The Discussion Board (DB) is part of the core of online learning. Classroom discussion in an online environment requires the active participation of students and the instructor to create robust interaction and dialogue. Every student is expected to create an original response to the open-ended DB question as well as engage in dialogue by responding to posts created by others throughout the week. At the end of each unit, DB participation will be assessed based on both level of engagement and the quality of the contribution to the discussion.

At a minimum, each student will be expected to post an original and thoughtful response to the DB question and contribute to the weekly dialogue by responding to at least two other posts from students. The first contribution must be posted before midnight (Central Time) on Wednesday of each week. Two additional responses are required after Wednesday of each week. Students are highly encouraged to engage on the Discussion Board early and often, as that is the primary way the university tracks class attendance and participation.

The purpose of the Discussion Board is to allow students to learn through sharing ideas and experiences as they relate to course content and the DB question. Because it is not possible to engage in two-way dialogue after a conversation has ended, no posts to the DB will be accepted after the end of each week.

The American Society of Criminology (ASC) is the leading organization for the study of criminology in the United States, and the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) is the leading organization for the study of criminal justice. Log onto the ASC and ACJS Web sites; notice the differences between the study of criminology and criminal justice and how there definitions toward each field are unique. 

Please post an answer to the following questions. Support your answers with academic or real-life criminal justice examples to accentuate your point. The questions are as follows:

1.In your opinion, which of the two organizations interests you the most? Why?
2.Do you think there is a major difference between the two organizations in their mission towards combating crime? Do you feel that change is needed in the criminal justice field, specifically towards these organizations and their role in criminology and the criminal justice field? 
In your own words, please post a response to the Discussion Board, and comment on two other postings. You will be graded on the quality of your postings. 
For assistance with your assignment, please use your text, Web resources, and all course materials.

Unit Materials