Spring 2002
Criminal Justice 4331.002
Wednesday 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Center for Instruction 112
Juvenile Delinquency

Instructor: Dr. Dorothy S. McClellan
Center for Instruction 369
Phone: 825-2697
E-mail: dorothym@falcon.tamucc.edu

Office Hours:
Tuesday 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Wednesday 5:00-6:30 p.m.
Thursday 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
And by appointment
Course Description:
Examination of the extent and nature of juvenile crime today. History and theory of delinquency causation and society's response to it.
Required Reading:
     Larry Siegel & Joseph Senna, Juvenile Delinquency: Theory, Practice & Law, Seventh Edition, 1999
     Jonathan Kozol, Amazing Grace: The Lives of Children and the Conscience of a Nation, 1995

DATETOPIC
January 16 Introduction & Overview
The Nature of Adolescence & Delinquency
Film: The Seasons of Life: Adolescence and/or
House of Tomorrow
January 23 & 30 The History & Development of Juvenile Justice
Readings: S&S, Chapters 1 & 12
Kozol, Chapters 1, 2, 3
Films: The Creation of Childhood
February 6 The Nature and Extent of Juvenile Delinquency
Readings: S&S, Chapter 2
Kozol, Chapter 4
February 13 Examination
Theories of Delinquency
February 20 What is a Theory?
Social Structure & Delinquency
Readings: S&S, Chapter 4
Film: Youth Terror: View From Behind the Gun
February 21-22 Prison trip - Huntsville, Texas
February 27 Social Process Theories: Learning, Control, & Developmental
Readings: S&S, Chapter 5
Film: Children of Violence
March 6 & 13 Social Reaction Theories: Labeling & Conflict
Readings: S&S, Chapter 6
March 18 - 22 Spring Break!
March 27 Examination
Environmental Influences on Delinquency
April 3 The Family & Delinquency
Readings: S&S, Chapter 8
Guest speakers
Readings: Kozol, Chapter 5
April 10 Peers & Delinquency: Juvenile Gangs & Groups
Readings: S&S, Chapter 9
Guest speakers
*April 17 Schools & Delinquency
Readings: S&S, Chapter 10
Guest speakers
*Event Response Form due by 7 p.m.
April 24 Drugs & Delinquency
Readings: S&S, Chapter 11
Guest speakers
*May 1 Life in the Urban Ghetto
Readings: Kozol, Chapter 6 and Epilogue
Conclusions
Review for final examination
*Event Response Form due by 7 p.m.
Schedule Subject to Change

Juvenile Delinquency
CRIJ/SOCI 4331.001
Course Requirements

  • Examinations: Three examinations, including final. Examinations will include multiple choice, true/false, short answer, and essay questions. Make up examinations will be given in exceptional circumstances or with a doctor's note.

  • Two Event Response Forms. Students will be asked to complete two comment forms on the content of films, field trips, and/or presentations made by guest speakers. In the interest of preventing absences on the day that response forms are due, I have extended the deadline for submission to 7 p.m., only for those who are present in class.

  • Attendance. Attendance is required for a passing grade in the course. Final grade will be lowered 2 points for each absence after the third.

    • The final course grade will be determined as follows:

          3 Examinations    20% each
          2 Event Response Forms    20% each

    Academic Honesty

    Students are reminded of the university's strict prohibition against cheating and plagiarism. Punishment for such behavior may include expulsion from the university and a grade of F. Read attached sheet carefully to avoid plagiarism.
    Important Dates to Remember:
         February 13 Examination
         February 21-22 Prison trip - Huntsville, Texas
         March 18-22 Spring Break!
         March 27 Examination
         April 17 Response Form due by 7:00 p.m. Late papers will not receive full credit.
         May 1 Response Form due by 7:00 p.m. Late papers will not receive full credit.
         May 8 (Wednesday) Final Examination (7:00 p.m.)