Syllabus for Special Topics

SPECIAL TOPICS
MEXICO: NARCO-CRIME
SYLLABUS
Instructor: Dr. Tom O'Connor or assigned instructor
This is a "master" syllabus and may not be your actual syllabus
Assigned instructors may or may not use this material

Class meets: as scheduled Office hours: as scheduled APSU Center @ Ft. Campbell Telephone: (931) 221-1431, (931) 221-1493 (Fax) Email: oconnort@apsu.edu Website: www.drtomoconnor.com
*Textbook: Grayson, G. (2009). Mexico: Narco-violence and a failed state?* Piscataway, NJ: Transaction Publishers. ISBN-13: 978-1412811514**

COURSE DESIGNATION: PM 4200 Special Topics: Mexico: Narco-crime (3 semester hours)

COURSE DESCRIPTION AND PREREQUISITES: This elective course enables the program to address the very latest issues in law enforcement. Special Topics in Criminal Justice is a seminar course on current issues such as racial profiling; control of terrorism versus individual liberties; or the effectiveness of habitual criminal statutes. (no prerequisites)

1. To acquire an understanding of special topics in criminal justice and homeland security
2. To understand the ways in which agencies operate in special, high-profile areas
3. To examine the historical evolution of missions, functions, and roles in society
4. To appreciate emergent ethical, political, and social dilemmas in the latest issues
5. To articulate informed opinion about the benefits and drawbacks of policy initiatives
6. To consolidate knowledge gained from all previous and concurrent coursework
7. To appreciate changes that are needed for future successes in homeland security

In addition to the above objectives, the more general goals of this course are to provide the student with the following tools to help develop his or her potential:
1. Development of the student's analytical thinking capabilities through comparison and contrast in the application of theories and concepts to social problems
2. Enhancement of the student's literacy skills through assigned readings, discussions, examinations, and other requirements
3. Utilization of the historical perspective which helps with student understanding of evolutionary developments over time
4. Understanding of the scientific method through research requirements and in-depth case studies
5. Improvement in social interaction skills and understanding human behavior through consideration of the impact legal and social systems have on individuals
6. Increased student awareness of cultural and multi-cultural issues through study of how social problems and social movements are related to, and affect, minority groups
7. Preparation for more advanced study in public management

Week 1: Textbook chapters as announced, the following (recommended) Lecture Notes, and any other material the Instructor assigns.
1. Mexican Drug Cartels

Week 2: Textbook chapters as announced, the following (recommended) Lecture Notes, and any other material the Instructor assigns.
2. Latin America (from International Terrorism course)

Week 3: Textbook chapters as announced, the following (recommended) Lecture Notes, and any other material the Instructor assigns.
3. Nationalist Terrorism (from Terrorism Understanding course)

Week 4: Textbook chapters as announced, the following (recommended) Lecture Notes, and any other material the Instructor assigns.
4. Gang Crime (from Investigations course)
4a.Organized Crime (from Investigations course)
4b. Drug Crime (from Investigations course)

Week 5: Textbook chapters as announced, the following (recommended) Lecture Notes, and any other material the Instructor assigns.
5. Corruption (from Comparative PM course)

Week 6: Textbook chapters as announced, the following (recommended) Lecture Notes, and any other material the Instructor assigns.
6. Insurgency (from Terrorism Understanding course)

Week 7: Textbook chapters as announced, the following (recommended) Lecture Notes, and any other material the Instructor assigns.
7. Border Security (from Incident Management course)

Week 8: Textbook chapters as announced, the following (recommended) Lecture Notes, and any other material the Instructor assigns.
8. Wars on Crime (from Intro to CJ course)

Main Textbook/Required Textbook: Grayson, G. (2009). Mexico: Narco-violence and a failed state? Piscataway, NJ: Transaction Publishers. ISBN-13: 978-1412811514

Supplemental Reference: American Psychological Association. (1994). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 5e. Washington DC: APA. Note: students do not have to buy this book, but should have access to it or something similar in order to utilize the correct style or format with writing assignments.

Students are expected to read and follow the schedule in the course syllabus, to read assigned text chapters, to read assigned Lecture Notes, and to seek and read additional suggested resources as provided by the textbook and Instructor. In addition, students are expected to be alert and attentive with note taking in class and have a demonstrated desire to participate in any discussion. Exams are to be completed within the deadlines given by the Instructor, and any special instructions for the paper and/or writing assignment(s) are to be followed precisely. The Instructor will announce all deadlines and instructions as well as provide reminders about the pace or flow of the course.

25% Midterm Examination (objective test with essay questions that may count toward writing)
35% Final Examination (objective test with essay questions that may count toward writing)
25% Writing assignments (single or multiple assignments, the equivalent of 8 pages)
15% Participation and Discussion (attendance, logins, discussion contributions)

The grade scale used in this course is normally a 7-point scale, as follows, although instructors are free to make adjustments or modifications as circumstances permit. At times when circumstances permit, the scale may be dropped to a 10-point scale, or slightly more.

ATTENDANCE POLICY: An attendance roster is kept (and login records, if this is a web-based course), and students are expected to attend all sessions on time and as scheduled. If a session and/or assignment deadline is to be missed for circumstances beyond the student's control, prior permission of the instructor must be obtained, and arrangements made for submission of the work. Regular late submission of work as well as tardiness and absenteeism will result in reduction of the final grade by at least one letter, depending upon severity. An "Incomplete" can only be given if the student has normally completed at least half the coursework, has a reasonable justification, and makes arrangements with the instructor.

DISABILITY POLICY: Any student who has a disability that may affect his/her academic performance is encouraged to make an appointment with me to discuss this matter, or you may contact Disability Services; telephone 221-6230; voice 221-6278; voice tty.

POLICY ON MINORS: Minors (any non-student under the age of 18) accompanying staff, faculty, students, or visitors on campus are not permitted in the classroom.

ACADEMIC AND CLASSROOM MISCONDUCT: Students are expected to conduct themselves appropriately at all times. Academic and classroom misconduct will not be tolerated. Students must read the "Code of Student Conduct" in the new Student Handbook for an understanding of what will be expected of them within the academic setting. Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated, and any student found cheating or plagiarizing will receive an "F" for the work in question, and possibly an "F" for the course, and may be recommended for suspension from the University. Cheating is defined as not working on exams or assignments alone, and plagiarism is defined as taking the work of someone else's as one's own. APSU uses software that will identify plagiarism.

The above schedule and procedures are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances.

Last updated: July 06, 2011
Not an official webpage of APSU, copyright restrictions apply, see Megalinks in Criminal Justice
O'Connor, T. (2011). "Syllabus for Special Topics: Mexico: Narco-crime," MegaLinks in Criminal Justice. Retrieved from http://www.drtomoconnor.com/4200/default.htm accessed on July 06, 2011.