Graduate Course Proposal Form Submission Detail - CCJ6705
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Current Status:
Approved by SCNS
- 2016-06-01
Campus: Tampa
Submission Type: Change
Course Change Information (for course changes only): Change hours from 4 to 3-4 variable
Comments: Res methods course (CCJ 6704 at 3 credits) apprd as part of prog chg in 2014. SCNS denied course. Alternative request to chge existing course to var credit (3-4 hours). CBCS approved. GC Appd; To USF Sys 4/21/16; to SCNS after 4/28/16. Appd eff 6/1/16
- Department and Contact Information
Tracking Number Date & Time Submitted 5254 2015-08-28 Department College Budget Account Number Criminology BC 122100 Contact Person Phone Email Elizabeth Cass 8139740168 ecass@usf.edu
- Course Information
Prefix Number Full Title CCJ 6705 Research Methods in Criminology Is the course title variable? N Is a permit required for registration? N Are the credit hours variable? Y Is this course repeatable? If repeatable, how many times? Credit Hours Section Type Grading Option 3-4 C - Class Lecture (Primarily) R - Regular Abbreviated Title (30 characters maximum) Research Methods in Crim Course Online? Percentage Online C - Face-to-face (0% online) 0 Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
Course Description
Introduction to the basic methods of criminological research; overviews philosophy of science, research ethics, research design issues such as sampling and measurement, and methods of data collection, including survey, experimental, and evaluation resear
- Justification
A. Please briefly explain why it is necessary and/or desirable to add this course.
B. What is the need or demand for this course? (Indicate if this course is part of a required sequence in the major.) What other programs would this course service?
C. Has this course been offered as Selected Topics/Experimental Topics course? If yes, how many times?
No
D. What qualifications for training and/or experience are necessary to teach this course? (List minimum qualifications for the instructor.)
A PhD in criminology, criminal justice or a related discipline. No additional qualifications are required.
- Other Course Information
A. Objectives
This course is designed to give students the tools:
to examine the philosophical basis of research including issues related to metaphysical, ontology and the philosophy of science,
to identify the conditions for establishing research capable of addressing causality.
to identify research methods concepts such as conceptualization, operationalization, variables and hypotheses.
to explore the basic structure of research designs, and their two primary forms experimental and quasi-experimental.
to investigate issues related to sampling.
B. Learning Outcomes
At the conclusion of the course, the student should be able to understand how criminal justice research is conducted, evaluated, interpreted, and presented. Specifically, students will:
1. discuss why knowledge of research methods is valuable to criminal justice students and professionals;
2. identify and evaluate the research methods used in CJ research;
3. explain the basics of probability and nonprobability sampling methods;
4. design a research project with all of the primary ingredients of research methodology.
C. Major Topics
The Philosophy of Science
Causality
Measurement, Concepts, Operationalization, Variables, Hypotheses.
Experimental and Quasi-expermental Research Designs.
Sampling Procedures
Sampling Methods
Survey Research
Application.
D. Textbooks
Shadish, William R., Thomas D. Cook and Donald T. Campbell. 2002. Experimental and Quasi Experimental Designs. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.
Earle, William James, 1992/1991. Introduction to Philosophy. NY: McGraw-Hill.
E. Course Readings, Online Resources, and Other Purchases
None
F. Student Expectations/Requirements and Grading Policy
Final Exam 30%
Class Discussion 20%
Attendance 10%
Project and Presentation 20%
Homework 20%
G. Assignments, Exams and Tests
Class Discussion (20%)
Class discussion is used to determine if students are grasping the concepts being taught. These contributions include answers to questions posed about the benefits and limitations of various research methods for the study of criminology and criminal justice issues.
Homework (20%)
There are periodic homework assignments to complete. These will be announced in class. These assignments relate to course topics and to your application of them for your term paper and presentation. These assignments give you periodic feedback on the development of your work for your term paper.
Project and Presentation (20%)
Each student is required to complete a term project. The term project consists of several written weekly assignments that culminate in a formal term paper describing a proposed research study that must be handed in by the end of the course.
H. Attendance Policy
Course Attendance at First Class Meeting Policy for Graduate Students: For structured courses, 6000 and above, the College/Campus Dean will set the first-day class attendance requirement. Check with the College for specific information. This policy is not applicable to courses in the following categories: Educational Outreach, Open University (TV), FEEDS Program, Community Experiential Learning (CEL), Cooperative Education Training, and courses that do not have regularly scheduled meeting days/times (such as, directed reading/research or study, individual research, thesis, dissertation, internship, practica, etc.). Students are responsible for dropping undesired courses in these categories by the 5th day of classes to avoid fee liability and academic penalty. (See USF Regulation Registration - 4.0101,
http://usfweb2.usf.edu/usfgc/ogc%20web/currentreg.htm)
Attendance Policy for the Observance of Religious Days by Students: In accordance with Sections 1006.53 and 1001.74(10)(g) Florida Statutes and Board of Governors Regulation 6C-6.0115, the University of South Florida (University/USF) has established the following policy regarding religious observances: (http://usfweb2.usf.edu/usfgc/gc_pp/acadaf/gc10-045.htm)
In the event of an emergency, it may be necessary for USF to suspend normal operations. During this time, USF may opt to continue delivery of instruction through methods that include but are not limited to: Blackboard, Elluminate, Skype, and email messaging and/or an alternate schedule. Its the responsibility of the student to monitor Blackboard site for each class for course specific communication, and the main USF, College, and department websites, emails, and MoBull messages for important general information.
I. Policy on Make-up Work
Late exams will not be accepted. A student who misses an oral presentation will need to provide documentation showing a medical or family emergency.
Incomplete (I) grades are strongly discouraged and will be given if, and only if, (1) the student has completed a majority of the course requirements and is otherwise earning a passing grade, and (2) the student shows significant proof of hardship that disallows him or her to complete the coursework.
J. Program This Course Supports
MA in Criminology and MACJA
- Course Concurrence Information
MACJA
- if you have questions about any of these fields, please contact chinescobb@grad.usf.edu or joe@grad.usf.edu.
