CRM JST 305 Course Page

In Fall 2024, Ted Lentz taught Criminological Theory and Policy (CRMJST 305) as an online asynchronous course. The course is required for Criminal Justice & Criminology undergraduate majors and is usually enrolled by students in the latter part of their coursework. Ted incorporated service-learning into the curriculum for in-person sections, but then used the EL Fellowship to implement service-learning in the online environment and refine the reflection assignments. The goals for service-learning in this course focus on:

  1. Improving student understanding of how course content in the classroom translates to career goals.
  2. Enhancing student empathy for others who are different than them.
Syllabus

Course Characteristics

  • Key Experiential Learning Activity
    • 20 hours of service-learning with community partner organization
  • Learning Outcomes
    • Career competencies, self-assessment, empathy, and problem-solving
  • Assessment Methods
    • Reflection papers, resume entry, and hour log 
  • Challenges and Solutions
    • Student resistance to spending 20 hours outside of classroom
  • Advice for Other Instructors
    • If you add something to your course, make sure to take something out

Assignments

Learning outcomes:

  • Connect theoretical ideas, criminal justice policies, and individuals who are impacted by the system
  • Self-assess on one’s own learning, identity/experiences, viewpoints, and career readiness
Instructions and Rubric
Resume Entry
In this assignment, students will leverage their service-learning experience to create a resume entry that showcases skills, accomplishments, and the impact made during the service-learning project.
Resume Entry Assignment
Reflection
In this assignment, students will write an essay of that responds to the prompts provided relating to their service-learning experience.
View the instructions