Fundamentals of Criminal Law Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Instructor Information

Office Location

First Responders Academy, 3891 Plains Blvd, Office# 1046

Office Hours

Office hours are an excellent opportunity to receive individualized support, and I encourage you to take full advantage of them. During these times, I’ll be available for scheduled in-person appointments, FaceTime calls, Google Meet sessions, or virtual assistance through prompt message or email responses. My weekly office hours are as follows:

Monday	10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday	1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday	10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Thursday	1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Friday	As Needed
Saturday/Sunday	As Needed

Virtual office hours can and will be scheduled as needed. I regularly check Blackboard messages, emails, phone messages, and texts outside of the times listed above. However, these scheduled office hours provide dedicated opportunities for you to receive immediate responses and real-time support.

Choosing the Best Way to Reach Me When You Need Guidance or Help

Communication is an essential part of effective learning in an online environment. The type of response or assistance you need will determine the best way to contact me. The chart below outlines some general guidelines to help you choose the most appropriate method.

Type of Assistance Needed	Suggested Method of Contact	Information
Immediate response needed, with very brief explanation required	Text message or phone call	My Cell: 806-290-2727
Immediate response needed, but requiring a more detailed and lengthy explanation	Phone call	My Cell: 806-290-2727
Response needed within 24 hours and brief to lengthier explanation required	Message me within Blackboard OR send me an email	You can message me in Blackboard either by clicking on the Messages link on the options bar in the class shell at the top of the page, or by using the Message link on the Institution page in Blackboard.

Communication Expectations

You can generally expect a response to your course messages or emails within 24 hours of when you send them. Occasionally, responses may take a bit longer, depending on timing or workload. If you don’t hear back within a reasonable period, please don’t hesitate to follow up with me.

How I Will Communicate with You

My primary method of communication with the class will be through course announcements and messages/emails. All announcements will appear under the Announcements link on the top menu bar of the course in Blackboard, and a copy will also be sent to your AC Google email.

For individual communication, I will primarily use the Message function within the course. If you’re unsure how to access or use this feature, please visit the HOW TO’s page located in the Course Resources folder in the class.

To stay up to date, make sure to check your announcements, messages, and email at least every other day so you don’t miss any important updates or reminders.

Additional Resources for Help

In the event you’re unable to contact me directly, there are some additional resources for assistance:

The offices for the Criminal Justice department are located in the First Responders Academy, Office #1007. The general phone number is (806) 457-4450. You can leave a message for me at this number as well.
ASK AC Helpline at (806) 371-5000, or after hours you can email them at askac@actx.edu.
CTL Student & Faculty Help Center at (806) 371-5992. It’s available to students who are currently enrolled in academic or continuing education courses on a walk-in and/or appointment basis. They are located on the Washington Street Campus, WARE Bldg.

AC Connect Student Resources at: https://www.actx.edu/student-resources

Expected Courtesies - Course Communications

This course is built on the idea that our diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences make learning richer for everyone. The variety of viewpoints you bring is a real strength, both in and outside of our virtual classroom. To help maintain a positive learning environment, please make sure you’re familiar with appropriate netiquette, which are the guidelines for respectful and professional online communication.

You’ll find helpful information and links about netiquette in the Course Resources folder within the class content. There are also several excellent online resources you can explore for more details.

Always communicate with your classmates and with me in a professional, respectful, and courteous way. Messages, emails, texts, or phone conversations that are rude, discourteous, or aggressive will not be tolerated.

If you have a question, concern, or issue about the course, please reach out to me first. Other students or Amarillo College faculty and staff aren’t responsible for making decisions about my course policies. If we’re unable to resolve the issue together, you may contact my immediate supervisor. His contact information is listed in the Additional Information section at the end of this syllabus.

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students. If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

CRIJ-1310-001 Fundamentals of Criminal Law

Prerequisites

Course Description

Nature of criminal law; philosophical and historical development; major definitions and concepts; classification of crime; elements of crimes and penalties using Texas statutes as illustrations; criminal responsibility.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Criminal Law Today, 4th edition. (2010) by Schmalleger, Frank with Hall, Daniel E. and Dolatowski, John J.. ISBN-10: 0135042615

Supplies

\ All students enrolling in this class must have access to a working computer, active internet service, Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat Reader and exhibit computer competency.

Student Performance

Define criminal law and explain the significance of each of the definition's components.
Identify the purposes served by criminal law.
Expound upon the "rule of law" and explain why due process is an integral part of the rule of law.
Define actus reus, and define its basic elements; expound upon the concept of mens rea and describe the diferent levels or types of mens rea under the common law and the Model Penal Code.
Explain the concept of corpus delicti.
Distinguish between causation in fact and proximate cause.
Illustrate the nature of an ex post facto law and explain why our legal system does not permit the creation of ex post facto criminal laws.
Explain why it is necessary that an offender take a "substantial step" toward the commission of a crime before mere plans become a criminal attempt.
Explain the purpose of a defense to a criminal charge and the nature of affirmative defenses.
Illustrate the difference between justifications and excuses, and give examples of justifications that might serve as defenses.
Describe syndome-based defenses, and provide some examples of this type of defense.
Explain the difference between a finding of NGRI and one of GBMI.
Distinguish betweent he varoius legal "tests" for assessing insanity.
Distinguish noncriminal homicide from criminal homicide.
Identify and describe three types of criminal homicide.
Explain the concept of malice aforethought.
Explain the difference between the common law crimes of assault and battery.
Explain the difference between common law rape and modern statutes describing sexual assault.
Understand the differences between larceny and embezzlement, and tell why they are important.
Distinguish between extortion, robbery and burglary.
Identify the common elements of modern-day arson statutes and distinguish the modern definition from the common law definition.
Identify the three categories of social-order crimes and explain how they differ from one another.
Summarize the differences between perjury, bribery, and contempt, and explain how criminal contempt differs from civil contempt.
Define and distinguish terrorism, treason and sedition.
Describe victimless crimes, and provide examples therein.
Explain what is meant by victims' rights, and assess whether today's crime victims have sufficient rights.
List and explain the purposes of criminal sentencing, and identify the sentencing strategies that are most closely associated with each purpose.
Summarize the features of three-strikes laws, and expound upon their relative effectiveness.
Explain how habeas corpus appeals are limited in capital cases, and provide the rationale underlying such limitations.
Describe how the purposes of criminal sentencing are served by indeterminate and determinate sentencing strategies, and explain which strategy is most appropriate today.

This course will be guided by meeting the above referenced Student Performance objectives. At the end of the semester, students are expected to have a basic understanding of the field of criminal law and the essential elements therein.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

\ The workload for this course will require due diligence and integrity on students' part.
\ Log into the class on a daily basis to check for class announcements & emails and ensure understanding of all applicable due dates.
\ Complete all assigned reading. This is imperative for successful completion of the course.
\ At times, the discussion board topics will address sensitive subjects and students must remember to conduct themselves in a respectful and courteous manner. All students are entitled to their opinions.and certainly aren’t required to agree with another student’s opinion. However, disagreements can be cited in an appropriate manner.
\ Snipes, inappropriate language or racial slurs will in no way, shape or form be tolerated during discussions or within email content.
\ Only those individuals who are registered in the course are allowed to make posts on the discussion boards or send email within the course.
\ Cheating will not be tolerated. Cases of academic dishonesty will be dealt with on a case by case basis and will generally result in a grade of zero or removal from the course.
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Grading Criteria

\ Homework [30% of cumulative grade]

\ Quizzes [20% of cumulative grade]

\ Discussion Assignments [20% of cumulative grade]

\ Exams [30% of cumulative grade]
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\ Students will be required to turn in assignments on the specified dates, as referenced on the class calendar. Late assignments will not be accepted.

Attendance

\ REGULAR ATTENDANCE IS NECESSARY FOR SATISFACTORY ACHIEVEMENT. THEREFORE, IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT TO ATTEND CLASS.

\ It is the student’s responsibility to drop a course or withdraw from the college. Failure to drop the course within a timely manner will result in the student receiving a performance grade, usually an “F”.

\ Consistent and adequate involvement in an online class is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to check course postings and emails on a daily basis, follow the prescribed timeline for assignments and exams, etc. If a student is having difficulty with any portion of this course, they should contact the instructor via email, phone, or in person, immediately.
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Calendar

Refer to the General Course Guidelines and Instructions in addition to the class calendar for the course schedule and all pertinent due dates. The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the class schedule when appropriate.

Module 1 (Chapter 1 The Nature and History of Criminal Law ; Chapter 2 Criminal Liability and the Essence of Crime) - August 22, 3011 thru September 4, 2011

Module 2 (Chapter 3 Expanding the Concept of Crime; Chapter 4 Extending Criminal Liability: Inchoate Offenses and Parties to Crime) - September 5, 2011 thru September 18, 2011

Module 3 (Chapter 5 Justifications as Defenses; Chapter 6 Defenses: Excuses and Insanity) - September 19, 2011 thru October 2, 2011

Module 4 (Chapter 7 Legal and Social Dimensions of Personal Crime: Homicide; Mid-term Exam) - October 3, 2011 thru October 16, 2011

Module 5 (Chapter 8 Legal and Social Dimensions of Personal Crime: Assault, Battery, and Other Personal Crimes; Chapter 9 Legal and Social Dimensions of Property and Computer Crimes) - October 17, 2011 thru October 30, 2011

Module 6 (Chapter 10 Offenses against Public Public Order and the Administration of Justice; Chapter 11 Terrorism and Human Trafficking; Chapter 12 Offenses against Public Morality) - October 31, 2011 thru November 13, 2011

Module 7 (Chapter 13 Victims and the Law; Chapter 14 Punishment and Sentencing) - November 14, 2011 thru November 27, 2011

Module 8 (Final Exam) - November 28, 2011 thru December 4, 2011

Additional Information

\ N/A

Syllabus Created on:

11/30/-1 12:00 AM

Last Edited on: