Course Objectives  

The course is aimed at understanding the phenomenon of juvenile delinquency.  Sociological, psychological, and biological theories will be used in explaining the behavior of juvenile offenders.  The course also attempts to explain various juvenile delinquency prevention programs in terms of their successes and limitations.  The course further investigates the role of the juvenile justice system in apprehension and prevention of juvenile delinquency.

 

Required Text:  

Juvenile Delinquency. The Core.  Larry J. Siegel and Brandon C. Welsh, 3rd Ed. Thompson Wadsworth
Note: Additional reading materials are provided

 

Attendance:  

Class attendance is essential to do well in the course.  Regular classroom attendance will be taken.  The student is expected to be in the class on time and stay for the entire class period.  Those who arrive late or leave early should have a good reason for their behavior and should not disrupt the class while entering or leaving.
 
Class Participation:  

All students must prepare themselves by going over the assigned reading materials and participate in class discussions.

 

Class Schedule:

 
Exams:   

There will be three examinations in the course.  The format of the examinations will be announced in the class.
 
Make-Up Exams:

Make-up exams are given only under extraordinary circumstances.  However, the student must inform the instructor in advance about the intentions of making up the exam(s); otherwise, each make-up exam will be subjected to a penalty of 5 point.
 
Final Project:  

Prior to working on the final project, students are required to submit a proposal indicating a juvenile delinquency prevention program.  The program can be pure prevention or rehabilitating prevention in nature.  Each student will be required to present his/her proposal to the class.  Each presentation will be 5 to 10 minutes.  The final project must be typed and turned in prior to or on April 16.  The project turned in after the due date will be subject to minus 15 points a day.  No project will be accepted after April 19.  The proposal should have the following ideas:

1. Description & title of the project;
2. Project objectives (what you want to accomplish?)
3. Target group (individuals who will benefit from the project)
4. Resources/Expertise (how will the project operate and how will it be funded?)
5. Theoretical foundation (theories used as the basis of the project)
6. Hawkins' strategies (how many of his strategies are incorporated?)
7. Evaluation (how do you plan to evaluate the effectiveness of the program after 5 years?)
8. Conclusion (any anticipated problem, shortcomings, best features, etc.)

 

Extra Points: 

Students attend class regularly and participate in discussion will earn an extra 5-point bonus that will be added to their final score.  Those with more than 2 absence may not be entitled to the bonus points.

 

Grading: 

 
 Grading Standard:  

 

Note:  The Instructor reserves the right to add to, delete from, and rearrange the above course if needed.  

 

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