Course Syllabus

Title:  Crime and Public Policy

Number: P619

Meets Wednesdays from 9:10-11:40, in person

Course Description:

This course will stress your potential role in shaping criminal justice or security related policy.  You will choose the policy issue that you will propose to resolve and the organization or location considered to be affected by this policy. Policy at any level of organization, government or company can be selected. A formal and structured method of gathering information through your research and
substantive knowledge must be used.

The course will culminate in your completion of a policy paper option and a power point presentation that will be used to convey your policy to your target audience. These will satisfy the capstone/substantial paper requirement for the master’s degree. Thus, the class sessions are designed to lead you through the steps necessary for completion of this project. There will be assignments that
must be completed in accord with the class schedule for satisfactory progress to be made and to ensure that the project is completed within the semester.

Course Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, a student should be able to:

1. Think methodically
2. Understand and think critically about the issues involved in designing, conducting, and assessing programs and policies
3. Gain an understanding of and appreciation for the role of research in the practical and policy environments
4. Become more sophisticated consumers of evaluation research, recognizing the strengths and weakness of analytical designs used to investigate the efficiency and effectiveness of public initiatives
5. Gain experience in research development and academic writing for a policy audience

Grading Weights/Scales:

A+ (97-100%); A (94-96%); A- (90-93%); B+ (87-89%); B (84-86%); B- (80-83%); C+ (77-79%); C(74-76%); C- (70-73%); D+ (67-69%); D (64-66%); D- (60-63%); F (59-0%)

Assessments:

Policy paper - 100 points

Policy presentation - 50 points

Assignments related to policy paper - 75 points

Class assignments and participation - 75

Attendance:

While all students are expected to attend every class, attendance will not be graded. If you are not feeling well, please use your discretion about whether it is safe to come to class. In the event that you need to miss class, YOU are responsible for making arrangements to get notes from a classmate to make up for what you have missed. 

According to guidance from the Dean of Students, if you miss more than 20% of the semester (approximately 3 weeks) for medical or personal reasons, it may be best to consider withdrawing from all courses until you are able to return and focus on your academic goals.  If you are experiencing challenges with attendance, contact the Student Care and Resource
Center (Indiana Memorial Union, lobby level next to Biddle Hotel Lobby); which can provide attendance memos in the event of hospitalization, or the death of an immediate family member.

If you need accommodations due to temporary impairments, including, but not limited to, broken bones, sprains, concussions, and appendicitis,” contact Accessible Educational Services.