Sociology 326 (online) The Criminal Justice System

Note: The whole course can be previewed by visiting the class homepage linked at

http://erniethomson.com (available a few weeks before the beginning of each term)

Dr. Ernie Thomson

e-mail: et7477@yahoo.com

phone: 909-593-3511 x4476

office: Hoover Building 109

Requirements and Grading Components

Course grades will be based on the following components:

33% Homework Written homework will be due weekly
33% Midterm Exam Exams will include Multiple Choice, True/False,
33% Final Exam Matching, and Short Answer items

Grading Scale

A = Excellent work on exams and homework
B = Above average work on exams and homework
C = Average work on exams and homework
D = Below average but passing work on exams and homework
F = Work on exams and homework

Course Objectives

This course will provide students with:

An introduction to how political viewpoints shape (and often distort) ideas about crime and crime policy - ideas about how best to deal with crime.

An examination of why "conservative" and "liberal" approaches to the American crime problem are fundamentally flawed and unworkable.

An examination of why the "criminal justice system" is inherently unable to do much about the problems of crime and violence in our society.

Other Information

Students should be prepared to spend between six and ten hours a week on this course since reading and working on your own along with weekly writing assignments replace lectures. You should start early each week on the readings and homework and keep up with the schedule.

This course requires proctored midterm and final exams. Exams can be done in your local area at a ULV Center or by arrangement with a suitable proctor (local librarian, public school official, etc.).