Seminar CJ: American Jails

Course Details

Course Number: CRJU 4923  Section Number: 101

Fall 2010

Location: Martin Hall

Classroom Number: 109

Days & Times:

MWF 10:00 - 10:50 AM

Course Attachments

Textbooks
MSU Faculty Member
Tom Callahan   
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Course Objectives

  COURSE OBJECTIVES: Students will explore the different theories, evolution and methods of punishment from antiquity through their present day applications. Focus will be placed on development of punishments developed in Europe during the middle ages and then subsequently brought to America by the earliest settlers. Students will be exposed to the development of the modern day prison models from 1930s through the tumultuous 1960’s. Students will learn how the ‘Civil Rights’ revolution in America and politics impacted our modern prisons and jails. Students will learn how constitutional Supreme Court decisions have reformed prisons. Special emphasis will be devoted to the present day Texas Prison System as well as the Federal Correctional System.

 

 

 

 

                   


Course Expectations

 

1. Text: G. Larry Mays, L. Thomas Winfree, Jr. Essentials of Corrections, 4th ed. Publisher: Wadsworth

2.  Handouts: Throughout the course, your instructor will present you with informational handouts. These handouts are relevant to course material and often expand information presented in our text or during class lectures. These handouts are to be maintained until the end of the course. Material presented in handouts may be represented in course examinations.

3. Assignments: Students are responsible for reading the information presented in the text chapters as assigned by the instructor

 

                   


Submission Format PolicyNote: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

Attendance:  Attendance will be recorded and released to individuals with authority to request such information.


Other Policies

1..  Method of student evaluation: End of chapter tests: Test will normally be given at the end of a chapter covered in class. In some instances, chapters may be combined. Students will also be responsible for information contained in any materials handed out during class as well as information provided through audio-visual/film presentations. Grades will be posted on the bulletin board outside of the CJ office in the Martin building. Test results will be combined at the end of the course as a cumulative final grade. Tests will be announced and students will take the test on the date and time assigned for this activity. The only exception to this policy will be a valid (determined by the instructor) excuse that precludes one from being present. Students should attempt to contact the instructor prior to the test; if they are unable to attend class that day. Late tests may be penalized. A student who fails to present an acceptable reason for missing a test and doesn’t contact the instructor within a reasonable time (e.g. two working days) will not be allowed to make up a test.

 2. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: Academic integrity forms a fundamental bond of trust between student, instructor, and peers, and it underlies all genuine learning. There is no tolerance for academic dishonesty in any form, including unacknowledged “borrowing” of proprietary material, copying answers or papers, or passing off someone else’s work as your own.

A breach of ethics or acts of dishonesty can result in:

* Failure of a paper or an exam within a course

* Failure of an entire course

3. CLASSROOM DECORUM: Students are expected to be on time, prepared, and participate in class discussions and activities. Sleeping, disruptive or boisterous conduct will not be permitted. If a student needs to stand up or leave the room for a restroom break; then please do so quietly without disturbing other students. Food and drink, with the exception of bottled water, will not be allowed in the classroom. Students will silence all entertainment and communications devices prior to class and the use of electronics during class is discouraged, with the exception of recording devices. The use of any electronics during a test or exercise will result in a zero for that test or assignment.

 4. Assistance:  In recognition of the fact that students come from diverse backgrounds and a host of different personal situations; students are encouraged to contact me for assistance as needed. 

Thomas J. Callahan, Instructor


Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.