Class Time: 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Meeting Dates: March 17 – May 12, 2005
Instructor: Dennis W. Catlin, Ph.D.
Office Location: NAU-Southern Arizona Regional Office
401 N. Bonita Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85709
Office Phone: (520) 879-7915 – Tucson
97915 – Flagstaff Campus Number
Pager: (520) 410-1701 – Tucson
(928) 556-7827 – Flagstaff
Home Phone: (520)296-9849
E-mail: dennis.catlin@nau.edu (FOR NON CLASS COMMUNICATION)
All communications related to this call must come through WebCT. I will not answer class related E-mail that comes to my NAU address.
Website: http://jan.ucc.nau.edu/~dwc5/
Office Hours: Before and after class and by appointment
Everyday we are faced with moral and ethical dilemmas in our personal and professional lives. Those who serve in the criminal justice system have a duty to act responsibly and ethically as they exercise the power entrusted to them by our form of government. During this course we will:
There is no ethical position I expect to take, but I do expect that you thoroughly develop, analyze, and express the nature and application of your own system. We often try to avoid ethical problems because they are very difficult. However, with the proper tools, they can be understood and they can be enlightening and fun.
Due to the compressed nature of this course, attendance is mandatory. Any student who misses the first class for any reason will be administratively withdrawn by me on March 18. Anyone missing more than the one class (or the equivalent of one class) for any reason will have their final grade reduced by one grade for each class, or portion of a class, missed beyond one . Should there be changes in the schedule of assignments or curriculum, it is your responsibility to stay informed of the changes.
Students with disabilities documented by Northern Arizona University ’s Disability Support Services are encouraged to self-identify on a confidential basis to the instructor and provide a statement of accommodations. If you have any questions regarding accommodations they should be directed to the Disability Support Services Office at (520) 523-8773, TTY (520) 523-6906.
This course will be conducted using a variety of educational methods. This includes lecture, discussion, on-line discussion, small group work, videotapes, guest speakers, role-playing, and simulation.
Grades will be based on your performance on examinations and writing assignments, class attendance, and participation in class discussions.
To receive a grade in this course, all tests must be taken and all writing assignments handed in. In other words, if all tests are not taken and all assignments are not handed in, an “F” will be given.
There will be a mid-session test worth 100 points and a final test worth 100 points. These tests may consist of multiple choice, true false, short answer, and essay questions. The tests will cover lecture and discussion, text, and reading material. The preliminary dates of the tests are reflected in the attached course schedule. The date of the first test is subject to change depending on the progression of the course. It is your responsibility to remain informed about test dates.
One article review from a scholarly academic journal will be required. This review can come from any area of ethical concern but must directly address ethics. I would suggest that any article you select have the word ethics or morality in the title or abstract.
The article review must be based on articles appearing in scholarly peer reviewed academic journals. Publications such as Time, Newsweek, People Magazine, etc. do not qualify.
In order to assure that the article is appropriate, you must submit the full citation of the article to me for my review and approval on the date and time reflected in the Course Currriculum and Schedule. Not doing so will endanger your score should you select and inappropriate article. I have attached a list of possible scholarly peer review journals that qualify.
The article is on the date and time reflected in the Course Curriculum and Schedule. Your score will be reduced by 10 points for every day or portion of a day that the review is late.
They must be typed and double-spaced with 1 inch margins and in 12 point type. The length will depend on the article you choose. All writing assignment MUST be in either Microsoft Word or Word Perfect. I will not accept assignments submitted in MICROSOFT WORKS or RICH TEXT FORMAT (RTF). If you do not have WORD or WORD PERFECT, you should arrange to obtain a copy before beginning this class.
The following general criteria will be used in grading the article reviews:
0 Missing, turned in late and score reduced or article from unacceptable journal
10 Turned in but unintelligible or erroneous.
20 Covered some of required elements, but serious omissions
30 Covered all of the elements in a minimal fashion
40 Covered all of the elements in depth but provided little or no independent analysis
50 Covered all of the elements and showed ability to provide an independent analysis
Ethics Policy Paper
The ethics policy paper will require you to select a criminal justice policy and examine it in light of the values and ethics theories we have been studying. There is a wide range of possible policy issues you might select. Some examples are:
In order to make sure this paper is progressing, there are several preliminary materials you must submit. The dates for the submissions are in the timetable. These preliminary materials are:
The paper should be 12 – 15 pages in length. It should be double spaced, 12 point type with 1 inch margins. The references and citations must be in the APA (American Psychological Association) style. You must have at least 6 references from scholarly sources (books and journals). You cannot use any of the readings we are using in class for these 6 references; however, you may use them as supplemental material.
You will receive a “0” if the paper is turned in late.
General Instructions for Writing Assignments
The general rule for all writing assignments is that they are grammatically correct and checked thoroughly for spelling. Further, the organization of writing assignments must follow a logical and coherent pattern. Points will be deducted for misspelling as well as poor grammar, sentence structure, and organization.
All writing assignment MUST be in either Microsoft Word or Word Perfect. I will not accept assignments submitted in MICROSOFT WORKS or RICH TEXT FORMAT (RTF). If you do not have WORD or WORD PERFECT, you should arrange to obtain a copy before beginning this class.
All writing assignments must be done in either Microsoft Word or Corel Word Perfect. They MUST BE submitted on the date and at the time indicated in the Course Curriculum and Schedule. They will be submitted using WebCT’s Assignment Tool. . This will be explained in detail. No other means of submitting them will be acceptable.
You are responsible for the timely and accurate submission of these papers. You are responsible for insuring that the papers are attached to your submissions. Submissions without attachments will not suffice for meeting deadlines.
I reserve 50 points of the total grade points and will assign those points based on my sole judgment of the quality and frequency of your participation. You will be graded not only on your in-class participation but also your on-line participation.
There will be on-line discussions. You are required at a minimum to respond to every question I pose to you during on-line discussions.
If it appears that students are not preparing for class, or there are excessive absences, I will exercise the option of conducting quizzes at the beginning or end of class. Each quiz will be worth 10points.
90-100% = A
80-89% = B
70-79% = C
60-69% = D
Less than 60%=F
COURSE CURRICULUM AND SCHEDULE
Attached is a Preliminary Schedule of Topics, Readings , and Assignment Deadlines. From time to time this schedule may change and I reserve the right to change the schedule and curriculum depending on the course progression. I also will hand out additional readings, as they may be required. It is your responsibility to remain current on the course schedule, reading assignments, test dates, and deadline dates for assignments.
Preliminary Schedule of Topics, Readings, and Assignment Deadlines
Class |
Topic |
Readings |
Exams/ Assignments |
March 17 |
Course Introduction What is Ethics Defining Ethics Ethical Systems |
||
March 31 |
Ethical Systems |
Discussion Readings Chapter 1 “Doing Ethics and The Basic Language of Ethics” Chapter 2 “Ethical Theories and Systems” Readings on the Ethics of Virtue |
|
April 7 |
Ethical Systems Defining Moral and Ethical Behavior Moral Development |
Discussion Reading Chapter 3 “Moral Relativism and Absolutism” Discussion Reading Chapter 4 “Developing Moral Judgment” Additional On-line Readings to be Assigned |
Policy Paper Topic Due Submit Article for Approval due 1:00 PM. |
April 14 ON-LINE DISCUSSION THIS WEEK |
Analyzing Ethical Dilemmas Justice and the Law |
Discussion Reading Chapter 5 “Ethical Dilemmas and Ethical Analysis” Reading to Be Assigned |
|
April 21 |
Law Enforcement Ethics |
Discussion Reading Chapter 6 “Law Enforcement Ethics” “Ethical Orientations of State Police Recruits” |
Test 1 Policy Paper Outline and References Due by 1:00 PM |
April 28 |
Judicial and Legal Ethics |
Discussion Reading Chapter 7 “ Judicial Ethics Muraskin, M. “Ethical concerns of a criminal defense attorney” In Morality and The Law, Muraskin, R and Muraskin, M. (Eds). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Printice Hall. 2001. pp. 41 – 49. McDonough, C., McDonugh, D. B. and Keenan, R. G. “The ethical obligations of the criminal prosecutor”. In Morality and The Law, Muraskin, R and Muraskin, M. (Eds). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Printice Hall. 2001. pp. 50-64. |
Article Review Due by 1:00 PM. |
May 5 |
Ethical Issues in Corrections |
Pollock, J. M. Ethics in crime and justice (3 rd edition). Belmont, CA: West/Wadsworth. 1998. pp. 287-324 |
|
May 12 |
Course Conclusion |
Test 2 Final Paper Due by 1:00 PM |
The following are acceptable scholarly academic journals for article reviews and for the issue paper.
These journals are available through NAU Cline Library and University of Arizona Library unless indicated by (UA) in which case it is only available through the U of A.
Justice System Journals
Administration, Management, and Organizational Theory Journals
The following are not acceptable as scholarly academic journals for purposes of article reviews.
NAU’s Safe Working and Learning Environment Policy seeks to prohibit discrimination and promote the safety of all individuals within the University. The goal of this policy is to prevent the occurrence of discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status and to prevent sexual harassment, sexual assault, or retaliation by anyone at this university.
You may obtain a copy of this policy from the college dean’s office. If you have concerns about this policy, it is important that you contact the departmental chair, dean’s office, the Office of Student Life (523-5181), the academic ombudsperson (523-9368), or NAU’s Office of Affirmative Action (523-3312).
STUDENT WITH DISABLILITIES
If you have a learning and /or physical disability, you are encouraged to make arrangements for class assignments/exams so your academic performance will not suffer because of the disability or handicap. If you have questions about special provisions for students with disabilities, contact the Counseling and Testing Center (523-2261).
It is your responsibility to register with the Counseling and Testing Center . Application for services should be made at least eight weeks before the start of the semester.
If the Counseling and Testing Center verifies your eligibility for special services, you should consult with your instructor during the first week in the semester so appropriate arrangements can be made. Concerns related to noncompliance with appropriate provisions should be directed to the Disability Support Services coordinator in the Counseling and Testing Center .
INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD
Any study involving observation of or interaction with human subjects that originates at NAU - including a course project, report, or research paper – must be reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for the protection of human subjects in research and research –related activities.
The IRB meets once each month. Proposals must be submitted for review at least fifteen working days before the monthly meeting. You should consult with your course instructor early in the course to ascertain if your project needs to be reviewed by the IRB and/ or to secure information or appropriate forms and procedures for the IRB review. Your instructor and department chair or college dean must sign the application for approval by the IRB. The IRB categorizes projects into three levels depending on the nature of the project: exempt from further review, expedited review, or full board review. If the IRB certifies that a project is exempt from further review, you need not resubmit the project for continuing IRB review as long as there are no modifications in the exempted procedures.
A copy of the IRB Policy and Procedures Manual is available in each department’s administrative office and each college dean’s office. If you have questions, contact Carey Conover, Office of Grant and Contract Services, at 523-4889.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
The university takes an extremely serious view of violations of academic integrity. As members of the academic community, NAU’s Administration, faculty, staff, and students are dedicated to promoting an atmosphere of honesty and are committed to maintaining the academic integrity essential to the educational process. Inherent in this commitment is the belief that academic dishonesty in all forms violates the basic principles of integrity and impedes learning.
It is the responsibility of individual faculty members to identify instances of academic dishonesty and recommend penalties to the department chair or college dean in keeping with the severity of the violation. Penalties may range from verbal chastisement to a failing grade in the course. The complete policy on academic integrity is in Appendix F of NAU’s Student Handbook.
CLASSROOM CIVILITY STATEMENT
Membership in the academic community places a special obligation on all members to preserve an atmosphere conducive to the freedom to teach and to learn. Part of the obligation implies the responsibility of each member of the NAU community to maintain a positive learning environment in which the behavior of any individual does not disrupt the classes of teachers or learners.
It is the responsibility of the individual faculty member to determine, maintain, and enforce the standards of behavior acceptable to preserving an atmosphere appropriate for teaching and learning. Students will be warned if their behavior is evaluated by the faculty member as disruptive.
Sanctions may include a range of responses from immediate removal from class to referral to the appropriate academic unit and/or the Office of Student Life to review pertinent alleged university violations of ethical and behavioral standards. Significant and/or continued violations may result in administrative withdrawal from the class.