Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2019 - CRIM 410 D900

Decision-making in Criminal Justice (3)

Class Number: 7170

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Prerequisites:

    CRIM 131.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examination of the factors which influence decision making in the criminal justice system. The exercise of discretion by criminal justice personnel; the role of organizational policies and priorities in decision making; the involvement of victims and the public. Consideration of decision making at specific stages of the criminal justice process.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course uses a problem-based learning approach to examine various facets of    decision making in the criminal justice system. Throughout the semester, students will participate in a number of decision making simulations and meet with criminal justice decision makers. Completion of several journal assignments will provide students with an opportunity to relate their experiences as a decision maker and, as well their interpretation of the assigned reading materials and the issues discussed with the decision makers. This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to explore their own capacities as a potential decision maker in the criminal justice system as well as to reflect on the decisions of criminal justice professionals.

PLEASE READ THE ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION BELOW   FROM THE INSTRUCTOR: READ THIS BEFORE ENROLLING IN CRIMINOLOGY 410-3! The primary objective of Criminology 410-3 is to provide a forum for exploring the various facets of decision making in the criminal justice system. To accomplish this, the course is structured on a problem-based learning approach that requires students in the seminar to assume an active role in discussions. This is not a traditional lecture-format course! Prior to enrolling in Criminology 410-3, I would ask that you consider the following items of information:   1. Criminology 410-3 requires a high level of student participation. This means that each student in the seminar will be expected to contribute to group discussions on a weekly basis, and to be an active participant in discussions with criminal justice professionals. The seminar will meet in a “learning circle” (no tables) which will facilitate interaction among the seminar members. Class participation is 40% of the final mark and seminar participants will be assessed on the basis of the quality, not quantity, of their contributions. It is expected that each student in the seminar will participate in the discussions on a weekly basis. This includes taking, and defending, positions as well as responding to the points raised by others in the group.   If you are a person who feels uncomfortable in a non-lecture setting and in a highly interactive learning environment, I would advise you not to enroll in this course.   2. You will be required to complete four journal assignments. There are no examinations or term papers required for this course. Rather, each student will be required to complete four journal assignments that will relate to the materials covered in the on-campus seminars, the assigned readings, and discussions with criminal justice professionals. Given that these journal assignments, cumulatively, comprise 60% of the final mark, it is expected that they will be substantive. The page length for each of the journal assignments will be 8-10. pages.   If you are a student who prefers a traditional lecture and assessment format, i.e. professor “professes” and student is quiet; examinations and term papers, this course may not be for you.   3. The CRIM 410 classroom is a “technology-free” zone, with the exception of students with disabilities. That means no laptops, no cell phones, etc.   

Grading

  • Seminar participation 40%
  • Journal assignments 60%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

1. Jennette Walls. (2005). The Glass Castle. New York: Scribner.

2. Jennifer Thompson-Cannino, Erin Torne, Ronald Cotton (2009). Picking Cotton: Our Memoir of Injustice and Redemption. New York: St Martin’s Griffin.

3. de Saint-Exupery, A. 1943 (1971). The Little Prince.

4. On-line readings and videos.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

ATTENTION: STUDENTS WITH A DISABILITY: Please contact the Centre for Students with Disabilities, (MBC 1250 or Phone 778-782-3112) if you need or require assistance, not your individual instructors.  
  • N.B.: Students are reminded that attendance in the first week of classes is important. However, there are no tutorials in the first week.
  • ON CAMPUS COURSES ONLY: Assignments not submitted to the Professor/T.A. during class/office hours must be placed in the security box behind the General Office (ASSC 10125), or submitted as per Professor’s instructions for courses taking place at Surrey Campus. The assignment drop-off box is emptied Monday to Friday at 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. only and the contents are date stamped accordingly. No other department’s date stamp will apply (e.g. Library/Campus Security) and the School of Criminology is not responsible for assignments submitted any other way (e.g. slid under office doors). The University does NOT accept assignments by fax. 
  • A student must complete ALL aspects of a course (including assignments, exams, class participation, presentations, chat room components of Distance Education courses and other), otherwise he/she will receive a grade of N. 
  • E-mail policy for on campus courses only: The School of Criminology STRONGLY DISCOURAGES the use of e-mail in lieu of office hour visits. Criminology advises its instructional staff that they are NOT required to respond to student e-mails and that students wishing to confer with them should do so in person during scheduled meeting times.
  • The University has formal policies regarding intellectual dishonesty and grade appeals which may be obtained from the General Office of the School of Criminology.
  • Under GP18, the University has policies and procedures which respond to our obligations under the BC Human Rights Code to provide a harassment and discrimination free environment for the students, staff and faculty of this institution.  Members of this community have an affirmative obligation to safeguard the human rights of others.
UNIVERSITY POLICY FORBIDS FINAL EXAMINATIONS WHILE CLASSES ARE STILL IN SESSION.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS