CLICK HERE for the Final Exam!!
Professor: Phyllis B. Gerstenfeld, J.D., Ph.D.
Phone: 667-3229
Office: C 213G
email: phyllisg@toto.csustan.edu
REQUIRED TEXTS:
Shelden, R.G. (2001). Controlling the Dangerous Classes: A Critical Introduction to the History of Criminal Justice. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
Uviller, H.R. (1999). The Tilted Paying Field: Is Criminal Justice Unfair? New Haven: Yale University Press.
Walker, S. (1998). Popular Justice: A History of American Criminal Justice,
2d Ed. New York: Oxford University Press.
COURSE METHODS AND PROCEDURE:
This course will be conducted primarily in seminar format, supplemented
by occasional lectures. You will be expected to participate very actively
in class discussions.
GRADING:
Grades will be based on three criteria: two exams worth 25% of your
grade each, class discussion leading worth20% of your grade, and a paper
worth 30% of your grade.
Grades will be assigned as follows:
90 to 100 - A
80 to 89 - B
70 to 79 - C
60 to 69 - D
Below 60 - F
Exams:
There will be two in-class, closed book exams. Each exam will consist
of several essay questions. Study questions will be distributed before
the exams to aid in your preparation.
Missed Exams:
No make-up exams will be given, unless there is a documented emergency.
If you must miss an exam, it is your responsibility to contact the instructor
as soon as possible so alternate arrangements can be made.
Class Discussion:
You will choose a topic on which to lead a class discussion. The instructor
will provide you with a list of suggested topics; you may choose one of
them, or come up with your own topic. In either case, no two people may
choose the same topic, and the instructor must approve all topics. By Feb.
28, you must let the instructor know what topic you've chosen. On that
day, hand in a piece of paper containing your name and a brief (1 paragraph)
description of your topic. It is not necessary for this to be typed. Click
here for a list of suggested topics.
You will be expected to lead an extensive class discussion on your topic. Accordingly, you will be expected to provide appropriate readings to the class at least one week in advance. These readings should be approximately 20 pages in length, and should come from scholarly sources. It is your responsibility to provide enough copies for each student and for the instructor.
The class discussion should last approximately one hour. It is your responsibility to prepare comments or a presentation on the topic and readings, and to have a list of appropriate questions to discuss with the class.
By March 7, you will be told the date on which you will be making your presentation.
Term paper:
You will also right a term paper on the subject which you have chosen.
The paper will be approximately 15-20 pages long, typed and double-spaced.
It will be in appropriate format (APA or MLA), and will include a references
page. The majority of your references must be scholarly sources such as
academic books or peer-reviewed journals. The paper is due May 16.
Plagiarism:
Plagiarism occurs whenever you use another person’s ideas or words
without giving proper credit. Plagiarism is a serious offense and will
result in a failing grade in the course. It may also result in University
discipline, including expulsion. If you are at all unsure about whether
something constitutes plagiarism, ask the instructor!
MANNERS:
Cell phones and other modern annoyances:
It is annoying and distracting when cell phones and other electronic
marvels beep, ring, or otherwise sound out in class. This is inconsiderate
to both the instructor and your classmates. If you must bring one of these
to class, turn off the sound. Anyone whose gizmo makes noise in class will
be required to complete an extra assignment of the instructor’s choosing;
failure to complete the assignment in a satisfactory way will adversely
affect your grade.
Tardiness:
Class will start promptly at 6:00. Repeated tardiness or absence will
result in a reduction in your grade in this class.
ASSIGNMENTS:
These assignments are subject to change as circumstances warrant.
Any changes will be announced in class ahead of time; it is your responsibility
to be aware of these changes.
Date Topic Assignment
(W=Walker; S=Shelden)
Feb. 14 Introduction; CJ in ancient times W, Ch. 1
Feb. 21 No class Choose a topic for discussion & term paper
Feb. 28 Laws and courts
TOPIC DUE S, Ch. 1 and 3
Mar. 7 Police S, Ch. 2; W, Ch. 2, pp.131-141, pp.147-174
Mar. 14-21 Punishments S, Ch. 4; W, Ch. 3, pp. 112-131, pp.175-179
Mar. 28 Juvenile Justice S, Ch. 5
Apr. 4 Mid-term Exam
Apr. 11 Student-led discussion TBA
Apr. 18 Spring break
Apr. 25 Student-led discussion TBA
May 2 Student-led discussion TBA
May 9 Student-led discussion TBA
May 16 Is the system fair? TERM PAPER DUE Uviller
May 30 Final Exam