Introduction to Criminal Justice Syllabus for 2025-2026
Return to Syllabus List
Instructor Information
Instructor
Constance Haskins (Curriculum Vitae)Office Location
First Responders Academy Bldg.
3701 Plains Blvd, Office #1029
Office Hours
|
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 Online Professionalism & Digital Conduct I. The Virtual Classroom In this online course, AC Connect, discussion boards, and college email are official campus locations. All interactions must remain professional, respectful, and courteous. Per the Amarillo College Student Handbook, conduct policies apply to students "whether the activity takes place on or off campus," including all digital communications. II. Prohibited Behavior In accordance with Amarillo College Student Rights and Responsibilities, any communication that is condescending, rude, disrespectful, hateful, or unprofessional will not be tolerated. Per the Student Handbook, "Unacceptable Conduct" is defined as any behavior "contrary to the best interest of the faculty or staff or the teaching/learning process." Specific prohibited behaviors include:
III. Communication Boundaries & Netiquette
IV. Repercussions Failure to adhere to these standards is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and will result in the following actions:
V. Professionalism Modeling Guide
|
Course Information
AI Statement
Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting
Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.
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 Enrollment Center, Suite 700. 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:
Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.
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 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
Online Course
Syllabus Information
Textbooks
Introduction to Criminal Justice Practice and Process, Kenneth J Peaks, Tamara D.Herold 5th Edition, ISBN# 9781071848982
IMPORTANT: STUDENTS WILL NEED THEIR TEXTBOOK THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASS
The above referenced textbook is required for the course and as such, will be used extensively throughout the semester. You will need your textbook on the first day of class, so please plan accordingly.
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. You may contact the bookstore at (806) 371-5304 or via email at bookstore@actx.edu. They are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. In addition to regularly scheduled hours, extended hours are announced for the beginning and ending of each semester. **Make sure to keep your receipt 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/.
The ISBN for the required textbook is provided. If you choose to order your book online through the Amarillo College bookstore, or through another vendor, confirm you’re ordering the correct edition of the textbook and allow enough time for delivery so as to have the book on the first day of class. You do NOT need to purchase the access codes for the book.
Supplies
Upon enrolling in this class you must have access to a working computer, active and functioning internet service, some 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/. OFFICE 360Microsoft offers Office 360 for free to students. If you do not have Word, Power Point, etc. on your computer please follow the link below to get started. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education/products/office
GOOGLE AppsYou should utilize your Google Apps for completing course assignments. To access your Google Apps follow the steps listed below: Step 1| Log onto AC Connect. Step 2| Scroll down and under the AC apps & email box, click on the Google Apps link and you will see the links for all of the Google apps. Step 3| Choose the appropriate app needed. As a helpful hint, you’ll use “Docs” to write your discussion posts and other written assignments and “Slides” for your introduction assignment as well as your class project presentations (if applicable). 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
EMAIL ADDRESS: writerscorner@actx.edu Phone: 345 5580 LOCATION: Ware Student Commons, 324 |
Criminal Justice Library Guide | http://actx.libguides.com/CriminalJustice Detailed instruction available in course Blackboard |
Student Performance
|
Student Performance / Learning Objectives
|
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
Course Workload and Preparation
You should approach this course with a mindset where you’re ready to learn.
The workload for this course will require due diligence and integrity on your part. You are responsible for ensuring you understand all requirements of the course, have access to necessary supplies and complete assignments accordingly.
I have found that students who do well in my classes generally ascribe to the following practices:
Log into the class on a regular basis (at least 3-4 times per week) to check for class announcements/emails/messages regarding upcoming assignments and other important information.
Respond to requests from the professor in a timely manner.
Have a consistent plan or approach for completing reading/preparation and assignments for the course.
Complete all readings and course preparation as assigned. This is imperative for successful completion of the course.
Highlight the textbook or take notes as they complete reading assignments to help prepare for written assignments, quizzes and/or exams.
Reach out to the professor in a timely fashion with regards to questions or problems with the class.
Take full advantage of all the resources provided within the course.
Complete and correctly submit all assignments in a timely manner and be cognizant of all relevant due dates.
Discussion Boards/Communication
Effective learning can only occur in a safe space where you and I are open to the views of other people, especially when they’re different from yours. In this time we share together over the semester, please honor the uniqueness of your fellow classmates and appreciate the opportunity we have to learn from one another.
At times the discussion board topics will address sensitive and uncomfortable subjects. You must remember to conduct yourself in a respectful and courteous manner at all times. You are entitled to your opinions and certainly aren’t required to agree with another student’s opinion. However, disagreements can be cited in an appropriate, respectful and considerate manner.
Snipes, demeaning comments, personal attacks, 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/messages 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 should contact me immediately. All material, both required and supplemental, is directly tied to facilitation of the learning process and to aid you in better meeting the learning objectives of the course.
Refer to the Office Hours section herein for information regarding course communication.
Scholastic Integrity
Scholastic honesty is not only assumed, but required of all students in all coursework and exams as they relate to this course. I maintain a zero-tolerance policy with regards to scholastic dishonesty. Instances 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(s) 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:
Substitute for another student in any assignment or exam, or utilizing 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.” Students are not to work together on assignments or exams unless otherwise directed.
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
Falsifies or misrepresents hours or activities in relationship to a service project (if applicable).
Falsifies required documentation required for a service project (if applicable)
What Can You Expect from ME?
I will facilitate learning, answer questions in an appropriate and timely fashion, be fair and objective in grading, provide useful feedback on assignments when appropriate (see Grading Criteria herein), maintain adequate office hours, and treat students as I myself would like to be treated.
Grading Criteria
Exam Procedures
**EXAM POLICY**
Grading Criteria | Exams: For chapter exams, you will have 1 hour and 15 min to complete each exam. The chapter exams will consist of multiple choice, true/false. The midterm exam will cover all the material covered in the first four weeks of the class. The final exam will be comprehensive and will consist of multiple choice questions. For the Midterm Exam and Final Exam you will have two hours to complete each exam. The dates for all exams are located in the course calander. All chapter exams, the midterm exam, and the final exam must be taken on the dates listed in the course calendar. Make-up exams will not be permitted under any circumstances. Students who anticipate an unavoidable conflict due to vacation, work obligations, family responsibilities, or similar reasons may request to take an exam early. Such requests must be submitted to the instructor in writing no later than five (5) days prior to the scheduled exam date. Failure to provide adequate notice will result in a zero for the missed exam. Since all exam dates are provided at the beginning of the semester, students are expected to manage their schedules accordingly. Exceptions will only be made in the event of a verified emergency (e.g., medical emergency, hospitalization, or other serious and unforeseen circumstances). Proper official documentation must be provided to the instructor within 48 hours of the missed exam for consideration. Scheme (How your final grade will be determined): Coursework 15% Chapter Exams 20% Discussion Assignments 20% Midterm & Final Exams 30% Common Assessment 15% 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. The class calendar has all assignment due date for the entire semester so you have plenty of time to plan accordingly.
DO NOT ASK TO MAKE UP A TEST OR AN ASSIGNMENT
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 |
| |
Withdraw procedures | 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, 2026, you must have my permission to drop Students who wish to withdraw from a class must:
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
This course is divided into eight (8) weeks, with a corresponding action plan for each week containing all required preparation, reading and assignments. Please review each action plan carefully to ensure you understand the requirements therein. Each week you will be required to turn in assignments on specified dates, as referenced on the course calendar. The calendar can be accessed via the Course Resources site which is linked on the Content page of the course. I reserve the right to make changes to the course schedule when deemed appropriate and/or necessary. Any and all changes made will be clearly communicated in a timely fashion. Below is a basic outline of the course and the topics/chapters covered therein. The course calendar provided on the class site contains more detailed information and includes due dates for all assignments. Please note the reading for this course can be quite heavy at times, as the subject matter is extremely detailed. I recommend you work ahead on your reading as much as possible. Course Schedule Week 1 Syllabus Overview Chapter 1: Fundamentals of Criminal Justice: Essential Themes and Practices Week 2 Chapter 2: Foundations of Law and Crime: Nature, Elements, and Measurement Chapter 4: Ethical Essentials: Doing Right When No One Is Watching Week 3 Chapter 5: Police Organization: Structure and Functions Chapter 7: Policing Methods and Challenges: Issues of Force, Liability, and Technologies Week 4 Chapter 9: Court Organization: Structure, Functions, and the Trial Process Chapter 10: The Bench and the Bar: Those Who Judge, Prosecute, and Defend Midterm Exam Week 5 Chapter 11: Court Methods and Challenges: Sentencing and Punishment Chapter 12: Prisons and Jails: Structure and Function Week 6 Chapter 14: Corrections in the Community: Probation, Parole, and Other Alternatives to Incarceration Chapter 15: Juvenile Justice: Philosophy, Law, and Practices Week 7 Chapter 16: On the Crime Policy and Prevention Agenda: Drug Abuse, Sex Trafficking, Terrorism, and Immigration Week8 Putting it All Together – Reflection and Critical Analysis Final Exam
|
Additional Information
This section contains important and helpful information on a variety of topics related to the class. If you need additional information on any aspect of the class, please refer to the Course Resources site within the class in Blackboard. Moreover, you should always feel free to contact me with any questions. Accessing Course InformationYou 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 with specific instructions on how to get started. Criminal Justice Departmental PoliciesTutoring/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 E. 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 E. Uselding, Program Coordinator and/or Eric Wallace, Dean. 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 myself, or some aspect of the course, you should first contact me 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, Dean 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. |
Syllabus Created on:
01/06/26 12:53 PM
Last Edited on:
01/06/26 12:54 PM