CRJ 409, Fall 2008
Youth, Crime and Society
R. Shelden
Office: Building 8, room 818 (temp buildings near The Commons)
Phone: 895-0251; e-mail: shelden@unlv.nevada.edu
Web site: www.sheldensays.com
Office Hours: Monday and Wed. 10-11:00 AM; Tuesday 1-4PM
Graduate Assistant: Sarah Prather, Building 8, room 805.
Course Description:
This course will explore the problem of youth crime and delinquency in modern society. 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.
Required Reading:
Randall G. Shelden, Delinquency and Juvenile Justice in America. Waveland Press, 2006.
Internet:
Ex Parte Crouse: http://www.sheldensays.com/Ex%20Parte%20Crouse.htm;
Book review by Mike Males: See Jane Hit
75% OF AMERICAN WORKERS DON'T HAVE DECENT WAGES AND BENEFITS
Suggested web sites for further reading:
Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice: www.cjcj.org
Justice Policy Institute: http://www.justicepolicy.org/
Building Blocks for Youth: http://www.buildingblocksforyouth.org/
American Youth Policy Forum: http://www.aypf.org/
Juvenile Justice Evaluation Center: http://www.jrsa.org/jjec/index.html
Center on Children Exposed to Violence: http://www.nccev.org/violence/school.html
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.
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. 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
8/25 Overview of class none
8/27 Myths and Facts Shelden, Delinquency and Juvenile Justice in America (hereafter “text”), Introduction
9/1 Labor Day
9/3 Historical Overview Tex, chapter 1; read Ex Parte Crouse
9/8-9/10 Extent and Nature of
Delinquency Text, chapters 2-3;
Suggested readings: Kiddie Crime Epidemic? Hardly;
Los Angeles County Youth Crime Trends;
9/15-9/17 Youth Gangs Text, chapter 4;
Suggested readings: Federal Inmate Accused of Directing LA Drug Sales;
Follow-up story: L.A. Gang Members Are Fewer but Resilient
9/22 Youth Gangs Film: "Lives in Hazard"
9/24 Review for First Exam
9/29 FIRST EXAM (covering above assignments + lectures)
10/1 No Class
10/6 Female Delinquency Text, chapter 5; read See Jane Hit
10/8 – 10/15 Theories of Delinquency Text, chapters 6-7
10/20 The Social Context Text, chapter 8; read 75% OF AMERICAN WORKERS DON'T HAVE DECENT WAGES AND BENEFITS
10/22 Film: "The Fire This Time"
10/27 The Family Text, chapter 9
10/29 Review for second exam
11/3 SECOND EXAM (covering assignments since 1st exam + lectures)
11/3 Final day to drop or withdraw from classes without refund or change from credit to audit, except for modular courses by 8:00 p.m. Drops and withdrawals will not be allowed after this date even with instructor approval.
11/5 Schools Text, chapter 10
11/10 Juvenile Justice Processing Text, chapter 11
11/12 No Class
11/17 Juvenile Institutions Text, chapter 12
11/19 The Double Standard Text, chapter 13
11/24 Film
11/26 No Class
12/1 Sensible Solutions Text, chapter 15
12/3 Review for final exam
12/10 FINAL EXAM (covering assignments since 2nd exam + lectures), 8AM