Introduction to Criminal Justice Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Course

CRIJ-1301-003 Introduction to Criminal Justice

Prerequisites

Course Description

History and philosophy of criminal justice and ethical considerations; crime defined; its nature and impact; overview of criminal justice system; law enforcement; court system; prosecution and defense; trial process; corrections.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Criminal Justice: A Brief Introduction, 9/E by Frank J. Schmalleger  

Supplies

Four (4) mini-blue books and four (4) scan-trons are required. Students may either use a pencil or pen to complete the essay assignment. 

Student Performance

By the end of the semester the student will be able to satisfactorily complete all of the listed learning objectives with a minimum of 60 percent competency level based on the completion of the course examinations and assignments.

1. Understand the importance of social control and how the U.S. criminal justice system protects individual rights. 
2. Explain the relationship between local, state and federal levels of criminal justice and list the steps in the criminal justice process. 
3. Understand how crime is categorized and measured. 
4. Understand the role of criminal law in the modern criminal justice system. 
5. Discuss the sources of law. 
6. Compare and contrast the types of law. 
7. Explain the basic purpose of policing in democratic societies. 
8. Understand the similarities and differences in the federal, state and local levels of law enforcement. 
9. Outline the development of the jury trial. 
10. Explain state and federal cour organization. 
11. Discuss the role of the courts in the criminal justice process. 
12. Understand the concept of the courtroom workgroup. 
13. Discuss the role of the prosecutor, defense attorney and the judge. 
14. Understand the nature of the disposition. 
15. Explain plea bargaining and its importance in the criminal justice process. 
16. Describe the factors that guide sentencing. 
17. Understand why prisons are referred to as "total insitutions." 
18. Describe special problems or points of contention between inmate rights and institutional requirements. 
19. Discuss the purposes of community corrections. 
20. Compare and contrast probation and parole. 
21. Understand why the modern criminal justice system treats juvenile delinquents differently than it treats adult criminal offenders. 
22. Discuss the concept of parens patriae. 
23. Compare and contrast the war on terrorism with the war on crime. 
24. Discuss the USA Patriot Act. 
25. Discuss the principles of restorative justice.
 

Students 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

1. Cell phones, pagers, or any electronic devices must be turned off during the class hours.

2. Students caught cheating will have their examinations confiscated and, at a minimum, receive a grade of F for that examination. Additionally, such students may receive a grade of F in the course.
 

Grading Criteria

Exams:

Each student will be required to take four (4) exams over the semester. 

• The exam will consist of 60 True/False, multiple choice and/or matching questions. Each question will be worth 1 point for a total of 60 points. In addition to the True/False, multiple choice and/or matching question there will be an essay/short answer section worth 40 points. 
• The final exam will be comprehensive. The exam will consist of 100 True/False, multiple choice and/or matching questions. Each question will be worth 2 points for a total of 200 points. There will be no essay/short answer section on the final exam.

Term Paper and Oral Presentation:

Each student will turn in a 3 -5 page term paper over a specific topic that the student will sign up for on the first night of class. If the student is not present the first night of class a topic will be chosen at random for the student. An outline of the paper will be due October 27th, 2011. The outline, which will be a percentage of the final term paper grade, will give an overview of the paper. The paper is due November 15th, 2011. Each student will give an oral presentation over their term paper no more than 5-10 minutes in length starting on November 17th, 2011. See attached guidelines for term paper and oral presentation requirements. 

Homework:

Each student will turn in 4 homework assignments throughout the semester. Each homework assignment will be worth 50 points. Each student will receive their homework assignment a minimum of 2 weeks before it is due. Each homework assignment is due at the beginning of class.

Participation: 

Each student will be required to actively engage in the weekly discussions. A grade of up to 100 points will be accessed based on the student’s participation during the semester.

Grading Scheme:

Exam 1 100 Points 
Exam 2 100 Points
Exam 3 100 Points 
Final Exam 200 Points 
Term Paper 150 Points 
Term Paper Presentation 50 Points
Participation 100 Points 
Homework 200 Points 
Total Points Available 1000 Points

A = Point range between 900 and 1000
B = Point range between 800 and 899
C = Point range between 700 and 799
D = Point range between 600 and 699
F = Point range below 599 

Makeup Policy: 

NO EXAMS CAN BE MADE UP or RE-TAKEN. 
Extra Credit may be given, if a student’s missed exam warrants the option. 
 

Attendance

Attendance and participation are required. A student is allowed one absence. Each additional absence will result in 5 points being taken off of the participation grade.

Calendar

Additional Information

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