Fundamentals of Criminal Law Syllabus for 2023-2024
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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 READER

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

OFFICE 360

Microsoft offers Office 360 for free to students. If you do not have Word, Power Point, etc. on your computer please follow the link below to get started. 

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

GOOGLE Apps

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

Step 1| Log onto AC Connect.

Step 2| Scroll down and under the AC apps & email box, click on the Google Apps link and you will see the links for all of the Google apps. 

Step 3| Choose the appropriate app needed. As a helpful hint, you’ll use “Docs” to write your discussion posts and other written assignments and “Slides” for your introduction assignment as well as your class project presentations (if applicable).   

Assistance with Computer Access

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

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.

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

http://actx.libguides.com/CriminalJustice

Detailed instruction available in course Blackboard

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

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE EXAMS:

• This is a three hour course. An estimate of study time outside of class is 3 hours for every 1 hour in class. Therefore, you need to plan on spending at least 9 hours per week studying for this class, outside of class.
• Read each chapter and take notes in class
• Study the vocabulary words for each chapter.  You can use Kahoot to create flashcards
• Form study groups with your fellow classmates

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 12:30pm. 

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 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 ST 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.

Since this is a hybrid class, there will periodically be discussion assignments.

Effective learning can only occur in a safe space where you and I are open to the views of other people, especially when they’re different from yours. In this time we share together over the semester, please honor the uniqueness of your fellow classmates and appreciate the opportunity we have to learn from one another.  

At times the discussion board topics will address sensitive and uncomfortable subjects. You must remember to conduct yourself in a respectful and courteous manner at all times.  You are entitled to your opinions and certainly aren’t required to agree with another student’s opinion. However, disagreements can be cited in an appropriate, respectful and considerate manner.

Snipes, demeaning comments, personal attacks, inappropriate language or racial slurs will in no way, shape or form be tolerated during discussions, within written course work or email content.

Only those individuals who are registered in the course are allowed to make posts on the discussion boards or send email/messages within the course. Moreover, only the student registered for the course should prepare the assignments and participate in the course.

If you have cause to be concerned or offended by any of the topics covered in this course or something another student posts on the discussion board, you should contact me immediately. All material, both required and supplemental, is directly tied to facilitation of the learning process and to aid you in better meeting the learning objectives of the course. 

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

 The dates for the exams are as follows:

• Exam 1- 04/01/2024
• Exam 2- 04/15/2024
• Exam 3- 04/22/2024
• Exam 4- 04/29/2024

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

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

The final exam will be take in class on May 9, 2024 from 12:30pm to 2:30pm. The test will begin at 12:30pm and you will have two hours to complete the exam.

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

Final                                           25%

Assignments                               20%

Attendance                                 15%

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.  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:

There will not be an opportunity to make up any test, quizzes, or assignments. PLEASE DO NOT ASK TO MAKE UP WORK. It is critical that you learn to turn assignments in on time and to take tests when scheduled.

This policy is in place because in the field of criminal justice it is critical that things such as (police reports, court reports, etc.) get done and turned in on time.  Also, the work, quizzes, and test I give are aligned to what is being taught/learned in class at that time. If I allow students to turn in work late or take quizzes and test late then the value the work holds as a leaning opportunity is lost because the work no longer is relevant to what is currently being taught/learned in class.

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 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!

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 April 30, 2024, 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.

Syllabus Quiz

Students must log on to this course through AC Connect to complete the syllabus quiz. The quiz will be due by 11:59p.m on March 24, 2024.  NO LATE QUIZZES WILL BE ACCEPTED

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. 

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.  

Blackboard

• Check Blackboard DAILY
• Check e-mail DAILY
• All assignments will be turned in through Blackboard
• 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.