|
EMAIL ME: THE VERY BEST WAY TO CONTACT ME is through email through your AC email account. You can also email be by going through the ONLINE BLACKBOARD MESSAGING FUNCTION, which is located in each class Blackboard sight. When messaging via Blackboard please check the box at the bottom to have the message emailed to me. PHONE CONTACT: THE SECOND BEST WAY TO CONTACT ME is to CALL ME/TEXT ME on my CELL PHONE at 806-341-9718. If you leave a message, please let me know your NAME and the CLASS YOU ARE IN with the section number, so I can be prepared to talk with you when I CALL YOU BACK. PLEASE NOTE: If you are dissatisfied with the instructor or something that happens in class, DO NOT TEXT ME ABOUT IT, you need to speak to me in person. OFFICE HOURS and APPOINTMENT TIMES IN PERSON: Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:00am-10:00am, and Friday by appointment. If How will I contact you and impart information about the class? The primary method of communication from me will be through course announcements and/or email/message(s). All course announcements will be posted under the Announcements at the top of the course in Blackboard . Make sure to check your announcements/emails at least every other day to ensure you don’t miss out on important information. |
Communication Policy
Generally speaking, you can expect a response to your email/course message within 24 hours from the time you send your correspondence. However, there will be times when it could take slightly longer to respond. If you send an email and don’t receive a response, please make sure you follow up with me. If you send me a text, please include your name and which class you’re enrolled in. If you call and don’t receive an answer, please leave a message and I’ll call you back.
In the event you’re unable to contact me directly, there are some additional resources for assistance:
Option 1| The offices for the Criminal Justice department are located at the First Responder Academy at 3701 Plains Blvd. The general phone number is (806) 457-4450. You can leave a message for me at this number as well.
Option 2| ASK AC Helpline at (806) 371-5000, or after hours you can email them at askac@actx.edu.
Option 3| CTL Student & Faculty Help Center at (806) 371-5992. It’s available to students who are currently enrolled in academic or continuing education courses on a walk-in and/or appointment basis. Assistance is provided for: Logging-in to AC Connect, Password resets; How to use AC Online; Microsoft Office help/ Microsoft Office alternatives; General computer/software questions. They are located on the Washington Street Campus, Library, 2nd floor, Suite 205 and their hours are:
Monday – Thursday, 8am – 5pm (WARE 205)
Monday – Thursday, 5pm – 9pm (Library Research Desk on the 4th Floor of WARE)
Friday, 8am – 5pm (WARE 205)
Option 4| AC Connect Student Resources at: https://www.actx.edu/student-resources
This course is built upon the premise that students from diverse backgrounds and viewpoints benefit by taking this course together, that students' varying learning needs be addressed in and out of the virtual classroom, and the diversity students bring to this class be considered as a resource and advantage in the learning process.
Students should make themselves knowledgeable regarding appropriate ‘netiquette’ practices. There are several internet resources explaining the facets of netiquette. In addition, I have provided helpful information and links within the course.
You should always communicate with your classmates and instructor in a professional, considerate and courteous manner. Discourteous, rude and/or aggressive emails, text messages or phone conversations will not be tolerated.
When you have a question, complaint, or issue regarding the course, you should contact me first. Other students or Amarillo College staff or faculty are not responsible for making determinations regarding my course policies. If the situation cannot be resolved to your satisfaction, you may contact my immediate supervisor. This contact information is provided in the Additional Information section at the end of this syllabus.
If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.
Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.
If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.
As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc
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.
Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016
Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.
NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.
The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students. If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .
CRIJ-1301-002 Introduction to Criminal Justice
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
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.
(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)
On Campus Course
Introduction to Criminal Justice Practice and Process, Kenneth J Peaks, Tamara D. Madensen-Herold 4th Edition,
ISBN# 9781544372938 [Required Textbook]
Textbooks may be purchased via the following methods:
The correct ISBN for the required class textbook is cited above. Students ordering their book online through the Amarillo College bookstore or through another vendor should ensure they order the correct edition of the textbook and allow enough time for delivery so as to have the book the first week of class. You do NOT need to purchase the access codes for the textbook.
All students enrolling in this class must have access to a working computer, active and functioning internet service, Microsoft Word or some other type of word processing program, Adobe Acrobat Reader and exhibit computer competency.
Adobe Acrobat Reader may be downloaded FREE from https://get.adobe.com/reader/.
Assistance with Computer Access
If you do not have a computer, you may access the computers at the AC Library on the 4th floor of the WARE Building. Click on the link below to access phone numbers, hours of operation and locations for all Amarillo College libraries and computing centers:
The Amarillo College Bookstore has a laptop rental program as well. You may contact them to find out more information about the requirements and terms of the program.
Amarillo College Writer’s Corner
The Writer’s Corner is an excellent resource available to you for assistance in the writing needs of the course. You can access additional information at https://www.actx.edu/english/writerscorner.
EMAIL ADDRESS: writerscorner@actx.edu Phone: 345-5580 LOCATION: Ordway Hall, Room 102
Fall & Spring Semesters
Monday – Thursday
8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Summer Sessions
Monday - Thursday
8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Closed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Student performance addresses the knowledge/skills a student should possess upon completion of this course with a 70% or above cumulative course average. To that end, there are general course learning objectives (listed below) and more specific module learning objectives for this course. The module learning objectives will be listed within the relevant module content.
General Course Learning Objectives for Introduction to Criminal Justice
This course will be guided by meeting both the general course learning objectives and the module learning objectives. At the end of the semester, students are expected to have a working knowledge of the criminal justice system in America and its operations therein.
In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .
If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".
|
Course 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.
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:
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:
PLEASE BE IN CLASS ON TIME! Class starts at 12:30pm |
|
Cellphone Policy |
You are allowed to have your cellphone in class for class purposes only. There will be times we use programs such as FlipGrid, Kahoot, Quizlet, etc. Your phone needs to be put on SILENT OR VIBRATE, I DO NOT WANT TO HEAR PHONES RINGING WHILE WE ARE HAVING CLASS. DO NOT PLAY GAMES OR SURF THE INTERNET!! If you have to take a call during class please exit the classroom, handle your call, and come back and take your seat. If your phone rings during class, you will be asked to put your phone in one of the phone cubbies located at the front of the class for the remainder of class.
No cellphones are allowed in class on test days, this includes having your phone out waiting for the next class. If you are waiting for the next class and have finished your test, please go out into the hallway and use your phone.
If you are caught using your phone in class for purposes other than those listed above, I will assume texting, using social media, and/or attending to tasks other than the class material, is more important than paying attention for 1 hours and 15 minutes. Students who disregard the policy will be asked to leave class and will be considered absent that day. I will not play games with this policy. You are now in college and are expected to behave as such.
|
|
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:
A STUDENT WHO IS CAUGHT ENGAGING IN ANY OF THE BEHAVIORST LISTED ABOVE WILL RESEVE A ZERO ON THE ASSIGNMENT OR TEST IN WHICH SCHOLASTIC INTEGRATY WAS IN AN ISSUE, THIS IS FOR THE FIRST OFFENCE ONLY. IF THE BEHAVIOR CONTINUES THE STUDENT WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE CLASS AND WILL RECEIVE A FINAL GRADE OF AN F FOR THE SEMESTER. |
|
Exams:
You will have 1 hour and 15 min to complete each exam. 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. The final exam will be take in class on May 10, 2021 from 9:00am to 11:00am. The test will begin at 9:00am and you will have two hours to complete the exam.
Scheme (How your final grade will be determined): Scheme (How your final grade will be determined): Final exam 20% Common assessment 15 % Reading maps 10% Classmate Introductions 5% Attendance 10% Syllabus Quiz 10%
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 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! PLEASE DO NOT COME TO CLASS IF YOU HAVE COVID SYMPTOMS! Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
|
|
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 May 3, 2022, 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- 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
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
*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 . This schedule may vary in order to allow sufficient time for class discussion and complexity of the material.* |
|
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 March 25, 2022. NO LATE QUIZZES WILL BE ACCEPTED. |
|
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 Sunday’s by 11:59pm. Please refer to the class calendar for specific due dates. |
|
Format for all assignments.
|
ALL ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE TYPED, HANDWRITTEN WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED! APA style Format:
Length requirements:
|
|
FlipGrid Introduction |
Instructions will be provided on the first day of class. |
|
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 |
|
This section contains important and helpful information on a variety of topics related to the class. If you need additional information on any other topic or aspect of the class, please refer to the FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS on the CONTENT document tab of the course. Moreover, you may always feel free to contact me with any questions.
Accessing Important Course Information
Students should log onto the course as early as possible on the FIRST DAY of the semester.
This course will progress quickly and the first assignment is due within days of the course beginning. When you log onto the course for the first time you will see an announcement directing you to the CONTENT page. Once on the CONTENT page, you will see a “START HERE” section that includes a list of introductory items to be completed.
|
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. |
03/09/22 1:15 PM
03/10/22 10:15 AM