Introduction to Criminal Justice Syllabus for 2020-2021
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Instructor Information

Phone

Office Location

Office Hours

Instructor will be available 30 minutes prior to class and 30 minutes after. I will also be available by appointment.

The best way to reach the instructor is through email. Responses will be within 24hrs of initial request.

Course Information

COVID-19 Protocols

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-1301-003 Introduction to Criminal Justice

Prerequisites

Course Description

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

Student ResourcesStudent 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

Tech Supported

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

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

Supplies

All students enrolling in this class must have access to a working computer (with audio and video capability), active and functioning internet service, some type of word processing program, Adobe Acrobat Reader and exhibit computer competency.

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

  1. During live stream instruction, all students must log on, mute audio, and have video on for participation.
  2. Use classroom etiquette when asking questions through video portal.
  3. Be on time
  4. Participate in class discussions
  5. Take copious notes
  6. Be respectful to others (classmates/instructor)
  7. Limit interruptions - leaving class, etc.
  8. Check Blackboard daily for updates and information – email, announcements, and calendar
  9. Read assigned chapters prior to class attendance Reach out to instructor for any clarifications

Grading Criteria

Students grades for this course will be comprised of the following percentages and types of assignments:

Participation – viable feedback is important to the learning process. The class is designed for two-way communication. Nothing is gained by instructor lead teaching without class participation.

Weekly Tests [50%] – weekly tests are designed to strengthen knowledge of the students learning ability. Comprehensive recollection of the previous reading assignments and class presentations will enhance student’s knowledge retention of material. All tests are timed on Blackboard for accuracy.

Common Assessment [50%] – The purpose of this assignment is to foster learner-centered thought processes that are analytical, logical, and creative in nature. Students will learn how to critically analyze a case or particular issue related to criminal justice in America that has direct social concerns while illustrating their ability to draw conclusions based on relevant data and present their findings in an organized and cohesive essay.

Grading of Assignments

You can access your grades at any time by clicking on the Grades link under the course menu on the left sidebar of the course site. 

Weekly tests grades are based on the score received via student using Blackboard testing format.

Participation is based on the student’s ability to carry the conversation into new thoughts, ideas, and directions. Score is conducive on how the student relates to others and is cumulative from the beginning of class. A sprint in the last week of class will not constitute “cumulative” effort of participating throughout the duration of the term.

Common Assessment

**Please see detailed instructions on Blackboard.

 

Successful completion of the course is a result of the students work in throughout the course. Assignment of grades are the product of the following criteria:

Letter Grade                   Numerical Value

A                                            90-100

B                                             80-89

C                                             70-79

D                                             60-69

F                                              59 – below

Students must log on and attend the full class to receive credit.

Attendance

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.

Calendar

Students will be required to turn in assignments on specified dates, as referenced on the course calendar, which can be accessed via the Calendar link under the course menu on the left sidebar of the course site.

The class is fluid and may change during the course as reserved by right of instructor. If changes occur, notice will be sent to students and communicated in a timely manner. Please review the class calendar for details of scheduling of assignments.

Module 1 Oct 27th Tuesday, Week 1

Introduction – instructor, students, and course materials 

Syllabus review

Course policies and guidelines

Chapter 1 – Crime and the Problem of Social Control

Module 2 Oct 29th Thursday

Weekly Test Chapter 1 By Friday at 11:59 pm 

Chapter 2 – The Nature and Measurement of Crime

Module 3 Nov 3rd Tuesday, Week 2

Chapter 3 – Theories of Crime

Module 4 Nov 5th Thursday

Weekly Test Chapter 2 and 3 by Friday at 11:59 pm 

Chapter 4 – Criminal Law 

Module 5 Nov 10th Tuesday, Week 3 

Chapter 5 – The History and Organization of Law Enforcement 

Module 6 Nov 12th Thursday

Weekly Test Chapters 4-5 by Friday at 11:59 pm

Chapter 6 – Policing and the Law

Module 7 Nov 17th Tuesday, Week 4

Chapter 7 – Issues in Policing 

Module 8 Nov 19th Thursday

Weekly Test Chapter 6 and 7 by Friday at 11:59 pm 

Chapter 8 – The History and Organization of Courts 

Module 9 Nov 24th Tuesday, Week 5 

Chapter 9 – Working in the Courtroom

Weekly Test Chapter 9 by Wednesday at 11:59 pm

Module 10 Dec 1st Tuesday, Week 6

Chapter 10 – The Disposition: Plea Bargaining, Trial, and Sentencing

Chapter 11 – History and Control of Punishment

Module 11 Dec 3rd Thursday

Chapter 12 – Contemporary Prison Life

Chapter 13 – Corrections in the Community

Weekly Test Chapters 10-13 by Friday at 11:59 pm

Module 12 Dec 8th Tuesday, Week 7 

Weekly Test Chapter 10-13

Chapter 14 – Juvenile Justice

Module 13 Dec 10th Thursday

Chapter 15– Victims of Crime and Victimless Crimes

Weekly Test Chapters 14 & 15 by Friday at 11:59 pm

Module 14 Dec 15th Tuesday, Week 8

Chapter 16 – Present and Emerging Trends: The Future of Criminal Justice

Module 15 Dec 17th Thursday

Weekly Test Chapter 16 & Common Assessment

Additional Information

There are no options for extra credit during this course.

 The best way to reach the instructor is through email. Responses will be within 24hrs of initial request.

Opportunities to succeed in this class are strictly left to the student.

|Criminal Justice Departmental Policies|

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 me to schedule a tutoring session. Tutoring sessions are offered at no charge and can be conducted on campus or via telephone/email. 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 me 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.

You may also visit the Academic Help and/or Student Resources pages on the class site for more detailed information.

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 or Issues

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 me, 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 Uselding, Program Coordinator,  Criminal Justice Programs, at (806) 354-6081.

Syllabus Created on:

10/27/20 3:54 PM

Last Edited on:

10/27/20 4:13 PM