Office hours are a great opportunity to get some individual assistance when needed, and I encourage you to take advantage of them. During these hours I’ll be available for scheduled in-person appointments, FaceTime calls, Google Meets and/or virtual assistance through immediate response email. My office hours are as follows:
| Monday | 9:00 am to 12:00 pm [In Person] |
| Tuesday | 9:00 am to 12:00 pm [In Person] and 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm [Virtual] |
| Wednesday | 9:00 am to 12:00 pm [In Person] |
| Thursday | 9:00 am to 12:00 pm [In Person] and 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm [Virtual] |
| Friday | As needed |
| Saturday/Sunday | As needed |
I check email, Blackboard messages, phone messages and texts outside of the above referenced times. However, the scheduling of these office hours allows you some opportunities wherein you can receive immediate responses from me.
Communication is a vital component of effective learning in an online environment. The type of response and/or assistance you're looking for will dictate the best method for contacting me. However, here’s some general guidelines.
| Type of Assistance Needed | Suggested Method of Communication | Information |
| Immediate response needed, with very brief explanation required | Text message | 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. My Email: seuselding@actx.edu |
Generally speaking, you can expect a response to your email/course message within 24 hours from the time you send your correspondence. However, there will be times when it could take slightly longer to respond. If you send an email and don’t receive a response, please make sure you follow up with me. If you send me a text, please include your name and which class you’re enrolled in. If you call and don’t receive an answer, please leave a message and I’ll call you back.
The primary method of communication from me will be through course announcements and/or email/message(s). All course announcements will be posted under the Announcements link on the left sidebar of the course in Blackboard with a concurrent email sent to the class. These emails and any other emails from me will go directly to your AC Gmail account.
Make sure to check your announcements/emails at least every other day to ensure you don’t miss out on important information.
In the event you’re unable to contact me directly, there are some additional resources for assistance:
Option 1| The offices for the Criminal Justice department are located on the West Campus in Room #121. The general phone number is (806) 354-6081. You can leave a message for me at this number as well.
Option 2| ASK AC Helpline at (806) 371-5000, or after hours you can email them at askac@actx.edu.
Option 3| 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. Assistance is provided for: Logging-in to AC Connect, Password resets; How to use AC Online; Microsoft Office help/ Microsoft Office alternatives; General computer/software questions. They are located on the Washington Street Campus, Library, 2nd floor, Suite 205 and their hours are:
Monday – Thursday, 8am – 5pm (WARE 205)
Monday – Thursday, 5pm – 9pm (Library Research Desk on the 4th Floor of WARE)
Friday, 8am – 5pm (WARE 205)
Option 4| AC Connect Student Resources at: https://www.actx.edu/student-resources
This course is built upon the premise that students from diverse backgrounds and viewpoints benefit by taking this course together, that students' varying learning needs be addressed in and out of the virtual classroom, and the diversity students bring to this class be considered as a resource and advantage in the learning process.
Students should make themselves knowledgeable regarding appropriate ‘netiquette’ practices. There are several internet resources explaining the facets of netiquette. In addition, I have provided helpful information and links within the course.
You should always communicate with your classmates and instructor in a professional, considerate and courteous manner. Discourteous, rude and/or aggressive emails, text messages or phone conversations will not be tolerated.
When you have a question, complaint, or issue regarding the course, you should contact me first. Other students or Amarillo College staff or faculty are not responsible for making determinations regarding my course policies. If the situation cannot be resolved to your satisfaction, you may contact my immediate supervisor. This contact information is provided in the Additional Information section at the end of this syllabus.
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 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.
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
Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016
Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.
NOTE: Students who are 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. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.
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 .
CRIJ-1310-001 Fundamentals of Criminal Law
This course is the study of criminal law including application of definitions, statutory elements, defenses and penalties using Texas statutes, the Model Penal Code and case law. The course also analyzes the philosophical and historical development of criminal law and criminal culpability.
Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website
Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:
Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact your advisor, the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.
(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)
Online Course
Contemporary Criminal Law Concepts, Cases, and Controversies, 4th Ed, (2015) Matthew Lippman
ISBN: 9781483379364 [Required Textbook – You will use this textbook extensively throughout the course.]
IMPORTANT: Students enrolling in this class will need their textbook the FIRST WEEK of the course.
Textbooks may be purchased via the following methods:
The correct ISBN for the required class textbook is cited above. Students ordering their book online through the Amarillo College bookstore or through another vendor should ensure they order the correct edition of the textbook and allow enough time for delivery so as to have the book the first week of class. You do NOT need to purchase the access codes for the textbook.
All students enrolling in this class must have access to a working computer, active and functioning internet service, Microsoft Word or some other type of word processing program, Adobe Acrobat Reader and exhibit computer competency.
Adobe Acrobat Reader may be downloaded FREE from https://get.adobe.com/reader/.
Assistance with Computer Access
If you do not have a computer, you may access the computers at the AC Library on the 4th floor of the WARE Building. Click on the link below to access phone numbers, hours of operation and locations for all Amarillo College libraries and computing centers:
The Amarillo College Bookstore has a laptop rental program as well. You may contact them to find out more information about the requirements and terms of the program.
Amarillo College Writer’s Corner
The Writer’s Corner is an excellent resource available to you for assistance in the writing needs of the course. You can access additional information at https://www.actx.edu/english/writerscorner.
EMAIL ADDRESS: writerscorner@actx.edu Phone: 345-5580 LOCATION: Ordway Hall, Room 102
Fall & Spring Semesters
Monday – Thursday
8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Summer Sessions
Monday - Thursday
8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Closed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Student performance addresses the knowledge/skills a student should have upon completion of this course with a 70% or above average. To that end, there are general course learning objectives (listed below) and more specific module learning objectives for this course. The learning objectives for each module will be listed on the pertinent module assignment checklist.
General Course Learning Objectives for Fundamentals of Criminal Law:
This course will be guided by meeting both the student performance objectives listed above as well as the module 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.
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".
Course Workload and Preparation Requirements
The workload for this course will require due diligence and integrity on students' part. Students are individually responsible for ensuring they understand all requirements of the course, have access to all supplies needed and complete assignments accordingly.
Log into the class on a regular basis (at least 3-4 times per week) to check for class announcements/emails and ensure understanding of all applicable requirements.
Complete all readings and course preparation as assigned. This is imperative for successful completion of the course.
Complete all assignments in a timely manner and be cognizant of all relevant due dates. (See Grading Criteria and Calendar sections herein for additional information on more specific course policies.)
Discussion Board Guidelines
At times the discussion board topics will address sensitive and uncomfortable 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, within written course work or 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. Moreover, only the student registered for the course should prepare the assignments and participate in the course.
If you have cause to be concerned or offended by any of the topics covered in this course, or something another student posts on the discussion board, you are to contact me immediately. All material, both required and supplemental, is directly tied to helping students better meet the Student Performance Objectives.
Scholastic Integrity
Scholastic honesty is not only assumed, but required, of all students in all coursework and exams as they relate to this course. This professor maintains a zero-tolerance policy with regards to occurrences of scholastic dishonesty. Occurrences of scholastic dishonesty will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis and will result in a grade of zero for the applicable assignment and/or removal from the course. Scholastic dishonesty is defined in the Amarillo College Student Code of Conduct as “…shall include, but not be limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.” Determinations of scholastic dishonesty may be substantiated if a student engages in any of the following behaviors:
Communicating With Your Professor and Classmates
Students should make themselves knowledgeable regarding appropriate ‘netiquette’ practices. There are several internet resources explaining the facets of netiquette. One good source is located at: http://learning.colostate.edu/guides/guide.cfm?guideid=4.
Students will communicate with their professor in a professional and courteous manner at all times. Discourteous, rude and/or aggressive emails, text messages or phone conversations will not be tolerated.
When you have questions regarding the course, you should contact your professor FIRST. Students or other Amarillo College staff or faculty are not responsible for making determinations regarding my course policies.
In the event you have a complaint or issue regarding this course you should contact me first and if the situation cannot be resolved to your satisfaction, you may contact Eric Wallace, Director of Criminal Justice Programs at (806) 354-6081.
Students' grades for this course will be comprised of the following percentages and types of assignments:
Coursework [40%]: Assignments in this category include vocabulary assessments, capstone assignments (if applicable), reading quizzes and any other type of written assignment of the instructor's choosing.
Discussion Assignments [30%]: Students will be required to interact with others in the course. There will be specific discussion assignments in which the student will be required to post their own discussion answer and then respond to at least five (5) of his or her classmates' postings.
Exams [30%]: Mid-term exam - Included in Module 4. The mid-term contains 100 multiple-choice and true-false questions and involves all material covered to date (through Module 4). Final exam - Included in Module 8. The final contains 200 multiple-choice and true-false questions and is comprehensive in nature, covering all material from the entire semester.
Assignment Deadlines
Late assignments are generally not accepted. Coursework, discussions or exams submitted after the deadline will most likely receive a grade of zero (0). It is imperative for students in an educational setting to learn to manage their assignments and time for success in a real-world environment. Therefore, unless there is some type of valid, extenuating circumstance assignments will NOT be accepted after the due date. Due dates for the entire semester will be listed on the course calendar from the first day of the course. I reserve the right to make determinations regarding acceptance of late assignments on a case-by-case basis. The following point deductions will be applied when late assignments/quizzes/exams are accepted: 1 day late – 10 points; 2 days late – 20 points; 3 days late – 30 points.
As referenced above, all assignment due dates are listed on the course calendar. See the CALENDAR section herein for instructions on accessing the course calendar. In addition to the calendar there is a “To Do” box on the home page of the course. This will help you track your assignments, due dates, etc. *Please be aware the discussion assignments will not appear in this due date box because there are two due dates for these assignments.
Unless otherwise noted, all assignments, quizzes and exams will be due no later than 11:59 p.m. on the specified date, as referenced on the calendar.
You will have more than enough time to complete your assignments for each module. If there is a valid emergency or circumstance beyond your control, you may contact me before the due date of the assignment(s) to discuss your options and any potential late penalties that may be applied. It is your responsibility to ensure you have access to a working computer and functioning internet service to access the course and submit your assignments. DO NOT wait until the last minute to complete your assignments. You will have ample notice of what the assignments entail and when they are due. Forgetting to do an assignment or having an internet malfunction at the last minute are NOT sufficient excuses for submitting as assignment late. Please understand this policy is present and adhered to in the interest of fairness to all students in the class.
Final Exam Exemption Opportunity
If you complete ALL assignments, including the mid-term and submit them all on time and have a minimum comprehensive course average of 70 or above, you will be “exempt” from taking the final exam.
There will be no exceptions to this exemption opportunity. If you submit any part of an assignment late, make-up or retake the mid-term for any reason, you will no longer be considered exempt from taking the final exam. Please understand it’s not that I am unsympathetic to situations that may arise during the semester. The purpose of this exemption is to encourage you all to complete and submit your assignments in a timely fashion and reward those students who perform in a consistently prepared manner throughout the semester. The only way this works, and is fair, is if it’s applied uniformly.
Resubmission of assignments at my request will not affect a student’s ability to gain exempt status, as long as the assignment is resubmitted prior to the deadline given.
At the onset of Module 8 an email will be sent to all students who have been designated as “exempt.” If you don’t receive an email from me indicating such, then you MUST take the final exam.
In the event you are designated as “exempt” from taking the final exam, your mid-term exam grade alone will serve as your exam average (30% of your overall grade).
You will NOT receive a “0” for the final. For example, if you made an 85 on your mid-term, you get designated as “exempt” and you choose not to take the final, then your exam average will remain an 85.
In the event you are designated as “exempt” and decide you still want to take the final exam, you must accept your grade and it will be averaged together with your mid-term grade to comprise your exam average (30% of your overall grade), as previously stated herein.
If you have any questions regarding this opportunity, you are encouraged to contact me immediately.
Grading of Assignments
You can access your grades at any time by clicking on the “Grades” link under the COURSE MENU on the left side of the course.
Homework and discussion assignment grades will be available as soon as possible and no later than one week after the ending date of the module. Grades will be based on format, the student’s compliance with all assignment requirements, accurateness and comprehensiveness of answers. A rubric will be provided for all written assignments. The time frame for the posting of grades is tentative. There will be occasions when it will take longer than a week after the ending date of the module to post the grades. An announcement will always be posted advising when grades are available to view.
Understand that minimal work will receive a minimal grade. Don’t assume just because you completed the minimum requirements for the assignment you will receive a perfect score. General feedback will be given on the first assignments. However, due to the number of students and workload, feedback on subsequent assignments will be limited to citing incorrect answers, etc. or explaining why a grade is extremely low (below 70).
You can always check your current class average so you know where you stand. If you have any questions regarding your grades, you are encouraged to contact me. I’m more than happy to answer any questions, or provide additional feedback.
Final Course Grade Assignment (Grading Schema)
Final letter grades in the course will be assigned utilizing the below listed schema. Unless otherwise noted, there will be no exceptions to this schema made by the instructor. Grades are not negotiable. Your final course grade will be based on your work in the course.
|
Letter Grade |
Corresponding Numerical Value |
|
A |
90-100 |
|
B |
80-89 |
|
C |
70-79 |
|
D |
60-69 |
|
F |
59 and below |
REGULAR ATTENDANCE IS NECESSARY FOR SATISFACTORY ACHIEVEMENT. THEREFORE, IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT TO ATTEND CLASS, EVEN IN AN ONLINE SETTING.
Consistent and adequate involvement in an online class is necessary for satisfactory completion. 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 me via email, phone, or in person, immediately.
Information Regarding Withdrawals
Per Amarillo College guidelines, students must receive approval from the instructor to withdraw from the course. The last day to withdraw from a class is listed on the course calendar (on the class site) and on Amarillo College’s master calendar on AC Connect.
If a student wishes to withdraw from the course they must complete the following steps:
Failure to drop or withdraw the course within a timely manner will result in the student receiving a performance grade, usually an “F”.
This course is divided into eight (8) modules, with a corresponding checklist for each module that contains all required preparation, reading and assignments. Please review each checklist carefully to ensure you understand the requirements therein. It is strongly suggested you print the checklists, however it is not mandatory. Students will be required to turn in assignments on specified dates, as referenced on the course calendar which is located on the class site under the CONTENT tab.
The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the course schedule when deemed appropriate. Any and all changes made will be clearly communicated in a timely fashion. Below is a basic outline of the course and the topics covered therein. The course calendar provided on the class site contains more detailed information and includes due dates for all assignments.
Module 1
Chapter 1 - The Nature, Purpose, and Function of Criminal Law
Chapter 2 – Constitutional Limitations
Module 2
Chapter 3 – Punishment and Sentencing
Chapter 4 – Actus Reus
Chapter 5 – Mens Rea, Concurrence, Causation
Module 3
Chapter 6 – Parties to Crime and Vicarious Liability
Chapter 7 – Attempt, Conspiracy, and Solicitation
Module 4
Chapter 8 – Justifications
Chapter 9 – Excuses
Mid-term Exam
Module 5
Chapter 10 – Homicide
Chapter 11 – Criminal Sexual Conduct, Assault and Battery, Kidnapping, and False Imprisonment
Module 6
Chapter 12 – Burglary, Trespass, Arson, and Mischief
Chapter 13 – Crimes against Property
Module 7
Chapter 14 – White-Collar Crime
Chapter 15 – Crimes against Public Order and Morality
Chapter 16 – Crimes against the State
Module 8
Final Exam
This section contains important and helpful information on a variety of topics related to the class. If you need additional information on any other topic or aspect of the class, please refer to the FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS on the CONTENT document tab of the course. Moreover, you may always feel free to contact me with any questions.
Accessing Important Course Information
Students should log onto the course as early as possible on the FIRST DAY of the semester.
This course will progress quickly and the first assignment is due within days of the course beginning. When you log onto the course for the first time you will see an announcement directing you to the CONTENT page. Once on the CONTENT page, you will see a “START HERE” section that includes a list of introductory items to be completed.
Tutoring/Assistance with Course Content
Any student needing assistance with any aspect of the course content should contact me to schedule a tutoring session. Tutoring sessions are offered at no charge and can be conducted on campus or via telephone. Arrangements can be made to schedule a time that is convenient for the student.
Student Academic/Individual Needs Resources
There are a variety of resources available to help students with issues they may be experiencing throughout the semester. You are encouraged to contact me with any questions or problems you might have while taking the course. In addition, you should visit the “Student Resources” page on the class site for more detailed information.
Academic Resources:
Individual Needs Resources:
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