Introduction to Criminal Justice Syllabus for 2016-2017
Return to Syllabus List

Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

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

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a class must:

• consult with their instructor to obtain a signed academic withdrawal request form to submit to the AskAC department for processing
• consult with the financial aid office if receiving financial aid
• consult with the Veterans Benefit Coordinator if receiving veteran benefits
• consult with their academic advisor to determine how withdrawing may affect their enrollment in future semesters
  • NOTE:  The Texas Education Code stipulates that students attending Texas institutions of higher education for the first time fall 2007 and later may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career, including courses from which transfer students have withdrawn at other Texas institutions of higher education. (Senate Bill 1231) Rule 4.10.

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-1301-001 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.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Criminal Justice Mainstream and Crosscurrents, John Randolph Fuller 3^rd  Edition, ISBN# 978-0-19-999796-1

Supplies

No supplies available

Student Performance

Student Performance / Learning Objectives

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 consequences of crime.
4. Evaluate the development, concepts, and functions of law in the criminal justice system.

Describe the structure of contemporary federal, state, and local justice agencies and processes.

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

There are certain requirements that will be necessary for the successful completion of this class.  The requirements are mandatory and are explained fully in this syllabus.

1. Tests are given after every four chapters
2. Read the chapters; take good notes
3. Be on time and stay until the end

You are responsible for keeping up with the assigned readings and being prepared for class discussions. The textbook readings are intended to provide background information to my lecture.  Because we will be having class discussions when I am lecturing, it is of the utmost importance that you read the assigned reading for that particular lecture in the textbook. If for some reason I am unable to lecture on a particular topic in the book you are still responsible for knowing that particular section of the assigned reading. So, please be aware that you will be tested on what the book covers.  Bring you textbook to every lecture.  In order to be successful in this class, you will need to devote equal study time to course lecture as well as the readings; therefore, class participation is expected.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE EXAMS:

• This is a three hour course. An estimate of study time outside of class is 3 hours for every 1 hour in class. Therefore, you need to plan on spending at least 9 hours per week studying for this class, outside of class.
• Studying in college is a complex task, in that it involves many factors such as time management skills, reading ability, and study skills, among others…
• Achieving success in this course will require a time commitment. I recommend that you prepare for your exams and for class by ACTIVELY reading and outlining (taking detailed notes) the assignments.
• Students report that it is helpful to make a flash card for each paragraph of reading material.  They ask a question on one side of the card and answer it in their own words on the other side of the card.  Then, they have a way of testing their understanding of the content.

Behavior policy. 

Students are expected in this class to behave in a manner befitting adult, college students, with the proper respect displayed for their fellow students, the instructor, and the college. A student will receive one verbal warning only. Verbal warnings may include dismissal from class for the remainder of the class period. A second incident results in permanent expulsion with no chance for reinstatement.

Prohibited behavior includes, but are not limited to the following:

• Arriving late or leaving early from the classroom
• Talking on the cellphone or text messaging
• Carrying on side conversations with classmates
• Sleeping
• Doing other coursework, or reading the newspaper or other materials not related to the course
• Speaking rudely or forcefully to classmates
• Speaking rudely or forcefully to the instructor, questioning the instructor’s authority, expressing anger about a grade, or generally disrupting the instructor’s ability to teach
• Dominating the class discussion by not allowing other students to speak

 

PLEASE BE IN CLASS ON TIME Class starts at 9:00 a.m.!

Grading Criteria

Exams:
Each student will be required to take three chapter exams and a mandatory comprehensive final during the semester. Your lowest test grade on the chapter exams will be dropped.

The chapter exams will consist of True/False, multiple choice and/or matching questions, and/or essay/short answer. The final exam will be comprehensive. The exam will consist of True/False and multiple choice questions.  

NO CELL PHONES, COMPUTERS, OR TABLETS ARE ALLOWED IN CLASS ON THE DAY OF EXAMS! If a student has one of these devices on the day of the test, the student will be asked to leave and will not be allowed to take the test.

Students will not be permitted to leave the classroom once testing has begun.  If a student leaves the room, then their test will be taken up and graded based on the questions they have answered up to that point.

All tests will begin at 9:00, if a student enters the class after 9:10 they will not be allowed to take the test.  

A review sheet will be given for all exams.  

Participation:

• At the beginning of class there will be a short writing assignment. A question regarding the assigned reading will be posted on the board.  You will write down the question, you will answer the question on paper, in paragraph format (six to seven sentences), and you will use correct spelling and grammar. If you are late to class you WILL NOT be allowed to make up these assignments. If I cannot read your writing, you will not receive credit. THIS ASSIGNMENT IS TO ENSURE THAT THE ASSIGNED READING IS BEING COMPLETED.
• Each Thursday you will be given an index card at the end of class. You will explain what you learned during the week and what material you may be struggling to understand. If you leave class early or miss class you WILL NOT be allowed to make up these assignments.   
• Each student will be required to actively engage in the weekly discussions. You must be present and prepared to actively participate in class discussions.

 

 CORE assignment

(see below for more information)

 

 

All About Me Paper:

Each student will turn in a 1-2 page paper giving a brief overview of their

life and what they hope to accomplish with their degree. The paper is due

August 29, 2016. See attached guidelines for paper requirements.

 

Grading Scheme:
Exam’s                                      40%
All about me paper                   20%

Attendance                                15%

Participation                              15%

CORE assignment                     10 %       
Total                                         100%

A = 100%-89.5%

B = 89.4%-79.5%
C = 79.4%-69.5%
D = 69.4%-59.5%

F = 59.4% and below
 

You get the grade you earn.  At the end of the semester, if you have a final grade of an 89.5 you will receive an A, if you have a final grade of 89.4 you will receive a B.

Makeup Policy:

Because the lowest exam score is dropped, there will be no make-up exams.  If you miss a scheduled exam for any reason, that exam will be the exam score that will be dropped. The purpose for the drop grade is so that you can miss an exam for any reason, such as death in the family, illness, vacation, having a baby, not able to get your books on time, not having access to a computer, having to work, forgetting to take an exam, etc…

 

Extra Credit:

There is not an “extra credit” option.  I want you to learn how to do college level work and do well in your class as opposed to passing a class based on extra credit.  I want you to learn the study skills necessary to be successful as you continue taking courses in college.  

Attendance

Attendance and participation are required.  A role sheet will be handed out at the beginning of class and at the end, you will sign acknowledging you are present both at the beginning and at the end.  If you come in after the sign in sheet has been passed around, you will not be allowed to sign in and will be counted absent for that day.  A student is allowed (2) two absences. Each additional absence will result in 10 points, per additional absence, being taken off of the attendance grade.  STUDENTS HAVE FAILED SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY DID NOT 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”. The last day to drop is October 4, 2016, you must have my permission to drop. You need to send me an email requesting to drop the class and the reason behind it.

Calendar

Additional Information

ALL ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE TYPED, HANDWRITTEN WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED! APA style Format: Use 8.5” x 11” paper Type double-spaced with 1” margins on all edges. Page number should be in the top right corner. Indent each new paragraph Use Times Roman 12 pt. font.   Every assignment you turn in must have the following cover page attached. If the cover page is missing 10 points will be deducted from your grade.   Title of paper Your name Introduction to Criminal Justice Instructor Haskins

August 29, 2016 – Due at the Beginning of Class All About Me Paper guidelines   Purpose- To introduce yourself to the instructor.   Topics- The paper needs to include information about your background, experiences, career goals, and anything in your life that may affect your performance in this class.    Format- This will be a five(5) paragraph essay with the following sections; I-Introduction (what is your paper about) II- Your history (family, educational history, etc...) III- Your current situation (your current family situation, current work situation, hobbies, etc...) IV- Your future (your major, what you plan to do with your degree, what you want to do when you grow up, etc...) V- conclusion( summarize what your paper was about)   SEE ABOVE BOX FOR ADDITIONAL FORMAT REQUIRMENTS.   Length – • Minimum 1 Page • Maximum 2 Pages   Make sure to follow the format listed in the format for all assignments section.

Read the 16.4 CROSSCURRENTS feature box on page 598 in your textbook. After careful consideration, craft a 500-word essay that addresses the items listed below: Answer the critical thinking questions at the end of the selection. In addition to the questions at the end of the selection, discuss the following: What are the social and ethical implications of utilizing restorative justice practices? Does the use of restorative justice enhance the interdependent relationship between the three components of the criminal justice system? Discuss the effectiveness of these types of programs by analyzing empirical/quantitative data. (see items c below) Responses should be supported by the use of substantive information from the textbook (minimum of 3 textbook citations) and data found via internet research. Several websites have been provided within the class site on Blackboard in the folder entitled “Capstone Research.” Include a simple “Works Cited” section at the end of your essay that includes the names and URL’s of any websites used. Assignment will be copied and pasted via the “Capstone Assignment” link on the class site in Blackboard.

Check Blackboard DAILY Examples of previous students work will be available for you to view. This will give you examples to reference. Students will be responsible for printing off any material that is posted to Blackboard.