Course Syllabus
Criminal Behavior
Human Behavior
CJ 812, Section 1, 38069
Fall, 2025
Instructor: Wendy A. Thompson, PhD
Syllabus: CJ 812.001 - Thompson.pdf
Updated Schedule: CB Updated Course Schedule Fall 25.docx
This course meets in person on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Gladfelter Hall, Room L021.
The course syllabus will provide you with the course schedule, course objectives, explanations of assignments and assessments, grading policies, and instructor contact information. Please read it carefully. You should have a deep familiarity with the schedule and process of the course.
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Basic Course Information
General Education
This course fulfills the General Education area of Human Behavior. These courses address the relationships between individuals and communities. Courses may focus on the relationship between individuals and communities in general or may engage those relationships from specific perspectives (such as art, music, education, religion, economics, politics or education), or look at them within specific themes (such as food & eating, crime, crisis, sexuality, or adolescence).
Welcome Message
Welcome to Criminal Behavior! We’ll be spending the semester together in an exploration of the intricacies of why people commit crime and why most of us do not (well, at least don't commit major crimes). Along the way, you’ll also get an opportunity to learn new academic skills, such as collecting your own data and turning it into a presentation.
Meeting Time and Location
As mentioned above, this class meets IN Person on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Gladfelter Hall, Room L021. There will be a mix of lectures, discussions (small group and the full class), and fieldwork.
Emergency Meetings
In the event that we are unable to meet in person, such as due to bad weather, expect a Canvas announcement directing you to a Zoom meeting or providing other guidance.
Students are to register for the TUAlert System to be made aware of University closures due to weather or other emergency situations and follow all additional university-wide emergency instructions. Students can register for this system on the Campus Safety Services website.
Instructor Information
My Name:
Dr. Wendy A. Thompson, Associate Professor
Please refer to me as Wendy, Professor Thompson or Ms. Thompson or Dr. Thompson. My pronouns are she/her/hers.
Instructor Biography
Hello Students! I'm excited to be teaching this course as I have been doing pretty much every semester since 2018. I earned my undergraduate degree from Penn State University and my master’s and PhD from Temple University. Although my dissertation research looked at staff stress, burnout, and turnover in juvenile correctional facilities, my PhD work at Temple made me more than thoroughly versed in the area of criminology. In addition to teaching this particular slant on criminology, I have been teaching in this topical area since 2009.
My Contact Information
Please reach out to me at any time for assistance with the course or just to chat about the field or navigating university life. The best way to reach me is to send me a message through email me at wrunkle@temple.edu
I will generally respond within 24 hours, Monday through Friday. Please do not send a follow-up email before 24 hours have passed.]
My Office
Gladfelter Hall 521
Student Drop-In Hours
In-person Office Hours: Tues 11am to 12:25pm; Thursday 12pm to 12:25pm; & by appointment
Office hours are “drop in,” meaning you do not need to make an appointment. Office hours can be used to review content and get help with difficult concepts, etc…, but they can also be used to get help accessing resources that could help you with whatever you might be struggling with. Come see me!!!
Online Office Hours: Monday 11am to 1pm are by appointment. Please email at least 24 hours in advance.
Seeking out individual assistance from the instructor is a normal part of the learning process. I set aside in person office hours for you to come to my office with no appointment necessary. We can discuss the course content, your progress on the assessments, your future in the field, or anything else you need to talk about. If my regular Drop-In Hours don’t fit your schedule, please email me to make an appointment. I want to help you succeed!
Purpose of the Course
Overall Purpose
This General Education Human Behavior course expands the breadth of your knowledge and skills, adding to the depth acquired in your major. This course emphasizes the critical competencies of critical thinking, oral/written communication, and information literacy while delving into the explanation of why some humans commit major crimes while others do not.
Overview of the Course
Although we like to think differently, committing crime is an extremely common human behavior. From the extremes of armed robbery or serial murder to the ordinary failure to declare income on tax returns or the tendency to speed on the highway, nearly everyone has broken the law and committed a crime at some point. Considering physiological, psychological and pharmacological factors, we explore the influences of family, peers and the effects of alcohol and drugs on the incidence of criminal behavior. And we examine how the urban and social environment encourages (or inhibits) opportunities to commit crime.
We use national events as well as the City of Philadelphia more specifically as our subject matter and explore criminality through some of the sensational cases that have shocked, enthralled, and affected Philadelphians and the American public over the years. By examining historical accounts and newspaper articles of the day, we will look back at a case that challenged Philadelphia’s police department and stunned readers of the Philadelphia Inquirer, and in doing so uncover some of the potential explanations for these crimes.
3 Credit Hours
Learning Goals
Human Behavior courses are intended to teach students how to:
- Understand relationships between individuals and communities;
- Understand theories or explanations of human behavior used to describe social phenomena;
- Examine the development of individuals’ beliefs, behaviors, and assumptions and how these affect individuals and communities;
- Apply one disciplinary method to understand human behavior or explain social phenomena;
- Access and analyze materials related to individuals, communities or social phenomena; and
- Compare and contrast similar social phenomena across individuals or communities
Section Learning Goals
- Demonstrate an understanding of the historical and theoretical underpinnings of the overarching schools of criminological thought, as well as specific theories.
- Differentiate between theories that offer micro versus macro level explanations and the importance of this.
- Discuss the differences between scientific criminological theories and nonscientific theories and why this is important.
- Understand the role of scientific evaluation and policy implications regarding criminological theories
- Demonstrate an understanding of several criminological theories including their main propositions, underlying assumptions, policy implications and empirical support.
- Apply theories and/or specific concepts of a variety of theories to case studies.
All materials, activities, and assessments of this course are designed to help you achieve these goals. If at any time you feel that you are not making progress towards one of these goals, please reach out to me. It is my job to help you get there!
The Learning Environment
How Class Will Be Conducted
Most class sessions will combine a brief lecture and one or more learning activities based upon the assigned reading for the day. You are expected to complete the preparatory reading, video, or podcast assignment before coming to class in order to ensure that we can all engage in an informed dialogue. I will generally be available for a few minutes after class to discuss individual issues, but, as a courtesy to the next class to use our space, we may defer lengthy and/or serious matters to an appointment in my office.
Classroom Civility
It is important to foster a respectful and productive learning environment that includes all students in our diverse community of learners. Our differences, some of which are outlined in the University's nondiscrimination statement, will add richness to this learning experience. Therefore, all opinions and experiences, no matter how different or controversial they may be perceived, must be respected in the tolerant spirit of academic discourse.
Treat your classmates and instructor with respect in all communication, class activities, and meetings. You are encouraged to comment, question, or critique an idea, but you are not to attack an individual. Please consider that sarcasm, humor, and slang can be misconstrued in online interactions and generate unintended disruptions. Profanity should be avoided as should the use of all capital letters when composing responses in discussion threads, which can be construed as “shouting” online. Remember to be careful with your own and others' privacy. In general, have your behavior mirror how you would like to be treated by others.
For more information, please visit the IDEAL website.
Materials
The readings and materials that you need are provided for you through Canvas. Please familiarize yourself with Canvas. The wonderful TU Tech Center staff can help you learn about printing privileges and learning to access Canvas. Canvas documents are available digitally in PDF format. If you wish to take them home, you will need the free pdf reader software installed on your home computer. You will not need to purchase any of the reading materials. The main text we will use via TU Digital Library.
ISHMAEL MUGARI. An Introduction to Criminological Theory, Penology and Crime Prevention. New York: Nova, 2021. Disponível em: https://research-ebsco-com.libproxy.temple.edu/linkprocessor/plink?id=876e463c-0039-3c61-99e2-9119d957b681. Acesso em: 7 ago. 2025.
Please let me know immediately if a link is not working for any of the learning materials. Thank you!!!!
Software or Other Supplies
If you need access to basic software for creating documents, slideshows, or spreadsheets, you have free access to Microsoft 365. Whether you use a paper or digital tool, you should have a calendar for managing your schedule. I use Outlook calendar, a software available to you as part of the Microsoft 365 suite of tools. Similarly, I expect you to take notes while reading course materials and during lectures, but the choice is yours whether to use software or paper.
Accessibility
It is important to me that every student has the opportunity to succeed in this course. Please reach out to me if any obstacle is in the way of your success.
Any student who has a need for accommodations based on the impact of a documented disability or medical condition should contact Disability Resources and Services (DRS) located in the Howard Gittis Student Center South, 4th Floor at drs@temple.edu or 215-204-1280 to request accommodations and learn more about the resources available to you. If you have a DRS accommodation letter to share with me, or you would like to discuss your accommodations, please contact me as soon as practical. I will work with you and with DRS to coordinate reasonable accommodations for all students with documented disabilities. All discussions related to your accommodations will be confidential. Students can learn more about the accommodation process and pre-register on the DRS website. Students may register at any time during the semester, but accommodations are not active until you register, so I recommend doing so as early in the semester as possible.
Information regarding accessibility for additional technologies is provided below:
Resources and Support
Sometimes the biggest factors impacting student success are things happening beyond the scope of the individual classroom. Temple provides a wide array of resources both to help you overcome academic challenges and those not directly related to the educational challenges of the course. Please reach out to me if you need help deciding which resources might be right for you.
Undergraduate Research Support
Disability Resources and Services
If you are experiencing food insecurity or financial struggles, Temple provides resources and support. Notably, the Temple University Cherry Pantry is in operation, as well as a variety of resources from the Division of Student Affairs.
Library Resources*
A key competency developed in all General Education courses is information literacy, Temple Libraries are an essential partner. Although most of our assignments designed to build this skill can be developed with the general library link: https://guides.temple.edu/ the Criminal Justice Department also had a library guide specific to our field which students may find useful. That link is https://guides.temple.edu/criminal-justice
Temple University Libraries provide resources to assist Temple students with their class projects and research needs. Visit the Libraries’ website to find millions of articles, books, video, and other resources, both in print and online.
The site also provides tutorials to help you start your research, as well as subject and course research guides to help you identify resources that may be particularly useful for this class.
Contact the library at any stage of the research process. You can chat with a librarian 24/7 or make an appointment with your subject librarian, who can help you explore a topic, craft a research question, and identify and cite sources.
Course Schedule
|
Week |
Dates |
Prepare for Class |
Assessments Due |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
8/26 & 28 |
|
Nothing this week |
|
2 |
9/2 & 4 |
Chapter 2 of ISHMAEL MUGARI. An Introduction to Criminological Theory, Penology and Crime Prevention |
Group Activity 1 |
|
3 |
9/9 & 11 |
Chapter 3 of ISHMAEL MUGARI. An Introduction to Criminological Theory, Penology and Crime Prevention |
|
|
4 |
9/16 & 18 |
Chapter 5 of ISHMAEL MUGARI. An Introduction to Criminological Theory, Penology and Crime Prevention |
|
|
5 |
9/23 & 25 |
Tuesday: Exam 1 Review (Possible Extra Credit for Ex 2) Thursday – Exam 1 |
Exam 1 |
|
6 |
9/30 & 10/2 |
Start Harm Reduction, Addiction, and Mental Health
|
Attendance Thursday |
|
7 |
10/7 & 9 |
Chapter 4 of ISHMAEL MUGARI. An Introduction to Criminological Theory, Penology and Crime Prevention. |
|
|
8 |
10/14 & 16 |
|
Start 2nd Group Activity |
|
9 |
10/21 & 23 |
Finish up Juvenile Brain; Exam Review 2 Thursday |
Group Activity 2; Exam 2 Review |
|
10 |
10/28 & 30 |
For Thursday: Chapter 9, pages 190 to 201 in ISHMAEL MUGARI. An Introduction to Criminological Theory, Penology and Crime Prevention. |
Tuesday, Exam 2 |
|
11 |
11/4 & 6 |
No New Materials - collecting data (fieldnotes) |
Group Project Part 1 Due Thurs |
|
12 |
11/11 & 13 |
No New Materials - collecting data (fieldnotes) |
Group Project Part 2 Due Sunday Night |
|
13 |
11/18 & 20 |
|
|
|
14 |
12/2 & 4 |
|
Individual Homework 2 Due Thursday |
|
15 |
|
Last Class the week before |
|
|
Finals |
12/11 |
Review Materials Since Exam 2 & the cummulative information noted in the review guide for the Final Exam Exam will be available online 10:30am to 12:30pm |
Final Exam |
Grading & Assessment Guidelines
Grading Scale
Course Minimum Grade*
A grade of “C-” or better is required in all GenEd courses for you to satisfy a General Education requirement.*
I will do my best to warn you if you are in danger of not meeting this minimum, but you should reach out to me if you become worried about not achieving the minimum needed grade.
Assessment Summary
The assessments in this course have been created for two reasons: (1) For you to demonstrate your progress towards the learning goals for the course and receive useful feedback. (2) For you to practice skills and develop ways of thinking that will be of use to you in the future.
Updated 9/30:
Late Submissions/Missed Exams & Quizzes
Life gets in the way for all of us from time to time. Please notify me if you may miss a deadline or an exam/quiz as soon as possible. Please do not delay in informing; as soon as you suspect a problem, let me know. Depending on the timing and the specific assessment, I may ask you to give me a copy of your current draft. Whether you will be given an additional opportunity to complete the assessment will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
Class Attendance & Participation
Your attendance is expected at all our class meetings. The classroom is an inherently social environment where we are all mutually responsible for each other’s learning. I understand that in large sections students may be less likely to participate in large discussions or answer questions posed by the professor, but participation is expected in all groupworkd. I encourage you to make friends so that, in the event that you must miss class, you can borrow someone’s notes for the session. If unforeseen circumstances cause you to miss multiple sessions, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss the situation. Students are permitted 3 absences before it will affect their grades.
School-Life Conflict
Many unpredictable things can happen over the course of a semester. If you find yourself struggling to balance your education and your other commitments, please reach out to me immediately so that we can work together to build a plan for your success. Some of the resources in the next section may also be of use to you.
Attendance and Your Health
To achieve course learning goals, students must attend and participate in classes, according to the course requirements. However, if you have tested positive for or are experiencing symptoms of a contagious illness, you should not come to campus or attend in-person classes or activities. It is your responsibility to contact me to create a plan for participation and engagement in the course as soon as you can, and to make a plan to complete all assignments in a timely fashion.
Religious Holidays
It is your right to observe religious holidays without impacting your opportunity to learn and succeed in this course. Please reach out to me at the start of the semester so that deadlines can be reviewed in advance of your religious observations. You will still be held responsible for course content and any assignments, but you will not lose points for attendance and participation on days important to your faith.
Caregiver Responsibilities
I have great respect for students who are pursuing their education while responsible for the care of children or other family members. Please contact me if you encounter challenges that require you to miss a class session or if your caregiving responsibilities are interfering with your success in the course. Together, we may be able to find some flexibility to support your learning.
Withdrawal
If you are considering withdrawing from the course after the add/drop date, please don’t make that decision alone! Withdrawing from the course without talking to me first eliminates the possibility of finding a path to success for you. Furthermore, it is extremely important that you consult your academic advisor before withdrawing. They will be able to walk you through how the withdrawal would impact your progress towards your degree and your graduation date.
Please check the academic calendar for the last day to withdraw from a course.
Incomplete
A student will be eligible for a grade of “Incomplete” only if the student: 1) has completed at least 51% of the work at a passing level, 2) is unable to complete the work for a serious reason beyond their control, and 3) files a signed agreement with the instructor outlining the work to be completed and the time frame in which that work will be completed. The student is responsible for initiating this process, and all incomplete forms must be sent to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs prior to the start of study days in that semester.
Please refer to the following for further details: Temple University’s Incomplete Policy. (Policy #02.10.13).
Technology Guidelines
Technology Requirements*
To participate in this course, you will need the equipment, software, and internet access necessary to reliably use Zoom and Canvas, as well as “productivity tools” like word processors and slide show creators.
Limited resources are available for students who do not have the technology they need for class. Students with educational technology needs, including no computer or camera or insufficient Wifi access, should submit a Student Technology Assistance Application located in TUPortal and linked from the Dean of Students Support and Resources. The University will endeavor to meet needs, such as with a long-term loan of a laptop or Mifi device, a refurbished computer, or subsidized internet access.
Note that there are technology resources available for students, including on-campus computers available for student use, the Tech Center computer labs and free laptop and battery borrowing at Charles Library, software that is available for free download and other specialty software that may be available for remote access through ITS.
Technical Support
For a listing of technical support services available to Temple University students, see the Tech Support page.
Live Chat or Request Help: help.temple.edu
Phone: 215-204-8000
Email: help@temple.edu
Website: its.temple.edu
Location: The TECH Center, Room 106
Technology Usage
Excellence in any endeavor requires attention. To that end, we need to be mindful of the unnecessary use of technology in the class. To avoid distracting yourself or others, please only use your laptop, phone, or other device for activities relevant to the course. If you find yourself needing to take a call or participate in a text, please excuse yourself from the classroom and return as soon as you are able.
Privacy and Data Protection
Please see the links below to become familiar with the privacy policies for each of the following:
AI Policies
The use of generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Microsoft CoPilot, etc.) are not permitted in this class; therefore, any use of AI tools for work in this class may be considered a violation of Temple Un
Academic Guidelines
Academic Freedom*
Freedom to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic freedom. I have the freedom and responsibility to design and facilitate our learning environment to best achieve the promise of the course as outlined in its official description. You have the responsibility to engage with the course in good faith and freedom from mistreatment when your opinion differs from mine. Note that it is not an abuse of this freedom for me to require that you support relevant opinions with clear argumentation and solid evidence. For more on academic freedom, consult the official Temple policy on the matter.
Academic Integrity*
Temple University believes strongly in academic honesty and integrity. Plagiarism and academic cheating are, therefore, prohibited. All work you submit for assessment should be your own efforts. For more on this topic, consult the relevant portions of Temple Bulletin and the Student Conduct Code.