In order to successfully complete this course, you must demonstrate your understanding of the course materials by:
Here is an overview of all of the different types of assignments in the course. You can find detailed directions for the assignments and the grading rubrics in the module where they are assigned.
The discussion activities provide you with an opportunity to deeply reflect on the readings assigned to each module and apply them to a problem. They can prepare you for the projects and the proctored assessments. Online discussion allows time to weave your thoughts and reflect on the readings and your experiences. All of the posts on the discussion board are required to be thoughtful, reflective, and concise. A second objective is to engage in discussion with your classmates in a way that is constructive, critical, and furthers the learning process of the assigned topic. See the rubric attached to the discussion forums for specific instructions.
There are various types of assignments in the course, including quizzes, projects, role-play activity, analysis paper, etc. The assignments can help you practice what you learned and apply it to analyze and solve real-world problems. They can prepare you for the proctored assessments.
The objective of the journal entries is to encourage critical thinking around contemporary criminological issues. To define critical thinking a bit further, you should be focused on writing NOT just ‘how I feel about...’ but ‘this is WHY I feel about..’ Main concepts from the given assignment in the form of video, scholarly articles, or textbook theory will be extracted to form the launching pad of your journal entries. You should include data and evidence from both the textbook and assigned material to support your statements.
The gun debate requires you to research data from reliable academic sources and develop an argument either for or against gun control in the U.S. You will apply what you learn about gun violence to a contemporary mass shooting case and develop critical analysis skills.
The ability to work with a group is essential. You will be assigned to a small group and work with your group to develop an opening statement and a post of defense arguments for the gun debate.
There are two quizzes in the course. They can help you become familiar with the testing environment in Canvas and prepare for the proctored assessments.
The proctored assessments provide you with an opportunity to demonstrate your mastery of the course knowledge. You can find the information on how to take proctored assessments in the Taking Assessments section of the Syllabus. Please use the assessment study guides to prepare for the assessments. You can find the assessment study guides in the modules where the assessments are assigned.