CRJ 475 - Computer Applications in Criminal Justice

Course Structure

This course is entirely web-based. Students are expected to monitor the online course content regularly and complete assignments in a timely manner. Online courses require self discipline - this is even more true during these short summer courses. The course outline is posted online and all assignments will be completed in the cjcampus classroom. Online course content includes this site, the cjcampus classroom, and other web-based content as assigned.

Course Objectives

An overview of the applications and emerging issues of computer technology in law enforcement, corrections, jurisprudence, and criminological research. Special attention is paid to the application of computer technology to decision-making in the criminal justice system. A variety of computer applications are presented.

Readings

Pattavina, A. (2005). Information Technology & Criminal Justice System. Sage. (ISBN: 0-7619-3019-1)

At least one discussion question will be posted each week. Instructions are included with the postings. In general, students will be expected to formulate a response to the discussion question and post at least two comments that refer to the responses of other students. See the "Expectations" post in the online classroom for more details.

Online Exercises (30%)

Seven online assignments will be posted in the cjcampus online classroom. Assignments include internet activities that direct you to content that you will review and respond to in writing. These assignments will vary in difficulty but will typically require web site review, various computer-related activities, outside reading, and/or other preparation. In each case a written essay will be required.

Research Paper (20%)

The research paper assignment is active throughout the entire class. You will be asked to submit something related to this assignment at several points throughout the semester. Each of these submissions is designed to lead to the final research paper. You will receive up to 10 percent for each preliminary assignment and up to 70% for the final paper.

There are many issues dealing with technology or computer applications in the justice system that were not elaborated in depth this semester due to time constraints. For the research paper, each student is to identify an issue regarding computer (or other technology) applications in criminal justice. In the paper, students should provide a detailed description of the topic, as well as a discussion of how it fits into the context of research discussed throughout the semester.

Do not simply describe the subject of your paper. While you can include some description, the paper should also analyze, ask why, discuss consequences, make an argument supported by evidence and reasoning, and/or otherwise demonstrate critical analysis of the subject. Critical analysis of the topic does not merely repeat what the sources tell you - the strongest papers generally draw from the descriptions and analyses of various sources and then proceed to present their own coherent argument and conclusions on the subject - with conclusions supported by evidence and reasoning.

The research paper must be between 10 and 12 pages, exclusive of the title page, references, and any appendixes or diagrams you feel add to the presentation. The major points in your paper must be substantiated by references to articles in academic journals and/or professional books (not including introductory textbooks; and not including material assigned for this course). A minimum of 10 citations is expected. The research paper should be double spaced, in Times New Roman 12 point font, with one inch margins on all sides, with APA format. Plagiarism rules apply and you are encouraged to use Turnitin to address any plagiarism issues prior to final submission.

This course will be better if you talk more and I talk less. I prefer not to dominate the discussion so each of you will need to remain active throughout the course. You all have interesting ideas and viewpoints and we learn more by sharing and trying to understand various views.

Note that this criteria includes participation and engagement. While we may be able to assess participation through a simple count of posts, we are also interested in active engagement throughout the course. Engagement is demonstrated by remaining active each week, submitting assignments on time, joining discussions at the beginning of each week, and helping each other create a vibrant learning environment.

This course has been designed as an "online learning environment." You are all familiar with the dynamic of the classroom - the professor may lecture while students listen and occasionally interact. Most classrooms are designed as "teaching environments." Students may not be an integral part of a teaching environment and in some cases the class could be held even if no students were in attendance.

In contrast, the online learning environment requires student engagement. In fact, the environment fails to function if students are not engaged. As the professor, Dr. Mentor has designed this course and included materials that if consumed, will result in learning. Like the story of "leading a horse to water," this course environment is the water. To make it work, you must each "take a drink."

You are all expected to help each other. Your professor has a great deal of knowledge about the subject matter. Each student in this class also has knowledge that can help us learn. For example, if a student posts a question to the discussion forum we do not need to wait for an "official" response form the professor. Help each other learn as we make our way through the materials.

Deadlines are not suggestions. All written material will rapidly lose points in the days following the due date. Zero points will be awarded for missed assignments.

Any student with a documented disability needing academic adjustments is requested to speak directly to Disability Support Services and the instructor, as early in the semester (preferably within the first week) as possible. All discussions will remain confidential. Please contact Disability Support Services, DF Lowry Building, 910-521-6695. Please see http://www.uncp.edu/dss/ for more information.

Class withdrawal is your responsibility. If you disappear, we will wonder where you are. However, we will not drop you from the class. Withdrawals should follow University procedure. The student is responsible for obtaining all necessary signatures on drop slips.

A very high price can be paid when you are caught cheating. Too high to risk. All written material must be your own composition. Appropriate credit must be given for sources used in developing your ideas and arguments. Provide appropriate citations. It is easy to see when large sections of text have been lifted from other Web pages. This is quite easy to verify as well.

It is not appropriate to submit work that was originally completed for another course.

NOTE: The penalties for engaging in any of these acts of academic misconduct will be determined on a case-by-case basis, but will follow general university guidelines as to severity.

Classroom climate is not solely the Professor's responsibility. We encourage each of you to engage in conversation on any issue. The University is a place for free speech, limited through individual choice. These choices may be altered with awareness of the real or potential reaction of others. However, you should not be intimidated into keeping quiet. We do not condone racist, sexist, homophobic, or other hateful speech. You are all adults, capable of understanding generally accepted rules of conduct and modifying your behavior in an effort to comply with these social or legal expectations. You are responsible for your behavior.

If grades are made available online, be advised that if there is any error the grade you receive from the registrar is your official grade. Grade changes will be made only in cases of data or computation error. Please do not ask, beg, or otherwise attempt to change a properly computed grade.