Crime in America Syllabus for 2021-2022
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Instructor Information

Office Location

WCC #103A

Office Hours

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. 

You can attempt to contact me on my AC office phone, but I am in class the majority of the time, so it is difficult to get ahold of me this way.  

I am generally available after class (sometimes I do have required meetings), I am more than happy to meet with you during those times, no appointment is needed.  Please know that I am here to help you not only with my course, but any course you may need help with.

OFFICE HOURS and APPOINTMENT TIMES

IN PERSON:  Tuesdays & Thursdays 8:30am-10:30am, and Friday by appointment. If you need to meet with me outside these hours, please do not hesitate to contact me to schedule a time that will work best for you. 

I am generally available after class (sometimes I do have required meetings), I am more than happy to meet with you during those times, no appointment is needed.  Please know that I am here to help you not only with my course, but any course you may need help with.

 

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.  

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 link on the left sidebar of the course in Blackboard with a concurrent email sent to the class.  These emails and any other emails from me will go directly to your AC Gmail account.  

Make sure to check your announcements/emails at least every other day to ensure you don’t miss out on important information. 

Additional Resources for Help

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 on the West Campus in Room #121. The general phone number is (806) 354-6081.   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

Expected Courtesies - Course Communications

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.

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-1307-002 Crime in America

Prerequisites

Course Description

American crime problems in historical perspective; social and public policy factors affecting crime; impact and crime trends; social characteristics of specific crimes; prevention of crime.

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

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

 

Introduction to Criminology, 10th Edition, 2020 by Frank E. Hagan/Leah Daigle

ISBN: 978-1544358451 (REQUIRED TEXTBOOK)

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

Textbooks may be purchased via the following methods:

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

The correct ISBN for the required class textbook is cited above. Students ordering their book online through the Amarillo College bookstore or through another vendor should ensure they order the correct edition of the textbook and allow enough time for delivery so as to have the book the first week of class. You do NOT need to purchase the access codes for the textbook

Supplies

All students enrolling in this class must have access to a working computer, active and functioning internet service, Microsoft Word or some other type of word processing program, Adobe Acrobat Reader and exhibit computer competency.

Adobe Acrobat Reader may be downloaded FREE from https://get.adobe.com/reader/.

Assistance with Computer Access

If you do not have a computer, you may access the computers at the AC Library on the 4th floor of the WARE Building. Click on the link below to access phone numbers, hours of operation and locations for all Amarillo College libraries and computing centers:

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

The Amarillo College Bookstore has a laptop rental program as well. You may contact them to find out more information about the requirements and terms of the program.

Student Performance

Student Performance / Learning Objectives

  1. Understand the distinction between crime and deviance and the various classifications and definitions of criminal offenses.
  2. Discuss the different criminological theories and their function in the field of criminal justice.
  3. Identify the role of punishment with regards to crime.
  4. Evaluate the effectiveness of sociological responses to crime control.

This course will be guided by meeting the above referenced Student Performance objectives. At the end of the semester students are expected to have a basic understanding of the field of criminology and the essential elements therein.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

 

 

Course Requirements

Class structure, important announcements, 

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.

  1. Read the chapters; take good notes
  2. Complete all assignments on time
  3. Study for the exams

It is extremely important that you read the assigned chapters, You are responsible for keeping up with the assigned readings, do not get behind!  

 The workload for this course will require due diligence and integrity on students' part. Students are individually responsible for ensuring they understand all requirements of the course, have access to all supplies needed and complete assignments accordingly.

Log into the class on a regular basis (at least 3-4 times per week) to check for class announcements/emails and ensure understanding of all applicable requirements.

Complete all readings and course preparation as assigned. This is imperative for successful completion of the course.  Complete all assignments in a timely manner and be aware of all relevant due date.

Behavior policy. 

In this class, students are expected to behave in a manner befitting adult, college students, with the proper respect displayed for their fellow students, the instructor, and the college. A student will receive one verbal warning only. Verbal warnings may include dismissal from class for the remainder of the class period. A second incident results in permanent expulsion with no chance for reinstatement.

Prohibited behavior includes, but are not limited to the following:

  • Arriving late or leaving early from class
  • Having a cell phone in class. (please refer to the separate cell phone policy page)
  • Carrying on side conversations with classmates. Being loud, laughing, cussing, etc...
  • Sleeping
  • Doing other coursework, or reading the newspaper or other materials not related to the course
  • Complaining during class about your dissatisfaction with the class or the material being taught. THESE BEHAVIORS WILL RESULT IN AUTOMATICALLY BEING DISMISSED FROM THE CLASS.  If you have issues with anything regarding the class you need to see me during my office hours.
  • Speaking rudely or forcefully to classmates

Speaking rudely or forcefully to the instructor, questioning the instructor’s authority, expressing anger about a grade, or generally disrupting the instructor’s ability to teach. THESE BEHAVIORS WILL RESULT IN AUTOMATICALLY BEING DISMISSED FROM THE CLASS

Cellphone Policy

You are allowed to have your cellphone in class for class purposes only. There will be times we use programs such as Mentimeter, 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 2 hours and 45 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:

  • Function as a substitute for another student in any assignment or exam, or utilizes a substitute in any assignment or exam
  • Utilizes the assistance of others, including other students, or engages in “collusion” in relation to any assignment or exam to the extent the work is not characteristic of the student's capabilities. Collusion is defined in the Amarillo College Student Code of Conduct as: “… the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work for fulfillment of course requirements.”
  •  Affords excessive assistance to another student in relation to any assignment or exam, including the unauthorized use of camera phones, text messages, photocopies, notes or other means to copy or photograph materials used or intended for academic submission.
  • Commits plagiarism; refer to the Amarillo College Student Code of Conduct which defines plagiarism as: “…the appropriating, buying, receiving as a gift, or obtaining by any means another’s work and the unacknowledged submission or incorporation of it in one’s own written work.”
  • Uses information and/or materials from the Internet or any other source without citing full and applicable credit
  • Knowingly permits his or her work to be submitted by another student in connection with any assignment or exam
  • Claims credit for or submits work done by another student

Grading Criteria

Exams: 

Each student will be required to take three chapter exams and a mandatory comprehensive final during the semester. 

  • Exam 1- 04/12/2022
  • Exam 2- 04/26/2022
  • Exam 3- 05/03/2022

You will have 1 hour and 15 min to complete each exam.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 on May 10, 2022 from 6:30pm-8:30pm. The test will begin at 6:30pm and you will have two hours to complete the exam.

Grading Scheme (How your final grade will be determined):
Chapter exams                                                           30%

Final                                                                           20%

Assignments (quizzes, writing assignments, etc..)    15%

Common Assessment                                                15%

Attendance                                                                 10%

Syllabus Quiz                                                             10%

Total                                                                         100%

A = 100%-89.5%

B = 89.4%-79.5%
C = 79.4%-69.5%
D = 69.4%-59.5%

F = 59.4% and below
 

You get the grade you earn. Students determine what their final grades are going to be, not professors. Please take responsibility for your work and make every effort to do your best. At the end of the semester, if you have a final grade of an 89.5 you will receive an A, if you have a final grade of 89.4 you will receive a B.

Makeup Policy:

Because there is an opportunity to be exempt from the final exam, there will be no make-up exams.  PLEASE DO NOT ASK TO MAKE UP A TEST

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  

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:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

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:

  • print out the Administrative Withdrawal Request form(https://www.actx.edu/registrar/withdraw-limitation-policy-sb-1231 )   and complete it. The form requires the instructor’s signature.
  • consult with their instructor to obtain instructors signature on the withdrawal request form
  • consult with the financial aid office if receiving financial aid
  • consult with the Veterans Benefit Coordinator if receiving veteran benefits
  • consult with their academic advisor to determine how withdrawing may affect their enrollment in future semesters

NOTE:  The Texas Education Code stipulates that students attending Texas institutions of higher education for the first time fall 2007 and later may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career, including courses from which transfer students have withdrawn at other Texas institutions of higher education. (Senate Bill 1231) Rule 4.

   

Calendar

 

The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the course schedule when deemed appropriate. Any and all changes made will be clearly communicated in a timely fashion. Below is a basic outline of the course and the topics covered therein. The course calendar provided on the class site contains more detailed information and includes due dates for all assignments.


Week 1  

  • Syllabus
  • Introduction to Criminology(Chapter 1)

Week 2  

  • Research Methods in Criminology (Chapter 2)
  • General Characteristics of Crime and Criminals (Chapter 3)

Week 3

  • What is Victimology(Chapter 4)

Week 4

  • Early and Classical Criminological Theories (Chapter 5)
  • Biological and Psychological Theories (Chapter 6)
  • Sociological Mainstream Theories  (Chapter 7)

Week 5

  • Sociological Critical Theories and Integrated Theories (Chapter 8)

Week 6

  • Violent Crimes (Chapter 9)
  • Property Crimes (Chapter 10)
  • White-Collar Crime (Chapter 11)

Week 7

  • Organized Crime (Chapter 13)
  • Public Order Crimes  (Chapter 14)

                                           

Week 8

  • Course Wrap-up
  • Final Exam

 

*Every attempt will be made to cover the above-noted material and schedule within the time constraints of this course.  

 

 

Additional Information

Format for all assignments.

Title page

ALL ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE TYPED, HANDWRITTEN WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!

APA style

Format:

  • Use 8.5” x 11” paper
  • Type double-spaced with 1” margins on all edges.
  • Page number should be in the top right corner.
  • Indent each new paragraph
  • Use Times Roman 12 pt. font.

Length requirements:

  • If the length requirements for a paper is 3 pages that means 3 full pages, not 2 full pages and a ½ page that is not 3 pages that is 2 ½ pages.
  • Title pages and work cited pages are not include in the word count or the length requirement of any paper.

Every assignment you turn in must have the following cover page attached. If the cover page is missing 10 points will be deducted from your grade.

Title of paper

Your name

Crime in America

Instructor Haskins

Common Assessment

 

 

Crime Brochure 

Instructions will be provided on the first day of class. Instructions will also be available in Blackboard under the Common Assessment tab.

Each student will pick a specific crime and complete a brochure on that crime. More detail will be given in class

Documentary Releftions 

 We will watch several documentaries in class. You will be required to right a reflection over each documnetary. The dates for the documentarys and the due dates for the reflection assignments can be found in the class calendar. 

Blackboard

  • Check Blackboard DAILY
  • Check e-mail DAILY
  • Students will be responsible for printing off any material that is posted to Blackboard.

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 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: 

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. 

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.

 

Syllabus Created on:

03/10/22 1:10 PM

Last Edited on:

03/10/22 1:14 PM