Crime in America Syllabus for 2021-2022
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Instructor Information

Office Location

<p>West Campus Building C 107</p>

Office Hours

Office hours are a great opportunity to get some individual assistance when needed, and I encourage you to take advantage of them. During these hours I’ll be available for scheduled in-person appointments, FaceTime calls, Google Meets and/or virtual assistance through immediate response email. My office hours are as follows:

Monday 9:00 am to 12:00 pm [In Person]
Tuesday 9:00 am to 12:00 pm [In Person] and 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm [Virtual]
Wednesday 9:00 am to 12:00 pm [In Person]
Thursday 9:00 am to 12:00 pm [In Person] and 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm [Virtual]
Friday As needed
Saturday/Sunday As needed

I check email, Blackboard messages,  phone messages and texts outside of the above referenced times. However, the scheduling of these office hours allows you some opportunities wherein you can receive immediate responses from me.

Course Communication 

Communication is a vital component of effective learning in an online environment.   The type of response and/or assistance you're looking for will dictate the best method for contacting me. However, here’s some general guidelines.

Type of Assistance Needed Suggested Method of Communication Information
Immediate response needed, with very brief explanation required Text message My Cell: 806-290-2727
Immediate response needed, but requiring a more detailed and lengthy explanation Phone call My Cell: 806-290-2727
Response needed within 24 hours and brief to lengthier explanation required Message me within Blackboard or send me an email

You can message me in Blackboard either by clicking on the Messages link on the options bar in the class shell at the top of the page, or by using the Message link on the Institution page in Blackboard. 

My Email: seuselding@actx.edu

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-1307-001 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

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Supplies

All students enrolling in this class 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/.

GOOGLE Apps

Students should utilize their Google Apps for completing course assignments. To access your Google Apps follow the steps listed below:

Step 1| Log onto AC Connect.

Step 2| Click on the Google Apps Email link in the top right of the page.

Step 3| Once on your student email page, you will see an icon in the upper right corner that has 9 little boxes in a group. Click on that icon and it will take you to your Google Apps.

Step 4| 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 don’t have a computer, you may access the computers at the AC Library on the 4th floor of the WARE Building. Click on the link 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. 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

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 weekly learning objectives for this course.  The weekly learning objectives will be clearly enumerated within the relevant week’s content.

General Course Learning Objectives for CRIJ 1307 Crime in America:

  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 both the general course learning objectives and the module learning 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 Workload and Preparation

Students should approach the course with a mindset where they’re ready to learn.

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 necessary supplies 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.

Respond to requests from professor in a timely manner.

Complete all readings and course preparation as assigned. This is imperative for successful completion of the course.  I have found that students who do well in my classes generally ascribe to the following practices:

  1. Check Blackboard often for announcements and up-coming assignments and quizzes.  
  2. Have a consistent plan or approach for completing their reading/preparation and assignments for the course.
  3. Highlight the textbook or take notes as they complete reading assignments to help prepare for written assignments, quizzes and/or exams.
  4. Reach out to me in a timely fashion with regards to questions or problems with the class.
  5.      Complete all assignments in a timely manner and be cognizant of all relevant due dates.  

Discussion Boards

Effective learning can only occur in a safe space where students and the professor are open to the views of people different than themselves. 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 and students must remember to conduct themselves in a respectful and courteous manner.  All students are entitled to their 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 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 your professor immediately. All material, both required and supplemental, is directly tied to facilitating in the learning process and assisting students in better meeting the learning objectives of the course.

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 professor maintains a zero-tolerance policy with regards to 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.” 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)

 Communicating With Your Professor and Classmates

Students should make themselves knowledgeable regarding appropriate ‘netiquette’ practices. There are several internet resources explaining the facets of netiquette. One good source is located at: http://learning.colostate.edu/guides/guide.cfm?guideid=4.

Students will communicate with their professor in a professional and courteous manner at all times. Discourteous, rude and/or aggressive emails, text messages or phone conversations will not be tolerated.

When you have questions regarding the course, you should contact your professor FIRST. Students or other Amarillo College staff or faculty are not responsible for making determinations regarding my course policies.

In the event you have a complaint or issue regarding this course you should contact me first and if the situation cannot be resolved to your satisfaction, you may contact Eric Wallace, Director of Criminal Justice Programs at (806) 354-6081.

What You Can Expect from Your Professor

The professor is expected to 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), to maintain adequate office hours, and to treat students as she would like to be treated.

Grading Criteria

All learning experiences and assignments in this course are directly related to both the general course and weekly objectives and meant to assess the level of student learning.  Each assignment will have the specific learning objectives to be met listed within the instructions. 

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


Coursework [20%] There are a variety of assignments in this category related to vocabulary, assigned course readings and/or written assignments.
These assignments are meant to evaluate students’ knowledge regarding assigned content, to help students develop ideas and concepts based on designated topics while learning how to support them with substantive material from the textbook and other sources, and communicate their findings in a written format. 

 

Reading Quizzes [20%] There is a reading quiz each week. 
These assignments are meant to evaluate students’ knowledge regarding the assigned readings. Being able to read and process information is an essential skill for work in the criminal justice field. 

 

Discussion Assignments [20%]  There will be several discussion assignments in which the student will be required to publish a discussion post based on an assigned discussion prompt and then respond to at least five (5) of his or her classmates' postings.
The purpose of the discussion assignments is to help students practically apply knowledge gained while reading the assigned chapter(s) and interacting with their fellow classmates.


Exams [30%] The mid-term exam is included in Week 4, contains 100 multiple-choice and true-false questions, and addresses all material covered to date (through Week 4). The final exam is included in Week 8, contains 200 multiple-choice and true-false questions, and is comprehensive in nature (covering all material from the entire semester). See information below regarding final exam exemption opportunities.
The purpose of the exams is to evaluate students’ knowledge regarding material in assigned chapter(s). Exams will generally cover a wider range of assigned chapters and content than the reading quizzes and are based on the module learning objectives.

 

Common Assessment [10%] This is a written assignment that provides students with an opportunity to actively incorporate and apply what they’ve learned throughout the semester and serves as a culminating academic experience.
See the Common Assessment link on the course site in Blackboard for all information, requirements and instructions pertaining to this assignment.

 

This assignment is designed to encourage critical analysis and inquiry, development of problem-solving skills, written communication and information literacy skills, and planning and organization skills. The development of these types of skills should help students to prepare for a career in the criminal justice profession. 

Assignment Deadlines

It’s imperative for students in an educational setting to learn how to manage their course workload, assignments and time for future success in a real-world environment. Due dates for the entire semester will be listed on the course calendar from the first day of class.  I reserve the right to make determinations regarding acceptance of late assignments and any late-submission point deductions on a case-by-case basis. IMPORTANT: No assignments will be accepted after the last day (Sunday) of Module 7.

Unless otherwise noted, all assignments, quizzes and exams will be due no later than 11:59 p.m. on the specified date, as referenced on the calendar.

You will have more than enough time to complete your assignments for each module and ample notice of what the assignments entail and when they are due. If there is a valid emergency or circumstance beyond your control, you may contact me well before the due date of the assignment(s) to discuss your options and any potential late penalties that may be applied. 

It’s your responsibility to ensure you have access to a working computer and functioning internet service to access the course and submit your assignments. DO NOT wait until the last minute to complete your assignments. Forgetting to do an assignment or having an internet malfunction at the last minute are NOT sufficient excuses for submitting an assignment late. Please understand this policy is present and adhered to in the interest of fairness to all students in the class.

Final Exam Exemption Opportunity

If you complete ALL assignments, including the mid-term and submit them all on time and have a minimum comprehensive course average of 70 or above, you will be “exempt” from taking the final exam.

In the event you are designated as “exempt” from taking the final exam, your mid-term exam grade alone will serve as your exam average (30% of your overall grade).

You will NOT receive a “0” for the final. For example, if you made an 85 on your mid-term, you get designated as “exempt” and you choose not to take the final, then your exam average will remain an 85.

In the event you are designated as “exempt” and decide you still want to take the final exam, you must accept your grade and it will be averaged together with your mid-term grade to comprise your exam average (30% of your overall grade), as previously stated herein.

If you have any questions regarding this opportunity, you are encouraged to contact me immediately.

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.

Homework and discussion assignment grades will be available as soon as. Grades will be based on format, the student’s compliance with all assignment requirements, accurateness and comprehensiveness of answers. A rubric will be provided for all written assignments.  

Understand that minimal work will receive a minimal grade.  Don’t assume just because you completed the minimum requirements for the assignment you will receive a perfect score. General feedback will be given on the first assignments. However, due to the number of students and workload, feedback on subsequent assignments will be limited to citing incorrect answers, etc. or explaining why a grade is extremely low (below 70).  

You can always check your current class average so you know where you stand. If you have any questions regarding your grades, you are encouraged to contact your professor. 

 

Final Course Grade Assignment (Grading Schema)

Final letter grades in the course will be assigned utilizing the schema listed below. Unless otherwise noted, there will be no exceptions to this schema made by the professor. Grades are not negotiable. Your final course grade will be based on your work in the course.

Letter Grade

Corresponding Numerical Value

A

90-100

B

80-89

C

70-79

D

60-69

F

59 and below

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.

Additional Information Regarding Withdrawals

Per Amarillo College guidelines, students must receive approval from the instructor to withdraw from the course after the census date. The last day to withdraw from a class is listed on the course calendar (on the class site) and on Amarillo College’s master calendar on AC Connect.

If a student wishes to withdraw from the course they must complete the following steps:

  1. Print out the Administrative Withdrawal Request form and complete it. This form can be obtained from the Registrar’s office or via the link in the course syllabus. Please note the form requires your advisor’s signature, in addition to the instructor’s signature.
  2. Contact me PRIOR TO 12:00 PM NOON on the last day to withdraw to discuss the withdrawal. The instructor will advise a time and date where the student can call or schedule an appointment to discuss the withdrawal. Withdrawal requests will NOT be approved by this instructor without either a face-to-face visit or telephone conversation.
  3. Do not assume that because you’ve sent an email to the instructor that you will be withdrawn from the course. Once the instructor has made a decision on the withdrawal, the student will be notified.
  4. Every effort will be made to ensure student success is a priority before withdrawals are approved.

Failure to drop or withdraw the course within a timely manner will result in the student receiving a performance grade, usually an “F”.

Calendar

This course is divided into eight (8) weeks, with a corresponding action plan that contains all required preparation, reading and assignments.   Please review the action plan for each week carefully to ensure you understand the requirements therein.  It is strongly suggested you print the action plans. Students will be required to turn in assignments on specified dates, as referenced on the course calendar.

The instructor reserves 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 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, utilizing the guided reading notes.

 

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 other topic or aspect of the class, please refer to the START HERE page.  Moreover, you should 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 START HERE page. 

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 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, 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 Eric Wallace, Director of Criminal Justice Programs, at (806) 354-6081.

Career Skills

Once you have completed this course, you can add the below listed skills, all of which are critical for success in the criminal justice field, to your resume based on your final grade earned for the class:

If you earned an "A"

Exceptional ability to demonstrate personal responsibility and effective work practices, e.g., turning assignments in on time, working productively with others, and time/workload management.

Exceptional ability to demonstrate integrity and ethical behavior, acting responsibly with the interests of others in mind, and the ability to implement changes based on feedback given.

Exceptional ability to use constructive reasoning in analyzing important issues and making decisions. Ability to locate, interpret, and use reliable facts and data while proposing solutions.

Exceptional ability to communicate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in written form, while understanding the impact my written communications have on how others perceive me.

Exceptional ability to utilize digital technologies to complete tasks and meet goals. 

Exceptional ability to develop and manage relationships with others representing diverse backgrounds and viewpoints. 

If you earned a "B"

Strong ability to demonstrate personal responsibility and effective work practices, e.g., turning assignments in on time, working productively with others, and time/workload management.

Strong ability to demonstrate integrity and ethical behavior, acting responsibly with the interests of others in mind, and the ability to implement changes based on feedback given.

Strong ability to use constructive reasoning in analyzing important issues and making decisions. Ability to locate, interpret, and use reliable facts and data while proposing solutions.

Strong ability to communicate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in written form, while understanding the impact my written communications have on how others perceive me.

Strong ability to utilize digital technologies to complete tasks and meet goals. 

Strong ability to develop and manage relationships with others representing diverse backgrounds and viewpoints. 

If you earned a "C"

Ability to demonstrate personal responsibility and effective work practices, e.g., turning assignments in on time, working productively with others, and time/workload management.

Ability to demonstrate integrity and ethical behavior, acting responsibly with the interests of others in mind, and the ability to implement changes based on feedback given.

Ability to use constructive reasoning in analyzing important issues and making decisions. Ability to locate, interpret, and use reliable facts and data while proposing solutions.

Ability to communicate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in written form, while understanding the impact my written communications have on how others perceive me.

Ability to utilize digital technologies to complete tasks and meet goals. 

Ability to develop and manage relationships with others representing diverse backgrounds and viewpoints. 

Syllabus Created on:

06/06/22 8:37 AM

Last Edited on:

06/06/22 8:37 AM