Introduction to Criminal Justice Syllabus for 2015-2016
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Course

CRIJ-1301-003 Introduction to Criminal Justice

Prerequisites

Course Description

This course provides a historical and philosophical overview of the American criminal justice system, including the nature, extent and impact of crime; criminal law; and justice agencies and processes.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

John Randolph Fuller, Criminal Justice: Mainstream and Crosscurrents, Oxford University Press, 2014

Supplies

Scanton sheets will be need for each exam.

Student Performance

1. Describe the history and philosophy of the American criminal justice system.
2. Explain the nature and extent of crime in America
3. Analyze the impact and consequence of crime.
4. Evaluate the development, concepts and functions of law in the criminal justice system.
5. Describe the structure of contemporary federal, state and local justice agencies and processes.

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 criminal justice system in America and the essential elements therein.

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

Students are required to attend class and be on time. Roll will be taken each class period. Students who are absent or tardy risk having points deducted from their final grade. Students who attend all classes and are not tardy will earn extra points on their final grade. Extra points may be also earned through class participation.

Cheating on examinations will not be tolerated. Anyone caught cheating will be referred to the College administration for disciplinary action and receive an F on the examination. If you are planning a career in law enforcement, cheating could end your law enforcement career before it starts as most law enforcement agencies WILL NOT consider someone for employment who is not honest. 

Grading Criteria

Chapter tests and the final exam will consist of multiple choice and true/false questions. You will need a SCANTRON sheet for each chapter test and the final exam and a #2 pencil to mark your answers with on the SCANTRON sheet. I will try to grade the chapter test immediately after the test and give you your grade at that time.

Grades will be awarded on the following percentages as follows:

Chapter Tests                          15%  each  (4 X 15  = 60%)

Final Exam                             15%                             15%

Research paper                       25%                             25%

                                                                                    100%   

Attendance

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Calendar

Additional Information

Research Paper: Each student is required to write an 8- to 10-page research paper on a topic concerned with criminal justice. One suggested method of writing this paper is to pick an issue of criminal justice that is in need of reform and suggest a policy that is politically feasible, economically possible, and consistent with democratic ideals.  I must approve your topic.  Your topic should be approved by me on or before September 15, 2015. The paper will be due on November 17, 2015 at the beginning of class and must be typed, double spaced, and use an approved style of documentation.