Crime in America Syllabus for 2022-2023
Return to Syllabus List

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/.

Microsoft 360(includes Word) may be downloaded FREE from:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education/products/office

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.

Amarillo College IT department is also available to help with computer related issues, such as, Blackboard. Below is the website for the IT department.

https://www.actx.edu/its/support

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 104

Monday - Thursday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Criminal Justice Library Guide

http://actx.libguides.com/CriminalJustice

Detailed instruction available in course Blackboard

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.

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

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.

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

SIMPLE RULES FOR CLASS BEHAVIOR

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:

• Routinely(at least once a week or more) 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.
• Dominating the class discussion by not allowing other students to speak
• YELLING AT THE INSTRUCTOR, AT ANYTIME, WILL RESULT IN PERMANENT EXPULSION FROM THE CLASS.

PLEASE BE IN CLASS ON TIME! Class starts at 6:00pm. 

Cellphone Policy

Unless explicitly asked to use a cellphone, please refrain from using them during our class sessions. The majority of our sessions will not require cellphones or laptops. Research shows that mobile devices not only distract the user but also those within view of the mobile device. Additionally, research also shows that students gain a better conceptual understanding of course material when they take notes using pen and paper rather than on a laptop.

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

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.

Exam Procedures

Grading Criteria

 Exams:
Each student will be required to take four chapter exams. All chapter exams will be taken in class. The dates for the exams are as follows:

• Exam 1- 04/11/2023
• Exam 2- 04/18/2023
• Exam 3- 04/25/2023
• Exam 4- 05/02/2023

You will have 1 hour and 15 min to complete each exam.

The chapter exams will consist of multiple choice and true/false. The final exam will be comprehensive and will consist of multiple choice questions. 

 The final exam will be take in class on May 9, 2023 from 6:00pm to 8:45pm. The test will begin at 6:00pm and you will have two hours to complete the exam.

FINAL EXAM EXPEMTION:

To be exempt from the final exam the following requirements must be met:

• Completion of ALL assignments ON TIME
• Must take ALL 4 chapter exams
• have NO MORE THAN 2 ABSENCES
• have a minimum comprehensive course average of  70 or above,

THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS MADE TO ANY OF THE CRITERIA REQUIRED TO BE EXPEMPT FROM THE FINAL EXAM.

In the event you are designated as “exempt” from taking the final exam, your chapter exam grades will be averaged together and that will be your final exam grade.

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 (25% of your overall grade), as previously stated herein.

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

Grading Scheme:
Chapter exams                 30%

Final exam                        20%

Common assessment        15%

Assignments                     15%

Syllabus Quiz                   10%

Attendance                        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.  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. DO NOT CONTACT ME AT THE END OF THE SEMESTER AND ASK ME TO ADD POINTS TO YOUR GRADE.

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 OR ASSIGNMENTS

You can take an exam early if you know you will be absent on the day the exam is scheduled to 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 ME FOR EXTRA CREDIT!

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. IF YOU DO NOT SIGN THE ROLE SHEET YOU WILL BE COUNTED ABSENT.  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.  STUDENTS HAVE FAILED SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY DID NOT ATTEND CLASS!

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 2, 2023, 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.

Format for all assignments.

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.  

Vocabulary Quizzes

Students will complete weekly vocabulary quizzes that will cover each chapter covered that week. The due dates are located on the class calendar.   

Documentary Reflections

Students will complete a refection assignment for each documentary we watch in class. More information will be given in class. The due dates are located on the class calendar.

Assignments

It is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor immediately if they do not understand written and/or verbal instructions on any assignment. 

Common

Assessment

Instructions will be provided on the first day of class. Instructions will also be available in Blackboard under the Common Assessment tab. Due April 28, 2023 by 11:59pm

Blackboard

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

Additional 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 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.

Questions, advice, etc…

Please note; I am more than happy to talk to you about whatever may be on your mind. If you need someone to talk to, need resources for food/gas, or if you just have questions about criminal justice, I will be more than happy to sit down and visit with you. However, those conversations will need to take place outside of class, just catch me after class and we can talk.  Please reserve all in class questions to only the material we are currently covering.