Introduction to Criminal Justice Syllabus for 2020-2021
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Instructor Information
Instructor
Constance Haskins (Curriculum Vitae)Office Location
First Responders Academy Bldg.
3701 Plains Blvd, Office #1029
Office Hours
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Email / Blackboard Messaging Phone Contact Communication Policy Office Hours: Office hours are available for individualized support. During these times, you may meet with me in person, through FaceTime, Google Meet, or via messages/email. Office Hours Monday: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Virtual office hours may also be scheduled as needed. While I do occasionally check messages outside of these hours, scheduled office hours are the best time to receive immediate responses and real-time assistance. Please note: Emails, messages, and texts sent after 6:00 PM or on weekends may not be answered until the next business day, although I occasionally check messages outside of these hours. Response Time You can generally expect a response to course emails or messages within 24 hours during the week. If you do not hear back within a reasonable time, please feel free to follow up. Course Communication The primary methods of communication for this course will be: • Blackboard Announcements – Posted in the course and sent to your AC email Students should check announcements, Blackboard messages, and email at least every other day to stay informed about course updates and deadlines. Additional Resources for Assistance If you are unable to contact me directly, the following resources are available: Criminal Justice Department Offices ASK AC Helpline CTL Student & Faculty Help Center AC Connect Student Resources Professional Communication Expectations All communication in this course should remain professional, respectful, and courteous. This includes emails, messages, discussion posts, texts, and phone conversations. Students are expected to follow appropriate netiquette (online communication etiquette). Resources about netiquette are available in the Course Resources folder. If you have a question or concern about the course, please contact me first so we can work together to resolve the issue. If we are unable to resolve the matter, you may contact my immediate supervisor. Her contact information is listed in the Additional Information section at the end of this syllabus.
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Course Information
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting
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 3rd Edition, ISBN# 978-0-19-999796-1
Criminal Justice Mainstream and Crosscurrents, John Randolph Fuller 3rd 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
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Supplies
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Mental Health and Social Services |
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 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 806-371-5450. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is www.actx.edu/arc |
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Administrative Drop Policy |
Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date (August 25, 2020) will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016 |
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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 |
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Criminal Justice Library Guide |
http://actx.libguides.com/CriminalJustice Detailed instruction available in course Blackboard |
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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". |
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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/. Microsoft 360(includes Word) may be downloaded FREE from: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education/products/office
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. |
COVID 19 Information:
All students will be reuquired to wear a face mask while on any Amarillo College campus and while attending classes. The face mask must be worn for the duration of the entire class. Students will not be allowed to participate in class if they are not wearing a face mask.
Student Performance
Student Performance / Learning Objectives
- Describe the history and philosophy of the American criminal justice system.
- Explain the nature and extent of crime in America.
- Analyze the impact and consequences of crime.
- 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 ResponsibilitiesLog 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
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Course Requirements
Class structure, important announcements, and participation
SIMPLE RULES FOR CLASS BEHAVIOR
Cellphone Policy
Scholastic Integrity
Exam Procedures |
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Grading Criteria
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Scheme (How your final grade will be determined): Final exam 20% Common assessment 15 % Reading maps 15% All About Me 10% Syllabus Quiz 10% Total 100%
A = 100%-89.5% B = 89.4%-79.5% 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: Assignments and test are not allowed to be made up. Because the lowest chapter 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… DO NOT ASK TO MAKE UP A TEST OR AN ASSIGNMENT If you miss the final because for any reason, you will receive a zero for that test, no makeup exam will be given.
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
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Due to COVID-19 attendance will not be taken for a grade. However, a role sheet will still be handed out daily, this is for contact tracing purposes should a student come down with COVID. With that being said, you are still expected to come to class unless you are sick or experiencing COVID symptoms or have been around someone who has tested positive for COVID. DO NOT COME TO CLASS SICK! Finally, while you will not receive a grade for attendance, it is still critical that you attend class as long as you are not sick. |
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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 6, 2020, you must have my permission to drop. Students who wish to withdraw from a class must:
NOTE: The Texas Education Code stipvfsfulates that students at tending 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
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Calendar- This calendar and its content is subject to change by the instructor at any time. Please note; various worksheets and films will be used at the discretion of the instructor.
Date Class Activity/Schedule
Week 2 08/31-09/06
Week 3- 09/07-09/13
Week 4- 09/14-09/20
Week 5- 09/21-09/27
Week 6- 09/28-10/04
Week 7- 10/05-10/11
Week 8- 10/12-10/14
*Every attempt will be made to cover the above-noted material and schedule within the time constraints of this course. THIS SCHEDULE COULD CHANGE AT ANYTIME DO TO COVID-19. This schedule may vary in order to allow sufficient time for class discussion and complexity of the material.* |
Additional Information
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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 August 28, 2020. NO LATE QUIZZES WILL BE ACCEPTED. |
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Reading Maps |
Purpose –
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 generally be due on Mondays by 11:59pm. Please refer to the class calendar for specific due dates. |
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Format for all assignments.
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ALL ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE TYPED, HANDWRITTEN WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED! APA style Format:
Length requirements:
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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. |
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Common Assessment |
Instructions will be provided on the first day of class. Instructions will also be available in Blackboard under the Common Assessment tab. |
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Blackboard |
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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. |
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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. |
Syllabus Created on:
08/11/20 12:52 PM
Last Edited on:
08/20/20 4:25 PM