Public Affairs 7508: Juvenile Justice Policy

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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.

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Course Overview

3 Credit Hours
Modalities Available: Online

This course examines how we define crime and justice in the United States juvenile justice system, and how we design policy to respond to crime and justice. It will proceed in four parts: First, we will discuss the evolution of the juvenile justice system– with a focus on the damage it can do, our ideas of what it should do, and what informs those ideas. Second, we will define juvenile justice policy and discuss how we evaluate policy effectiveness. Third, we will evaluate policies in different area of the juvenile justice system, such as crime prevention, corrections, courts, and policing. Finally, we will discuss the biggest issues facing the system with an eye toward reform.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will:

  • Understand the structure and functions of the juvenile justice system.
  • Explain the evolution of the juvenile justice system within a changing socio-cultural context.
  • Define “policy” generally and distinguish specific areas of Juvenile Justice Policy.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment vs. punishment approaches in the juvenile justice system.
  • Apply evidence-based approaches in solving problems in the Juvenile Justice System.

Successful students will:

  • Engage in discussion with classmates throughout the course.
  • Set aside time for critical reading and reflection.
  • Write concisely and convincingly on juvenile 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 non-text book required readings will be accessible using 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: 500

  • Introduction Discussion Board Post, 10 points, 2%
  • Initial Thoughts Response Paper, 15 points, 3% 
  • Juvenile Justice System Reaction Assignment, 25 points, 5% 
  • Policy Brief Topic Area Assignment, 20 points, 4%
  • Policy Brief Literature Synthesis, 75 points, 15%
  • Policy Brief Draft to Peers, 10 points, 2%
  • Policy Brief Peer Reviews, 50 points, 10%
  • Policy Brief Draft to Instructor, 25 points, 5%
  • Policy Brief Presentation/Peer Review, 75 points, 15%
  • Policy Brief Final Draft, 100 points, 20% 
  • Closing Discussion Board Post, 10 points, 2%
  • Course Reflection 15 points, 3%
  • Weekly Content, Discussion Board Posts, 70 points, 14%

 

Weekly Schedule

  1. Introduction to One Another and Our Learning Environment
  2. Theories of Causation
  3. Juvenile Justice in a Historical Perspective
  4. Overview of the Juvenile Justice System
  5. Disparities in the Juvenile Justice System
  6. Understanding Policy and Evidence-Based Approaches in the Juvenile Justice System
  7. Understanding Systemic Issues
  8. Juveniles and the Police
  9. Prevention and Diversion Programs
  10. Juveniles and the Courts
  11. Juveniles and Corrections
  12. Treatment Programming and Trauma-Informed Care
  13. Juvenile Justice in an International Context
  14. Juvenile Justice and Special Topics
  15. Looking Forward: Promising Practices and the Future of Juvenile Justice
  16. Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts

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