Course Syllabus
Welcome!
Welcome to Sociology 383: Crime & Delinquency! We're excited to have you studying with us this semester. If you will stay current in the course and work with others to master the material, this will be a semester of learning and growth. Commit now to be actively engaged in the course and see if it doesn't quickly become one of your favorites!
Description
The sociological perspective is essential to understanding the behavior of youth, as it places personal action within the contexts of history and society. This semester, we will do the following:
- Examine the origins of juvenile delinquency.
- Conduct sociological inquiry in order to gain knowledge and understanding of juvenile delinquency in our modern day.
- Challenge myths and urban legends regarding juvenile delinquency.
You will exit this course better-informed, and you will have a critical understanding of the intricate underpinnings of juvenile delinquency. Juvenile delinquency, a social phenomenon, is constantly changing the world.
Ask Yourself
- Who is delinquent?
- Why delinquency?
- Where does delinquency come from?
- What influences do class, race, gender, and life changes have on delinquency?
- How do we deal with delinquent behavior as a society?
We’ll address the above questions and many more as we explore juvenile delinquency in modern American society.
Outcomes
1) Examine, describe, and identify the history of juvenile delinquency in the United States.
2) Differentiate between an array of cultural influences, including family, peers, and media, on delinquent behavior.
3) Identify and explain the nature and characteristics of juvenile delinquents using sociological theory and currently existing data.
4) Describe and analyze the social, economic, political, psychological, and legal consequences of delinquency.
5) Evaluate and identify sociological theories utilized to study and explain delinquency.
6) Evaluate methods of the prevention of juvenile delinquency.
Learning Model Architecture
Prepare: You will prepare for each week by completing readings from the course textbook and watching related videos. Complete the readings and watch the videos as early as possible in the week so you will have enough time to reflect on what you learn and complete all the activities.
Teach One Another: Throughout the week, you will have several opportunities to teach and learn from your classmates. Post on the discussion boards early and share your insights. Talk with your classmates about what you are learning. Help others with their assignments, and you will learn better as well.
Ponder and Prove: You will take reading quizzes and exams, and you will complete assignments such as Exploring Delinquency assignments and research papers.
Use feedback from your classmates and instructor to further your understanding of and abilities in the course.
Prerequisites
We highly recommend taking SOC 111 before taking this course.
Required Materials
This course uses a low-cost, auto-access textbook. Read the information in the Textbook Information module to learn how to access your textbook, and how to opt out of this automatic purchase, if desired.
| Resource Title/Description (books, software, etc.) |
Author/Provider | Ed./Vol. | 13-Digit ISBN (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Juvenile Delinquency: The Core (comes with course; charged first day of class) |
Siegel, Larry | 6th | 9781305577411 |
Proctored Exams and Assessments
This course will use an online proctoring software called Proctorio. This makes it possible for students to take assessments and exams without a human proctor present. Proctored exams can be accessed like any other exam, once the software has been installed. Exams will be recorded by Proctorio and reviewed by the BYUI Testing Center. Any questionable exams will be forwarded to the instructor for further review.
For step-by-step instructions on Proctorio installation, please refer to this help guide article.
Grading Policies
Grading Scale
| Letter Grade | Percentage Range |
|---|---|
| A | 100% – 93% |
| A- | 92% – 90% |
| B+ | 89% – 87% |
| B | 86% – 83% |
| B- | 82% – 80% |
| C+ | 79% – 77% |
| C | 76% – 73% |
| C- | 72% – 70% |
| D+ | 69% – 67% |
| D | 66% – 63% |
| D- | 62% – 60% |
| F | 59% – 00% |
Grade Weight Breakdown
Reading Quizzes: 15%
Exams: 25%
Group Activities: 15%
Discuss Together: 10%
Research Paper: 35%
Reading Quizzes
You will take several multiple-choice chapter quizzes throughout the semester. These quizzes are given to encourage you to study the reading assignments thoroughly and stay current in the course. Each reading quiz is worth 10 points.
Exams
Exams will be given periodically throughout the semester as designated in the course schedule. Like quizzes, exams will consist of multiple-choice questions based on material covered in the text. They can be taken once and have 45-minute time limits. You must take the exams during the dates indicated in the course schedule. If you need special accommodations, contact your instructor and present appropriate documentation. Your instructor will help you know what appropriate accommodations can/will be made. Exams are worth 30 points each.
As a reminder, this course uses Proctorio. Make sure it is properly set up on your computer.
Group Activities
You will have some very engaging activities to do in small groups of five. You'll need to find time to meet with your groups and discuss the questions and your answers. Each member of the group will submit their own document for grading.
Discuss Together
There will be weekly discussion boards correlating with the weeks' topics. Each week, you will do the following:
- Watch an interesting video
- Ponder the discussion question prompts
- Discuss your thoughts with your discussion board group
All posts need to be substantive. Notes on discussion board pages will help you understand post expectations.
Research Paper
You will write a semester-long research paper related to juvenile delinquency with a sociological focus. Assignments throughout the semester will help you complete this paper. See W01 Research Paper: Overview and Rubric for more information.
Other Policies
Late Work Policy
As a sign of professionalism and respect, you should complete your work on time. Late work will not be accepted.
In the case of an unexpected emergency, please contact your instructor as soon as possible to see what options you might have.
Insuring Academic Success Statement
Go to the Academic Support Center or the McKay Library room 272 for information about how the writing, reading, math, and study skills centers can help you increase success in all of your classes. To schedule a tutor for a specific class, log in to Tutor Request under Student Services and follow the instructions provided.
University Policies
Students with Disabilities
Brigham Young University-Idaho is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere that accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have a disability and require accommodations, please contact the Disability Services Office at (208) 496-9210 or visit their website and follow the Steps for Receiving Accommodations. Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with students and instructors by the Disability Services Office.
This course may require synchronous meetings. If you are currently registered with the Disability Services Office and need an interpreter or transcriber for these meetings, please contact the deaf and hard of hearing coordinator at (208) 496-9219.
Other University Policies
Student Honor and Other Policies
Please read through the document called University Policies. It gives important information about the following topics:
- Student Honor
- Academic Honesty
- Student Conduct
- Sexual Harassment
- Student with Disabilities
- Complaints and Grievances
- Copyright Notice
Go to the Student Resources module to review further resources and information.
Support
If you need assistance, visit the I-learn help tab located on the left-hand side of your screen to contact the appropriate support center.
Disclaimers
The instructor reserves the right to change any part of this syllabus at any time during the semester in order to adapt to changing course needs. You will be notified prior to any changes that may take place.
Course Calendar
Use this weekly breakdown to see what is due each week. All assignments and assessments are also listed on your course calendar and in the "Course Summary" below.
|
Week 1 |
Introduction to the Course: Delinquency and the Environment
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|---|---|
| Week 2 |
Childhood and Delinquency: (Chapter 01)
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Week 3 |
The Nature and Extent of Delinquency (Chapter 02)
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Week 4 |
Individual Views of Delinquency: Choice and Trait (Chapter 03)
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Week 5 |
Sociological Views of Delinquency (Chapter 04)
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Week 6 |
Developmental Views of Delinquency (Chapter 05)
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| Week 7 |
Gender and Delinquency (Chapter 06)
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| Week 8 |
The Family and Delinquency (Chapter 07)
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Week 9 |
Peers and Delinquency (Chapter 08)
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Week 10 |
Schools and Delinquency (Chapter 09)
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Week 11 |
Drug use and Delinquency (Chapter 10)
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Week 12 |
Delinquency Prevention and Juvenile Justice Today (Chapter 11)
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Week 13 |
Videos: Personal Experiences and Restorative Justice
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Week 14 |
Conclusion
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Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|