University of Great Falls

Syllabus

Spring Semester 2008

 

 

COURSE NUMBER & TITLE: MCJ 543 – Administration of Law Enforcement Agencies; 3 credits           

 

COURSE DATES AND TIMES: Tuesday 1:00-1:50, Telecom, Emilie Hall

 

PROFESSOR’S NAME: Dr. Craig A. Ganster

 

PROFESSOR’S CONTACT NUMBERS:

 

OFFICE: Sullivan Hall, Room 201-D; Telephone: 791-5363;

CELL: 868-9835;

EMAIL:  cganster01@ugf.edu

 

OFFICE HOURS: 

 

M	T	W	T	F
9:00-9:30	9:00-9:30	9:00-9:30	9:00-11:00	9:00-9:30
11:00-Noon	11:00-Noon	11:00-Noon	Noon-4:30	11:00-Noon
2:00-4:30	2:00-4:30	2:00-4:30		2:00-4:30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REQUIRED READINGS:  Cordner, G., and Scarborough, K., Police Administration, 6th Ed., Lexis/Nexis, Anderson Publishing Group, Newark, NJ.

 

Chapters 1 through 10, 12 and 13. Each student will be responsible for reading the assigned chapter(s) prior to each class date and be prepared to discuss the material. The obtaining of incentive points will be based on attendance; class participation and student discussions based on the assigned readings.

           

RECOMMENDED TEXT: APA Publication Manuel, 5^th Ed., American Psychological Association, Washington, D.C.

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

 

This course will focus on police managerial underpinnings to include theory and management styles. Operation, leadership skills, and suggestions to create a better understanding of what is required to have an efficient, effective law enforcement agency. Organizational policies and procedures will be presented. Various law enforcement agencies will be examined, and analyzed wherein comparisons and contrasts will be evaluated. 

 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

 

Your first responsibility is to scholarship. The grade you receive will be the result of your efforts, not a gift from the instructor. You are encouraged to give your best effort throughout the entire semester. From the beginning, you should plan for a steady, organized, and continuous effort which in the long run will prove more effective for your final grade than a last minute “crash-cram” policy.

 

Your course grade is not determined solely by exam grades. Such factors as class participation, projects, initiative, and attendance will be considered in grade computation.

 

Good class notes are indispensable for earning a good grade since both the material assigned and discussed will be the basis for examination material. Regular attendance is mandatory for the same reason.

 

You are expected to read all assigned material and bring your textbook to class. Keep up to date and well informed on assignments, especially after a period of excused absence.

 

RUBRICS OF EVALUATION/GRADING

 

EXAMINATIONS: (Total 50%)

 

One examination will be given (take home, open-book/notes)

 

Final exam will be due and received by me via electronic mail attachment NO LATER THAN:  29 April 2008.

 

The final examination will be in an essay format, and will focus on the application of concepts learned in this course.  Open book and all class notes/outlines will be permitted during the examination.

 

RESEARCH PAPER: (Total 40%)

 

You will prepare a 12-15 page research paper using APA academic standards. Research topic: You are to research a significant problem area that any Chief of Police or Sheriff may encounter (e.g., police corruption, police brutality, or officer stress). Prior to beginning your research, you will provide me with the title and area of research for approval no later than 05 Feb. 2008. Each student will cite a minimum of 12 peer reviewed scholarly journal reference articles.

 

The paper will include the following format:

 

Ø      Title page

Ø      Abstract

Ø      Text (with applicable references)

Ø      References

 

 

 

The following headings describe the text portion of your research paper:

 

Ø      Problem Statement

Ø      Review of Pertinent Literature

Ø      Conclusion

 

Your research paper will be turned in and received by me NO LATER THAN:  29 April 2008.  NO EXTENTIONS will be granted. No papers will be accepted via email. Failure to complete and turn in your research paper will result in the loss of 30 points per day thereafter.

 

 

INCENTIVE POINTS: (Total 10%)

 

Incentive points can be earned by actively participating in class discussions and demonstrating a positive attitude toward work assignments. Unexcused absences will result in a reduction of 10 incentive points for each class session missed. Excused absences are absences wherein the student will notify me no later than one hour prior to a missed class and an explanation provided as to the validity of said absence. No incentive points can be earned during an excused absence.

 

 

Point values:

 

            Exam (Final)........................….500 points

            Research paper…………….….400 points

Incentive points.........................100 points

 

                         TOTAL                    1,000 points

 

Point to grade ratio:

 

            900 to 1000  -- A -- Superior

            800 to   899  -- B -- Above Average

            700 to   799  -- C -- Average

            600 to   699  -- D -- Below Average

            Below   600  -- F – Failure

 

PROCTORING (Telecom students only):

 

It is each student’s responsibility to obtain a responsible proctor for administering and monitoring mid-term and final examinations. The appropriate proctoring forms will be provided to you at which time you will have your proctor complete the form and return it to me. It is imperative that your proctor take the initiative to return to me the forms and exams in a timely fashion so that final grades may be posted in accordance with university guidelines. Open-book exams will not require a proctor.

 

 

EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY:

 

I believe students learn through reading required material, active participation in classroom discussions, practical exercises, and the taking of detailed notes. Therefore, my classes include, and are structured toward lectures, and class discussions.

 

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS:

 

Textbook

Lecture outlines to be retrieved from LearnLink

Course audio/video media (VHS or DVD lectures)

 

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS: 

 

Should any student require special accommodations relating to a physical handicap, appropriate provisions will be made available.

 

ACADEMIC CONDUCT:

 

Academic conduct will be in accordance with and governed by the University policy enumerated in the University of Great Falls 2007-2009 Catalog. Plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Any student found cheating on examinations or submitting the work of other persons representing the work to be that of the student submitting same will result in the student receiving a failing grade for the course. If requested by the professor, the student will produce his/her reference materials for any cited work.

 

SYLLABUS:

 

I reserve the right to change the syllabus throughout the semester if it is needed. If changes are made, fair notice will be given to the student to minimize any inconvenience.