SYLLABUS FOR Introduction to Research of Public Safety IssueS

Group 20

Term: Fall, 2010 (Octob= er 7, 2010 – November 4, 2010)

Course Number: PSM 325

Instructor: James M. Mack= ert

Contact Numbers: 1-312-= 493-6666

E-ma= il: jmx726@msn.com

Office Hours: by appointment

Course Times & Locations:&n= bsp; Thursdays, 5:45 -9:30 PM at the Oak Lawn Fire Department – 645= 7 W 93^RD Place.

Course Description: This course assists students to dev= elop the ability to utilize applied research techniques in public safety setting= s. Emphasis will be placed on problem identification, the collection and analy= sis of primary data, and the writing of research reports. A research paper on a selected topic will be required.

Learning Outcomes/ Competencies: Students in this course will:

1. = ; Demonstrate writing skills, using appropriate grammar, punctuation, style and development,

2. = ; Conduct academic research using valid source= s: Internet, Library, Journals, etc.

3. = ; Use APA format correctly,<= /p>

4. = ; Utilize the Public Safety Management Undergraduate Writing Manual in preparing a research paper.

Textbooks: &n= bsp;

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6^th edition;

CCSJ Public Safety Management Undergraduate Writing Manual= , (Updated, Spri= ng 2010);

The Criminal Justice Student Writer's Manual (3rd Ed.). = Johnson, W. A., Rettig, R.P., Sco= tt, G.M., & Garrison, S.M. (2002). Prentice Hall= . Upper Saddle River, NJ.
Learning Strategies: Lecture, group discussion, collaboration, software exploration, formatting familiarization

Class Schedule:        &= nbsp;

Thursday,

October 7, 2010<= /p>

Instructor-Student Introductions &= amp; Syllabus Review

- Review of CCSJ Writing Manual &a= mp; APA Format

- Wh= at final paper should contain: (Title Page, Abstract, Ta= ble of Contents, Main Content, Citations, References)

- Written Project Topic Discussion=

- Discussion on Conducting Research via CCSJ library

Assignments Due Next Week: Topic, Formatted Title Page, CCSJ Library Research Source(s)

Thursday,

October 14, 2010=

Group Discussion on Week 1 Assignm= ents

- Margins, Running Header, Page Numbering,

- Abstract Development: (What does an Abstract do? Does an Abstract change prior to final submission?)

- Introduction Development: (What is an Introduction?)=

Assignments Due Next Week: Formatted Abstract and Table of Contents, One Page of Content, 1 Formatted Reference

Thursday,

October 21, 2010

Group Discussion on Week 2 Assignm= ents

- Table of Contents Development (Formatting a Table of Contents)

- Reference Development: (What is a source? What is a valid s= ource? What is the proper format of referencing a source?)=

Assignments Due Next Week: Formatted Abstract and Table of Contents, Two (additional) Pa= ges of Content, 2 Different Formatted References

Thursday,

October 28, 2010

Group Discussion on Week 3 Assignm= ents

- Literature Review (Content) Development: (Authors,/Experts, Objectivity, Factual Focus)

- Citations: (Discussion on the academic responsibilities related to proper citation of sources.)

- Further Reference Development: (Continuation of Week3 work on prope= rly formatting referencing sources.)

- Quotation Use: (What is the proper use of a quotation? How does one properly use= a long quotation?) <= /o:p>

- Search Engine and Data Base Use:= (Where are search engines and data b= ases located? How does one use the material(s) from search engines and data bases?)

- Final Formatting of the Reference Page

- Ethical Academic Writing: (What do students and institutions f= ocus so much time and energy on formatted writing?)

- Final Project Discussion: (In-Class Q & A of the entire pr= ocess, format, Writing Manual, etc)

Assignments Due Next Week: Additional Page of Content (w/Citations), 2 (additional) Formatted References

Final Written Project s are Submit= ted at start of next Class

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Group Discussion on Week 4 Assignm= ents

Final Class Session

- Project Submission

- In-Class Presentation (Overview)= of Final Projects <= /span>

Assessment:
Formatted, Written Project*&nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;   50% of total grade

Weekly Written Assignments/Participation**            =             &nb= sp;            =             2= 0% of total grade

Mandatory Outside Readings***        &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           20% of total grade     = ;          <= /span>

Attendance   &n= bsp;            = ;            &n= bsp;            = ;            &n= bsp;            = ;            &n= bsp;            = ;            &n= bsp;   10% of total grade

Alternative Subject-Related Textbooks: The following are suggested for those interested in other related tex= ts:

*Properly Formatted, Written Project: The written project subject-matter will be discussed and assigned with student/instructor input during = the first two class sessions. The properly formatted, written projects are wort= h 50% of the total course grade. The project must be typed, in proper CCSJ= , APA format, contain necessary components as discussed during in-class sessions… all of which wi= ll be addressed by Instructor.

**Weekly Written Assignments/Pa= rticipation: The process of grasping the proper formatting requirements needed to successfully produce an academic work tak= es place throughout this course, as demonstrated by the weekly written assignments. The written assignments are due at the start of each class. Cl= ass participation is vital to any learning process. Students must be prepared t= o discuss the assignments as listed. Each and every student is strongly encouraged to actively participate throughout this course. Class participation (or lack thereof), may affect an individual’s learning and is certainly includ= ed in the determination of the individual student’s final grade.

*** Mandatory ‘Outside’ Readings: Students are not only encouraged to become involved in independent readings; they ar= e required to locate 2 separate…course-specific readings (one from an Internet source). Outside readings are to be brought to class and presented. Article content = will then be further discussed on its relevance, professional impact and overall potential to be accepted and/or rejected by today’s members of the pu= blic safety community.

Grading Scale: This course is based on= a 4.0 scale. Course assignments are evaluated and converted to this scale. When t= he course is completed, a mean will be determined. The following rubric is utilized in determining grades…

Gr= ade

Po= ints

Gr= ade

Po= ints

A

100-92

C

77-72

A-

91-90

C-

71-70

B+

89-88

D+

69-68

B

87-82

D

67-62

B-

81-80

D-

61-60

C+

79-78

F

59 & below

Class Policy on Attendance:&n= bsp; It is a serious matter when a student misses (even one) class session= due to the accelerated format of this graduate program. Additionally, attendance for this course is paramount for successful completion of the Final Project= and therefore required for each and every student, each and every class session. Per program guidelines, if the student misses more than one class session, he/she will be required to withdraw from this module by contacting the CCSJ Graduate Academic Coordinator…as well as the instructor. <= /span>

Course Policy for Assignments: Students will be given ample time to work on their assignments. All assignments are to be turned in at the begin= ning of the class period on the day they are due. Students should be aware that = late assignments are accepted, but reduced by (at least) one letter grade, unless previous arrangements have been made and agreed to between the student and = the instructor.

Citation Guidelines: Calumet College of St. Joseph’s PSM program adheres to A= PA guidelines as prescribed by the program’s internal Public Safety Management Writing Manual and the most recent APA Writing Manual. These guidelines are available in = the Calumet College of St. Joseph library or bookstore. Other texts that outline how to ci= te references in the APA style, including electronic media and web-based locat= ions are available, but not required.

Statement of Plagiarism: If an instructor or other Calumet College of St. Joseph personnel find that a student has plagiarized or been involved in another form of academic dishonesty, the instructor or other personnel may elect to bring the matter up for judicial review. The maximum penalty for any form of academic dishonesty is dismissal from the College. The procedures for judicial review are listed under the section of CCSJ handbook that addresses student grievances.

Please note: Calumet College of St. Joseph subscribes to electronic search engines where= all papers can and may be submitted for checks on plagiarism from the Internet/Electronic sources/Databases.

Disability Services:= The Student Support Services Office is the primary office to guide, counsel and assist students with disabilities. If you have reasonable accommodation needs (e.g., extended time needed for tests, note taking assistance, special testing arrangements, etc.) because of a disabil= ity, contact the Student Support Services Office at 219-473-4388. Student Support Services staff will require documentation pertinent to your disabil= ity. If you already receive services through the Student Support Services Office and require accommodations for this class, make an appointment as so= on as possible to discuss your needs. Calumet College of St. Joseph will hold any information you share in the strictest confidence unless you reque= st that it be shared.

Class Policy on Electronic Devices: With regards and respect for student= s, the learning process and to ensure everyone remains undisturbed while attempting to grasp the extensive amount of information of this course…all cell phones, paging devices = or other electronic devices should be off or set to silent mode prior to entering classrooms.

Tutoring Center: The Tutoring Center is dedicated to supporting Calumet College of St. Joseph students.&nb= sp; Students work with tutors to develop course competencies and study skills such as time management, test preparation, and note taking. In addition, students are provided= with tutoring support to help pass courses, to improve grade point average, and = to promote continuing education and career advancement. Tutors have a specific charge: to = help students learn how to master specific subject matter and to develop effecti= ve learning skills. Tutoring is = open to all students at Calumet College of St. Joseph at no charge and is availa= ble to support most introductory courses. Tutoring in support of some other courses is available as well. The Tutoring Center is located in = Room 413. The telephone number is 219.473.4287 or 800.700.9100 ext. 287.

Withdrawal from Classes Policy:<= span style=3D'mso-tab-count:1'>        &= nbsp;       There are two types of withdrawals; Student-initiated withdrawal: Students may withdraw from a course at any point before the last class session by contacting Academic Advising. A withdrawal is indicated by a “W” on a student’= ;s grade report and transcript. = Administrative withdrawal: Students are administratively withdrawn from a course if they miss more than 1 class session (or a total = of four hours) of any given course. An administrative withdrawal is indicated = by a “W” on the student’s report card and transcript.

(Note): Withdrawn courses require full payment, within the term. How= ever, if you withdraw from a class you may take it again at no charge the second = time. If you withdraw from the same class twice you will have to pay for it when you register the third time. Contact your academic advisor to find out when the course will be offered.

CCSJ ALERT=

CCSJ utilizes an emergency communications system that transmits messages via text, email, and voice platforms. In the event of an emergency, weather related closings, or other incidents, registered students for the system receive incident specific message(s) notifying them. Please sign-up for this service at any time on t= he website. Alternatively, you can register at the time you register for class= es. This service requires each user to register once per academic year. Therefo= re, at the beginning of each academic year, please remember to re-register for = the system.

School Closing Information:

Internet:        &= nbsp;      http://www.ccsj.edu, http://= www.EmergencyClosings.com or Facilities @ 1-219.473.4770

Radio:        &= nbsp;          <= /b>WAKE – 1500 AM, WGN – 720 AM, WIJE – 105.5 FM, WLS – 890= AM, WZVN – 107.1 FM

WBBM NEWS RADIO 78

TV Channels: <= span style=3D'font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"T= imes New Roman"'>    CBS, NBC, ABC, WGN, FOX, and all other local Cable Channels

Gr= ade	Po= ints	Gr= ade	Po= ints
A	100-92	C	77-72
A-	91-90	C-	71-70
B+	89-88	D+	69-68
B	87-82	D	67-62
B-	81-80	D-	61-60
C+	79-78	F	59 & below