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SOCI 250 - Introduction to Criminology - Katie Coleman

Course:Introduction to Criminology
Professor:Katie Coleman
Email:katie.coleman@canyons.edu
Format:
  • Online
Course Length:
  • Applies to All Course Lengths

Introduction

photo of Professor Coleman

What is this class about, anyway? (Besides everything!)

This class will serve as your introduction to Criminology; you are in for a treat! Sociology is the best subject! Literally, it is the best. I am not kidding; the best. Everything you are interested in, sociology has something to offer. We will look at some fascinating topics in this class including (but not limited to) the big three: race, class and most importantly, crime. Should you already be an expert in crime and criminology? Absolutely not! So much of our world is taken for granted. Sociology actively changes that, forces interrogation and a critical awareness. Nevertheless, there is so much more. Using your newly discovered sociological imagination, everything you once knew is now open for scrutiny, and the mundane becomes extraordinary. Enjoy!

Course Description

Course Description

Explores the scientific study of crime and criminality and the definition of crime and its violations as well as the laws and methods used to control criminal behavior.

Student Learning Outcome: Evaluate various acts of criminality using major sociological concepts and theories.

What to Expect in this Course

Teaching philosophy: It is my intent that students from diverse backgrounds and perspectives will be well-served by this course, that students' learning needs be addressed both in and out of class, and that the diversity that the students bring to this class be viewed as a resource, strength and benefit. It is my intent to present materials and activities that are respectful of diversity: gender identity, sexuality, disability, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, nationality, religion, and culture. Your suggestions are encouraged and appreciated. Please let me know ways to improve the effectiveness of the course for you personally, or for other students or student groups! I love hearing feedback from you!

Emailing: A lot of our communication takes place via email. I can address your issues much faster if I know who you are. It is a good idea to add your name to the email (rather than relying on your mail address). Be sure to edit your Personal Information in CANVAS so that your email address is correct and you receive class emails. Go to Personal Info on the course menu and click on Edit Personal Information to update your email address and name (change it to what you want to be called). I will respond to emails within 48 hours.

I have more than one class, so the subject line of the email should include the class name and your name.

***Remember that for each three-unit sociology class you should expect to spend nine hours per week on the class in a full semester. *** For short-term classes, the amount of hours each week increases to meet the minimum requirement for the three units. This includes reading, taking exams, etc. I want you to be successful so it's good to know what the expectations are. Online courses require a high level of self-initiative and they are well suited to students who possess this quality. 

To do well in this class you will need access to a dependable computer as well as reliable access to the internet. The school has many, many computers available for your use: check out the library, TLC, and ASG computer lab. Your public library also probably has computers for use, but the time allowed may be limited.

Be sure to check out CANVAS for updates and course materials.

Part of being successful in an online class is learning the material and the other part is being comfortable with the format so that you can access the material. If you are new to online courses I strongly suggest you investigate some of the online tutorials. They're easy enough!

Checking in the first day: Please ensure you have logged into Canvas and have completed the syllabus quiz no later than day two of the term; if you do not you will be dropped from this course.

Make-up Policy and Late Assignments: Every assignment has a due date and a deadline for submission. Participants are expected to submit assignments on or before the assigned due date, which, in turn, allows me time to review your work and provide meaningful feedback. Due dates have been designed in the course to ensure time is provided to allow you to produce your best work.

Because time management is challenging, deadlines might not be met. If you foresee an issue with meeting a deadline, talk to me! We will likely be able to figure something out. In the case of a true emergency wherein a student is not able to predict missing a deadline, but does not submit work on time, come see me. Again, with proof of a true emergency, exceptions for submission can be made. Oh, and remember, you got this! 

Academic Honesty: Your work is more valuable than you know! And your efforts and experiences in this class will only be enhanced when you take advantage of the helpful resources COC has to offer. You are smart enough and capable enough to complete your work without using someone else's as your own. And when in doubt, ask me! I am happy to help during my many office hours throughout the week.  While I advocate collaborative learning and teamwork, students should maintain the highest ethical standards in all of their academic endeavors. Plagiarism, cheating, and other misconduct are serious violations of the COC's Academic Conduct Policy, and I am obligated to follow the appropriate and official protocol in response to plagiarism or cheating. Please see COC's Academic Conduct Policy for more information for official guidelines on plagiarism at https://www.canyons.edu/_resources/documents/studentservices/studentserviceslanding/StudentConductCodeRevJune2018.pdf. Links to an external site.

English Language learner: COC welcomes students from around the world and recognizes the unique perspectives international students bring enrich the campus community. To empower students whose first language is not English, an array of ESL support is available on campus including language and culture workshops and individual appointments. For more information about ESL resources at COC, please visit the following website: https://www.canyons.edu/academics/tlc.Links to an external site.

Complete your Educational Plan OnlineA good educational plan is critical to college and career success.  All current students should complete their comprehensive educational plan for College of the Canyons by visiting your My Canyons account. Students can also receive help in creating their education plan by visiting http://www.canyons.edu/MAP.

Types of Assessments

This course will use quizzes, discussion boards, exams and assignments.

Textbook Information

Students will not need to purchase any materials for this class.

Other Relevant Course Information

Get ready for the best class ever!


Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

  • CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
  • CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 08/19/2023 Sub#: 751