Sociology 473 Office Phone: 453-7610
AJ 473 Office: Faner 3426
Dr. Calhoun Email: tcalhoun@siu.edu
Spring 2003 Office Hours: 8-9:30 a.m. &
11-12:30 p.m. (Tues, Th)
And by appointment ONLY

Textbooks

Champion, Dean J. 2001. The Juvenile Justice System. 3rd Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, Inc.

Decker, Scott H. 2003. Policing Gangs and Youth Violence. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning.

There are a number of questions that arise each semester concerning the “mechanics” of this course. These notes have been prepared to answer some of these queries in advance. In this way, it is hoped that the task of the student will be clarified.

Purpose

The primary aim of a course in juvenile delinquency is to acquaint the student with current sociological/justice knowledge concerning delinquency in order to deepen the student’s understanding of the complexities of juvenile delinquency, sociological theories of delinquency, and societal responses to juvenile offenders. Within this broad aim there are several subsidiary goals:
a. To recognize that delinquency includes a heterogeneous assortment of behavior.
b. To identify the number of delinquents in society, the various form of their offenses, and the social characteristics of those who violate the law.
c. To increase understanding of the process whereby one becomes a juvenile delinquent.
d. To acquaint the student with a variety of causal explanations of juvenile delinquency.
e. To recognize not only the interdependence of theory and research but also that sound theory, supported by empirical research, is essential for an understanding of juvenile delinquency.
f. To gain an understanding of the societal reactions to juvenile delinquency by examining the juvenile justice system established to deal with offenders.

This course deals primarily with the topic of juvenile delinquency in the United States and the juvenile justice system. It is not a course in abnormal psychology, criminal law, or law enforcement.

Examinations

There will be four examinations this semester. The examinations may take any of the following formats: true-false, multiple choice, short answer, essay, in class or take home or any combination thereof.

The student is responsible for ALL materials in the course, including the lectures, guest speakers, and the assigned readings in the examination. The fact that a particular assigned chapter in Champion or Decker has not been discussed in class does not eliminate that material from the examination. The material contained in the examinations will include only information presented since the last examination. Specifically, the second examination does not cover the first part, and the third examination does not cover the first two parts, etc. The last examination is not comprehensive. I will not give the last examination early or later for any reason or than a death or serious illness of a family member here defined as a spouse, partner, parent, grandparent, sibling, or child. Check your examination schedules NOW and if there are conflicts get them resolved now and not just prior to final’s week.

Be sure to bring to class a No.2 pencil each time an examination is scheduled. Short answer/essay questions must be written in blue, blue-black, or black ink ONLY. I will not read short answer/essay questions written in pencil or some other color of ink (i.e. red, green, etc.). Answers written using unapproved utensils will receive a score of “0.”

I do not believe in make-up examinations; therefore, it is your responsibility to take each examination during its scheduled time frame. However, if there is a legitimate reason (see attendance below) why you can’t take the examination at its scheduled time, a make-up examination will be given. ALL make-up examinations will consist of ONLY short answer and essay questions. If make-up examinations are necessary, you must take it no later than two class periods following the initial examination. There will be no exceptions to this rule.

Attendance and Format of Class

You are expected to be in class each scheduled meeting. Note this class begins at 9:35 a.m. and not 9:50 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. or some other time. Make sure you are here and ready for class at 9:35 a.m. It is your responsibility to come to class and be prepared to participate in all discussions. The University is a setting for the exchange of ideas; therefore, we must all contribute to the learning process. Excessive absences, three or more, will result in a lowering of your final grade by one letter grade. For example, if your final average is 75 (C) and you have three absences, you will receive a grade of “D”. If you miss four or more classes, you will FAIL this course irrespective of the grades made on the examinations. If you have to be away from class on official university business, please provide the proper documentation from the individual responsible for the activity for which your absence is required. If you or an immediate family member is ill, please ask your health care provider to give you something in writing indicating that you or a relative were under their care during the time of the absence. If you experience the death of an immediate family member (i.e. parent, grandparent, partner, sibling or child) just notify me. High school classmates, former girl/boy friends, old co-workers etc.don’t count as legitimate absences.

I assume three things about you: first, because you are here at SIUC, you are here for the purpose of learning; secondly, I assume you are an adult and as a consequence will treat you as such; and thirdly, I assume based on 1 and 2 above, that you will be sensitive to and respectful of the opinions of your classmates.

Grading

The total number of points you accumulate this semester will determine your final evaluation. The following grading scale will be adhered to strictly. In borderline cases however class participation may be taken into account.

A = 360 and above
B = 320-359
C = 280-319
D = 240-279
F = A total score at or below 239

Examination Schedule

Examination # 1 Champion – Chapters 1 - 3 plus lecture material
Examination # 2 Champion – Chapters 4 – 8 and any outside material
Examination # 3 Champion – Chapters 9 – 12 and any outside material
Examination # 4 Decker (The Entire Book)

Cheating

See Student Handbook for penalties

Office Hours

As stated above

Messages

At times, particularly when an exam is imminent, students often feel the need to give the instructor a message. With the exception of the lunch period, the Sociology Department is open each day. Messages given to any of the secretaries will reach the instructor promptly. You can either drop by the Sociology Office (Faner 3384) or telephone (453-2494). On the other hand, information concerning the course, such as grades or the coverage of a forthcoming examination, will NOT be provided if you telephone the instructor at home.

Reading Schedule*

Week 1……………………..Introduction and Champion to page 20

Week 2……………………..Tuesday – Champion 20-37; Thursday – Champion 40-65

Week 3……………………..Tuesday – Champion 65-86; Thursday – Champion 86-115

Week 4……………………..Tuesday – Theory lectures ALL week

Week 5……………………..Tuesday (Feb. 11) First Major Examination
Thursday – Return Examination; Champion 118-138

Week 6……………………..Tuesday – Champion 138-155; Thursday, Champion 158- 182; Thursday, Champion – 183-200

Week 7……………………..Tuesday – Champion 203-230; Thursday, Champion 231-
255

Week 8……………………..Tuesday – Champion 258-288; Thursday, Champion 292-
347

Week 9…………………… Spring Break – No Class

Week 10……………………Tuesday – Second Major Examination
Thursday – Champion 351-380

Week 11……………………Tuesday – Champion, 381-399; Thursday – Champion –
402 – 425

Week 12……………………Tuesday – Champion, 428-462; Thursday – Champion
462-489

Week 13……………………Tuesday – Champion 492- 524; Thursday – Champion
524-543

Week 14…………………….Tuesday – Third Major Examination
Thursday – Mental Health Day – No Class

Weeks 15 & 16………………Decker “Policing Gangs and Youth Violence”

Week 17………………………Final Examination – May 9th…10 a.m.-12:10 p.m.
* This is a tentative schedule, I reserve the right to change it, as I deem necessary.