Public Affairs 7507: Criminal Justice Policy
This is a sample syllabus to provide general information about the course and it's requirements. Course requirements are subject to change. This syllabus does not contain all assignment or course detail and currently enrolled students should reference the syllabus provided by their instructor. For a specific syllabus, please email us a request.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students will:
- Understand where crime comes from and how we define crime.
- Define “policy” generally and identify specific areas of Criminal Justice Policy.
- Understand how we evaluate the effectiveness of policy.
- Understand the role of evidence in implementing policy.
Successful students will:
- Engage in discussion with classmates throughout the course.
- Set aside time for critical reading and reflection.
- Write concisely and convincingly on criminal justice policy issues.
- Explain their perspective using logical argument and evidence.
Requirements and Expectations
Reading materials may be required for this class. Please consult your instructor's syllabus for details.
Students should carefully complete the online portion of the class activities, including readings, slides, video and audio content, and online interactions.
- Video Lectures: I will post short, weekly video lectures to Carmen. Students should watch these videos as well as any additional videos assigned for the week. These videos serve as a basis for online discussions.
- Readings: Each week, there will be required readings that are relevant for the course. I will also provide non-required additional readings for those interested in learning more about certain topic areas. All readings will be available for download from Carmen.
- Media Content: I will occasionally assign content from videos, podcasts, or other media sources. For those of you who learn well by listening or enjoy multitasking, I will try to post information on how to access audio versions of readings when they are available.
- Discussion Posts: After reading the class material, watching the videos, or listening to content, students should post individual comments and answers to questions on reading or on-line content using the Flip link provided each week. For full credit, students should post video or text responses to the initial prompt from the instructor and then reply to at least two other posts from fellow students.
- Each week’s detailed course contents will be available in Carmen (click “Modules” for each week’s materials)
Total Points: 400
- Introduction Video, 10 points, 2%, Week 1
- Initial Thoughts, 10 points, 2%, Week 1
- Literature Synthesis # 1, 15 points, 4%, Week 3
- Literature Synthesis # 2, 15 points, 4%, Week 6
- Literature Synthesis # 3, 15 points, 4%, Week 9
- Literature Synthesis # 4, 15 points, 4%, Week 15
- Policy Memo, 50 points, 13%, Week 12
- Course Reflection, 10 points, 2%, Week 16
- Policy Brief, 100 points, 25%
- Weekly Discussion Posts, Course Engagement and Participation, 160 points, 10 points per week, 40%