require personal reflection/comments, but the assignments will not require you to disclose any personally identity-sensitive information. If you have any concerns about this, please contact your instructor.