CRJ 155, Fall 2008
Juvenile Justice
R. Shelden
Office: Building 8, room 818 (temp buildings near The Commons) - note: we will be moving to a new building on Sept. 3
Phone: 895-0251; e-mail: shelden@unlv.nevada.edu
Web site: www.sheldensays.com
Office Hours: Monday and Wed. 10:00-11:00 AM; Tuesday 1-4 PM;
Graduate Assistant: Sarah Prather
Course Description:
This course is an introductory overview of the juvenile justice system in America. The course will also focus on solutions to the problem by addressing several alternatives to institutionalization.
Teaching Method:
The class will be a combination of lectures and informal discussions punctuated with a couple of films. Each student will be encouraged to relate their own experiences (either directly or indirectly) with the juvenile justice system while they were growing up. Before each class students should read the chapter overviews from the Mays and Winfree books in order to prepare for any discussion that takes place.
Required Readings:
Suggested web sites for further reading:
Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice: www.cjcj.org
Justice Policy Institute: http://www.justicepolicy.org/
Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention: http://ojjdp.ncjrs.org/
Course Grading and Exams:
Your grade in the course will be based upon your scores on three exams (each worth a possible 100 points). For each exam, the grade will be based upon the following formula: 90% or more = A, 80-89% = B, 70-79% = C, 60-69% = D, below 60% = F. Final grades are based upon the following formula: 270-300 = A, 240-269 = B, 210-239 = C, 180-209 = D, below 180 = F. Grades of plus or minus will be given in borderline cases. Note: There will be no make-ups on these exams unless there is an extremely unusual situation, and then the student must contact our office prior to the scheduled exam.
Classroom Courtesy: Students are expected to conduct themselves accordingly with the rules and regulations of the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. Mature and responsible behavior in the classroom is required at all times. Tardiness, excessive absences, academic dishonesty, and/or inappropriate conduct may result in failing the course along with additional penalties as defined by the University, the College of Urban Affairs and the Department of Criminal Justice. Please make every effort to arrive to class on time and stay until class is completed. However, if you are running late, I hope you do not miss class because of this. If you are late or have to leave early, please do so as quietly as possible. Positively no cell phones, beepers, etc. are permitted (turn them off before you get to class). And please do not talk while others (including the instructor) are talking. It is rude behavior and will not be tolerated. Also, sleeping will not be tolerated.
Attendance Policy: Class participation is expected and very much encouraged. Although attendance will not be taken every day, on certain days during the semester roll will be taken. If you are absent more than two times, you will be asked to make an appointment with the instructor to discuss the matter. After the fifth absence, action will be taken to have you dropped from the class. For those who are present most often, extra points will be given at the end of the semester.
Disability Statement: If you have a documented disability that may require assistance, you will need to contact the Disability Resource Center for coordination in your academic accommodations. The DRC is located in the Reynolds Student Services Complex in room 137. The DRC phone number is 895-0866 (TDD - 895-0652).
Course Assignments and Exams: The following schedule should be viewed as an ideal plan, subject to change. If there are any changes, they will be announced in class and/or on this web site. Students will be responsible for coming to class and being aware of any changes.
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Schedule of Assignments and Exams
Dates Topic Reading Assignments
8/26 Overview of the course Overview of the Juvenile Justice System
9/2 Delinquency & Juvenile Justice Mays & Winfree, chapter 1
History of juvenile justice Shelden & Macallair, Chapter 1;
Ex Parte Crouse; Mays and Winfree, chapter 2 (pp. 32-44 only)
9/9 Juvenile Offenders and the Police Mays & Winfree, chapter 3
9/16 Preadjudication Detention and Mays & Winfree, chapter 4
Diversion Programs
9/23 The Race Factor Shelden & Macallair, chapter 2
Review for first exam
9/30 First Exam (covers all above assignments + lectures)
10/7 Juvenile Court Processes Mays & Winfree, chapter 5
The Double Standard Shelden & Macallair, chapter 5
Film
10/14 Juvenile Probation Mays & Winfree, chapter 6
10/21 Juvenile Prisons Shelden & Macallair, chapter 3
Mays & Winfree, chapter 7
Review for Second Exam
10/28 Second Exam (covers all assignments since first exam)
11/4 Juvenile Parole and Aftercare Mays & Winfree, chapter 8
Shelden & Macallair, chapter 4
11/11 No Class – Veterans Day
11/18 Child Abuse & Neglect Mays & Winfree, chapter 9
Prospects for Change Shelden & Macallair, chapter 6
11/25 Film
12/2 Prospects for change Mays & Winfree, chapter 11
Shelden & Macallair, chapter 7-10
Review for final
12/9 Final Exam (covers all assignments since second exam)
Note that this is scheduled for 6PM.