2018 Scholars at Work Conference Program

Program for the 2018 Scholars at Work Conference at Minnesota State University, Mankato on March 30, 2018

Policing and Human Behavior

Recognizing that peace officers have become this nation’s first responders for calls involving those experiencing mental health crises, Policing and Human Behavior provides readers with information that will help them gain a better understanding of those living with mental illness, and people in general. The textbook uses theoretical concepts in sociology, social psychology, psychology, and criminology to explain the factors that influence human behavior in a variety of situations. It also uses those same concepts to explain how the peace officer personality is developed and how it influences a peace officer’s on-duty and off-duty behaviors. Readers are given in-depth information on the most common mental illnesses encountered in the field, as well as alcohol and other drugs that can negatively impact behavior, to include their history, appearance, and psychological and physiological effects. The textbook thoroughly explores topics such as authoritarianism, cognitive dissonance, and suicide. Providing future peace officers and other criminal justice professionals with vital knowledge, Policing and Human Behavior is an exemplary resource for courses and programs in law enforcement, criminal justice, and the social sciences.https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/university-archives-msu-authors/1435/thumbnail.jp

Best Practices in Writing Intensive Courses

This roundtable will overview of the university’s writing intensive course requirements and present examples of how faculty members design writing assignments specifically related to their discipline to meet those requirements. Carl Lafata, a member of the university’s Writing Advisory Committee, will describe the committee’s work in support of faculty who teach writing intensive courses, including instruction on best practices provided by the Writing Fellows Program. He will also lead the discussion by providing a brief explanation of what is required when a course is designated as writing intensive. Dr. Dennis will describe how he scaffolds a research project in his criminology class. Dr. Reding will present on developing a writing component for an online nursing course. Dr. Lafata will then explain how he uses technical writing assignments in his law enforcement course