Spring 2005

Criminal Justice/Sociology 4331

Tuesday & Thursday 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

JUVENILE DELINQUENCY

Instructor: Dr. Dorothy S. McClellan Office Hours:

Center for Instruction 369 Tuesday & Thursday 12:30-3:00 p.m.

Phone: 361-825-2697 And by appointment

Course Description

This course will examine the extent and nature of juvenile crime in the United States and American society’s response to it. We will begin by examining the nature of adolescence and the history of childhood and juvenile justice. We will also study the major theories and explanations of delinquency, our aim being to develop a national agenda for delinquency prevention.

Required Reading

Larry Siegel & Joseph Senna, Juvenile Delinquency: Theory, Practice & Law,

Eighth Edition, 2003

Jonathan Kozol, Amazing Grace: The Lives of Children and the Conscience of a Nation

Date	Topic
January 13	Introduction & Overview
January 18 & 20 & 25	The Nature of Adolescence & Delinquency Film: The Seasons of Life: Adolescence and/or House of Tomorrow Readings: S&S, Chapter 1 Kozol, Chapters 1 & 2
January 27	The History & Development of Juvenile Justice
February 1, 3	Readings: S&S, Chapter 12 Kozol, Chapter 3 Films: The Creation of Childhood
February 8 & 10	The Nature and Extent of Juvenile Delinquency Readings: S&S, Chapter 2 Kozol, Chapter 4
February 15	Examination
February 17	What is a Theory? Social Structure & Delinquency Readings: S&S, Chapter 4
Theories of Delinquency
February 22 & March 1	Social Structure & Delinquency continued Readings: S&S, Chapter 4 (pp. 106-118) Film: Youth Terror: View From Behind the Gun
February 24-25	Prison trip - Huntsville, Texas
March 3 & 8	Social Process Theories: Learning, Control, & Developmental Readings: S&S, Chapter 4 (pp. 118-124) Film: Children of Violence
March 10	Individual Views of Delinquency Readings: S&S, Chapter 3
March 14-18	Spring Break!
March 22	Social Reaction Theories: Labeling & Conflict Readings: S&S, Chapter 4 (pp. 124-131)
March 24	Examination
Social, Community, and Environmental Influences on Delinquency
March 29 & 31	The Family & Delinquency Readings: S&S, Chapter 7 Guest speakers Readings: Kozol, Chapter 5
April 5	Gender & Delinquency Readings: S&S, Chapter 6
April 7 & 12	Peers & Delinquency: Juvenile Gangs & Groups Readings: S&S, Chapter 8 Guest speakers
April 14	Schools & Delinquency Readings: S&S, Chapter 9
April 19 & 21	Drug Use & Delinquency Readings: S&S, Chapter 10 Guest speakers
April 26 & 28	Life in the Urban Ghetto Readings: Kozol, Chapter 6 and Epilogue
May 3	Delinquency Prevention: Social and Developmental Perspectives Conclusions Readings: S&S, Chapter 11 Review for final examination

Schedule Subject to Change

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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.

* 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 33 1/3% 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.