Introduction to Criminal Justice Syllabus for 2019-2020
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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:

The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.

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 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.

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-1301-002 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

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:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact 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.

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

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

IMPORTANT: STUDENTS WILL NEED THEIR TEXTBOOK THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASS

Textbooks may be purchased via the following methods:

• In person at the Amarillo College bookstore in the College Union Building (CUB) on the Washington Street Campus at 24th and Jackson. Students can contact the bookstore at 806-371-5304 or via email at bookstore@actx.edu. They are open Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm and in addition to these regularly scheduled hours, extended hours are announced for the beginning and ending of each semester (Fall, Spring and Summer).  **Make sure you keep your receipt(s) for any purchases made at the college bookstore. They will not allow exchanges or returns without them!
• Online through the Amarillo College bookstore or another online vendor. Access the bookstore's home page at https://www.actx.edu/bookstore/. Additional information is also available within the course on the “Student Resources” page.
• 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

Supplies

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: https://www.actx.edu/library/ 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.

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.
5. 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

Course Requirements         Class structure, important announcements, and participation                                     SIMPLE RULES FOR CLASS 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. Read the chapters; take good notes Be on time and stay until the end Study for the exams You are responsible for keeping up with the assigned readings. The textbook readings are intended to provide background information to my lecture.  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 as well as my lectures.  The readings will be from the textbook listed above. 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. Read each chapter and take notes in class Study the vocabulary words for each chapter.  You can use Kahoot to create flashcards Form study groups with your fellow classmates Behavior policy.  In this class, students are expected 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 class Having a cell phone in class. (please refer to the separate cell phone policy page) Carrying on side conversations with classmates. Being loud, laughing, cussing, etc... Sleeping Doing other coursework, or reading the newspaper or other materials not related to the course Complaining during class about your dissatisfaction with the class or the material being taught. THESE BEHAVIORS WILL RESULT IN AUTOMATICALLY BEING DISMISSED FROM THE CLASS.  If you have issues with anything regarding the class you need to see me during my office hours. 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. THESE BEHAVIORS WILL RESULT IN AUTOMATICALLY BEING DISMISSED FROM THE CLASS. Dominating the class discussion by not allowing other students to speak YELLING AT THE INSTRUCTOR, AT ANYTIME, WILL RESULT IN PERMANENT EXPULSION FROM THE CLASS   PLEASE BE IN CLASS ON TIME! Class starts at 9:00a.m.
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 instructor 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: Function as a substitute for another student in any assignment or exam, or utilizes a substitute in any assignment or exam Utilizes the assistance of others, including other students, or engages in “collusion” in relation to any assignment or exam to the extent the work is not characteristic of the student's capabilities. Collusion is defined in the Amarillo College Student Code of Conduct as: “… the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Affords excessive assistance to another student in relation to any assignment or exam, including the unauthorized use of camera phones, text messages, photocopies, notes or other means to copy or photograph materials used or intended for academic submission. Commits plagiarism; refer to the Amarillo College Student Code of Conduct which defines plagiarism as: “…the appropriating, buying, receiving as a gift, or obtaining by any means another’s work and the unacknowledged submission or incorporation of it in one’s own written work.” Uses information and/or materials from the Internet or any other source without citing full and applicable credit Knowingly permits his or her work to be submitted by another student in connection with any assignment or exam Claims credit for or submits work done by another student
Exam Procedures	Exams: Each student will be required to take four 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 multiple choice, true/false, and/or essay questions. The final exam will be comprehensive and will consist of multiple choice questions.   NO TABLETS. LAPTOPS, ETC… 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 ARE NOT ALLOWED TO SIT NEXT TO EACHOTHER DURING AN EXAM. EVERYONE MUST HAVE AT LEAST ONE EMPTY SEAT BETWEEN THEM AND ANOTHER PERSON. 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 9:00A.M., if a student enters the class after 9:10A.m. they will not be allowed to take the test.   YOU will have one hour and 15 minutes to complete each exam THERE IS NO GUARANTEE OF A REVIEW SHEET OR AN IN CLASS REVIEW. PLEASE DO NOT ASK, IF A REVIEW IS TO BE GIVEN, I WILL LET YOU KNOw.

Grading Criteria

 

Scheme:
Chapter exams                           30%

Final                                           20%

Attendance                                 15%

All About Me                             10%

Common assessment                  10 %

Reading maps                             10%

Syllabus Quiz                               5 %

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.  Students determine what their final grades are going to be, not professors. Please take responsibility for your work and make every effort to do your best. 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:

TEST:

You will be allowed to make up ONE missed EXAM at the end of the semester on December 12, 2019 after class. The make-up exam will not be the same exam as the original one given on the original test date and will not be subject to any extra credit point.  PLEASE DO NOT ASK TO MAKE UP MORE THEN ONE EXAM.

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.   DO NOT ASK FOR EXTRA CREDIT

Attendance

Attendance and participation are required.  A role sheet will be handed out at the end of class, you will sign acknowledging you were present in class for that particular day. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE YOU SIGN THE ROLE SHEET. The role sheet is used to determine your attendance grade so it is extremely important that you make sure you are signing in to class.  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! EXCUSED ABSENCES: There are only two cases in which an absence will be excused; a college function or military service. Please DO NOT asking for an absence to be excused. Now, if you have an emergency (hospitalization/death) please come see me; there is no guarantee your attendance grade will be changed.

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 March 3, 2020, you must have my permission to drop   Students who wish to withdraw from a class must: print out the Administrative Withdrawal Request form and complete it. The form requires the instructor’s signature. consult with their instructor to obtain instructors signature on the withdrawal request form 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.

Calendar

Additional Information

Syllabus Quiz Students must log on to this course through AC Connect on the first day of regular classes and complete the syllabus quiz. The quiz will be due by 11:59p.m on JANUARY 26, 2020.  NO LATE QUIZZES WILL BE ACCEPTED. Reading Maps Purpose – To insure that students are completing the assigned reading and that they are understanding what they are reading. You will complete a “reading map” for each chapter. The reading map form is located in Blackboard and will be turned in through Blackboard. Reading maps will be due on Saturdays by 11:59pm.   Format for all assignments. Title Page 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. Length requirements: If the length requirements for a paper is 3 pages that means 3 full pages, not 2 full pages and a ½ page that is not 3 pages that is 2 ½ pages. Title pages and work cited pages are not include in the word count or the length requirement of any paper. 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 All About Me paper: Instructions will be provided on the first day of class. Instructions will also be available in Blackboard under the All about Me tab. Common Assessment Instructions will be provided on the first day of class. Instructions will also be available in Blackboard under the Common Assessment tab. Blackboard Check Blackboard DAILY Check e-mail DAILY Students will be responsible for printing off any material that is posted to Blackboard. Additional Information Recordings in Class Students are prohibited from recording any portion of this class without written permission from the instructor of record or authorization through Disability Services. This includes, but is not limited to, lectures, class discussions or other class activities. For purposes of the policy herein, “recording” applies to audio, video, or any other type of digital recording. Students who create and/or share an unauthorized recording via any means, including social media, are violating an instructor's intellectual property rights and could potentially be subjected to disciplinary actions under the Student Code of Conduct. Additionally, should any footage be shown of proprietary materials, the student who created or shared the unauthorized video may also be subject to copyright laws. This policy has been adopted by all instructors in the Criminal Justice Department. Questions or concerns should be directed to Sarah Uselding, Program Coordinator and/or Eric Wallace, Director.  Tutoring/Assistance with Course The Criminal Justice Department at Amarillo College endeavors to support each student’s goals for success by providing additional academic support services to those in need. If your cumulative grade average for this course falls below a 70, you will be strongly encouraged to access tutoring and other academic resources the instructor feels is appropriate. Any student needing assistance with any aspect of the course content should contact their instructor 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 Help/ Student 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 your instructor with any questions or problems you might have while taking the course. In addition, you may access many of the various student resources at: https://www.actx.edu/student-resources. Reproduction of Course Materials Students are prohibited from reproducing any portion of this class without written permission from the instructor of record or authorization through Disability Services. This includes, but is not limited to, lecture notes, class discussion boards or any other class materials. For purposes of the policy herein, “reproducing” applies to photographic reproduction, audio, video, or any other type of reproduction of course materials. Students who create and/or share an unauthorized reproduction of course materials via any means, including social media, are violating an instructor's intellectual property rights and could potentially be subjected to disciplinary actions under the Amarillo College Student Code of Conduct. Additionally, should any reproduction be shown of proprietary materials, the student who created or shared the unauthorized reproduction may also be subject to copyright laws. This policy has been adopted by all instructors in the Criminal Justice Department. Questions or concerns should be directed to Sarah Uselding, Program Coordinator and/or Eric Wallace, Director.  Extra-Credit Opportunities Determinations regarding whether or not extra-credit opportunities will be afforded to students is at the discretion of the instructor. In the event an option for extra-credit is offered by the instructor, comprehensive guidelines and information will be provided to the student. Students are not required to participate in extra-credit opportunities. This policy has been adopted by all instructors in the Criminal Justice Department. Questions or concerns should be directed to Sarah Uselding, Program Coordinator and/or Eric Wallace, Director. Student Complaints A complaint is an allegation of improper, unfair, arbitrary or discriminatory treatment by college personnel. Students should attempt to resolve concerns informally with the instructor before filing a formal complaint. Any student or group of students may file a complaint concerning any campus issue. The Amarillo College Student Complaint Policy is described in detail in the Student Rights and Responsibilities document. If you have a complaint regarding the instructor or some aspect of the course, you should first contact your instructor immediately in person or via email and attempt to resolve the situation. If the situation can’t be resolved to your satisfaction, you should then contact Sarah E. Uselding, Assistant Professor/Program Coordinator at seuselding@actx.edu or Eric Wallace, Director of Criminal Justice Programs at ecwallace@actx.edu. Questions, advice, etc… Please note; I am more than happy to talk to you about whatever may be on your mind. If you need someone to talk to, need resources for food/gas, rent etc.., or if you just have questions about criminal justice, I will be more than happy to sit down and visit with you. However, those conversations will need to take place outside of class, just catch me after class and we can talk.  Please reserve all in class questions to only the material we are currently covering.