SYLLABUS INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE CJS 101, SPRING 2016 Instructor: Dr. Milton C. Hill Office Hours: Office: Liberal Arts North, Room 113 Monday/Wednesday Phone: (936) 468-2295 office 11:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Other Phone: (936) 355-1643 cell Tuesday/Thursday E-mail: mhill@sfasu.edu 09:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. Class: CJS 101: Introduction to Criminal Justice and by appointment Section 002 Time: Tuesday/Thursday 11:00 a.m. 12:15 p.m. Location: Ferguson 371 Course Description This course examines the history, development, and philosophy of law enforcement; and provides an introduction to criminal justice agencies. This course is required for all criminal justice majors and minors (2015-2016 SFASU General Bulletin). In this course, we get the overview of the three principal components that comprise the criminal justice (CJ) system in the United States: the police, the courts, and correctional agencies. We pay special attention to the history, development, and philosophy of law enforcement, and we examine and discuss theoretical and philosophical issues within the courts and corrections systems. This course is intended to prepare you for future study if you continue in CJ studies; however, it will give you a basic understanding of the system if your studies are outside criminal justice. Most importantly, no matter where you go from here, this course prepares you for your own personal journey toward answering the questions: What is justice? What is criminal justice? What is justice to whom the victim? The offender? Society? Most importantly, What is justice to me? Textbook Required Schmalleger, F. (2016). Criminal Justice: A Brief Introduction (11 th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Pearson. CJS 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice Page 1 of 8
Course Objectives Program Learning Outcomes This course meets the following CJS Program objectives: 1. The student will demonstrate an understanding of the three major components of the CJS, and the concepts of policing, corrections, courts, juvenile justice, probation and parole, and victimology. 2. The student will demonstrate a fundamental understanding of human behavior from a historical, criminological and sociological perspective. Course-Specific Student Learning Outcomes This course meets the following Course objectives: 1. The student will be able to discuss the history, development, and current status of the American criminal justice system. 2. The student will be able to identify the role of the police, courts, and corrections in the protection of American society. 3. The student will be able to explain the purpose and uses of alternate forms of correction such as parole and probation. 4. The student will be able to identify various theories that offer possible explanations for criminal behavior, recidivism, and desistance. 5. The student will develop critical thinking and writing skills through essay responses on examinations, QQTPs, and writing assignments. General Student Learning Objectives Reading - This class cannot be successfully completed without reading the required textbook chapters. Please pay special attention to bolded headings, words in italics, bullets, marginal notes, illustrations, the chapter summary, and the list of key terms. Speaking - Students will be given the opportunity to present (and support) their opinions on various topics related to the course material. Computer Literacy - Students will be expected to utilize a word processing program, preferably Microsoft Word; will be able to send and receive communications by email; and will be able to navigate Desire2Learn (D2L) for course information (https://d2l.sfasu.edu). Critical Thinking Skills - Understanding and functioning within the criminal justice system is not a matter of just learning facts. The ability to think critically is essential. Stories and scenarios presented in class will address this skill and essay questions on exams will assess this skill. Attendance and Preparation Because attendance and preparation are critically important in college classes, it is expected that students will regularly attend class, will refrain from being tardy, and will come to class prepared to discuss the scheduled topics. Attendance will be recorded by the taking of roll at some point during each class. Class attendance requirements are in accordance with SFA s Class Attendance and Excused Absences Policy in the 2015-2016 General Bulletin. CJS 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice Page 2 of 8
Preparation will be graded through the administration of 10 random quizzes. These quizzes will be based upon the reading assignment(s) in the syllabus for the day that the quiz is administered. The quizzes may also cover information discussed in class. The quizzes will be given at the first of the class period, so be on time and do not miss class. There are no makeups for quizzes! PLEASE NOTE: You are required to provide Scantron QuizzStrips (form 815-E) for each of the 10 quizzes. If you do not complete a Scantron for any quiz, you will receive a grade of zero for that quiz. Participation Because participation is a very important part of learning, I place a strong emphasis upon discussion in ALL of the class meetings, so your participation is essential. Participation will be graded by my observation of your involvement in discussions, your general interest during class, and by your inquisitiveness (asking questions) during lectures and discussions. NO ONE IS EXEMPT from participation, and my grading on this topic, though subjective, will be final. You must participate to make a good grade for participation! Absences Attendance in this class is critical! Unexcused absences will affect your final grade substantially. You may have up to 2 absences (3 hours) without penalty. If you miss 3 to 5 classes, your participation grade will be cut by 50 points (because you cannot participate if you are not here). If you miss 6 or more class sessions, you will fail the course. Please note that I do NOT keep a running total; that is YOUR responsibility. If we get to the end of the semester and you have missed 6 classes, it WILL NOT MATTER what your performance grade is at that point! If you have a situation that demands your class time, get in touch with me ahead of time. Excused Absences Students have the misconception that excused absences in college are the same as in high school. Please understand that is not the case. Especially in criminal justice coursework, college attendance is regarded much like work attendance. The only excused absences are for three reasons: health-related (hospitalization ONLY); family emergencies (MUST be documented); and university-sponsored events (MUST be approved in advance). If you have a sore throat, bronchitis, a sprained ankle, etc., these will NOT be excused even with a doctor s note! I will be here when/if I am sick; I expect the same from you. (Remember, you are allowed 2 absences without penalty, but I implore you to use those absences wisely if you must use them at all!) Examinations Four examinations will be given during the semester. The exams will cover only the material studied since the previous exam. The exams may have an objective section (multiple choice and true/false), and as many as two subjective (short-answer and essay) sections. If there is an essay CJS 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice Page 3 of 8
section, students will select a certain number of essay topics from those provided. Essay responses will be graded upon content, critical thinking skills, and grammar. Bluebooks will not be required. Scantrons (Form 882) will be required, and they shall be provided by the student. Additionally, although laptops have their utility, they will not be permitted during examinations; all responses must be handwritten. Students must complete all four exams for the semester. No grades are dropped in this course. Please keep in mind that material from the textbook may not cover all of the required information on an exam; a portion of any examination material may come from other sources as presented or discussed in class. Make-Up Grades and Extra Credit Not offered and not available. If you miss a quiz, you will receive a zero for that grade. If you miss one of the two exams, you will receive a zero as well. Only one exam may be made up (with PRIOR approval), but the makeup will be at my convenience which is typically early in the morning on one of the days during dead week. Grading Student grades will be earned according to this table: 90-100 % 540-600 A 80-89% 480-539 B 70-79% 420-479 C 60-69% 360-419 D Below 60% Below 360 F The cumulative semester grade will be based upon the following: Exam One Exam Two Exam Three Final Exam Participation Quizzes (10 @ 0-10 pts; 100 pts possible) Tentative Class Schedule Please be advised that the class schedule on the following pages is a tentative schedule. We may spend more or less time on some topics than others. CJS 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice Page 4 of 8
READING DAY DATE / PROJECT TOPIC class day week T 1/19/2016 Introductions & Syllabus Review 1 1 Explanation of Quizzes Overview of D2L; Library; Student Services TH 1/21/2016 Chapter 1 What is Criminal Justice? 2 T 1/26/2016 Chapter 2 The Crime Picture 3 2 TH 1/28/2016 Continue Chapter 2 4 T 2/2/2016 Chapter 3 Criminal Law 5 3 TH 2/4/2016 Continue Chapter 3 6 T 2/9/2016 Exam #1 7 4 TH 2/11/2016 Chapter 4 Policing: Purpose and Organization 8 T 2/16/2016 Chapter 5 Policing: Legal Aspects 9 5 TH 2/18/2016 Continue Chapter 5 10 T 2/23/2016 Chapter 6 Policing: Issues and Challenges 11 6 Review for Exam #2 TH 2/25/2016 Exam #2 12 T 3/1/2016 Chapter 7 The Courts 13 7 TH 3/3/2016 Continue Chapter 7 14 T 3/8/2016 Chapter 8 The Courtroom Work Group and the Criminal Trial 15 8 TH 3/10/2016 Continue Chapter 8 16 T-TH 3/15-17/2016 SPRING BREAK!! NO CLASSES!! CJS 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice Page 5 of 8
DAY DATE READING / PROJECT TOPIC class day week T 3/22/2016 Chapter 9 Sentencing 17 9 Review for Exam #3 TH 3/24/2016 No Class Meeting - Easter Break 18 T 3/29/2016 ACJS Conference - No Class 19 10 (Check D2L for Assignment) TH 3/31/2016 ACJS Conference - No Class 20 (Check D2L for Assignment) T 4/5/2016 Exam #3 21 11 TH 4/7/2016 To be determined 22 T 4/12/2016 Chapter 10 Probation, Parole, and Community Corrections 23 12 TH 4/14/2016 Continue Chapter 10 T 4/19/2016 Chapter 11 Prisons & Jails 25 13 TH 4/21/2016 Continue Chapter 11 26 T 4/26/2016 Chapter 12 Prison Life 27 14 TH 4/28/2016 Continue Chapter 12 28 T 5/3/2016 Chapter 13 Juvenile Justice 29 15 Review for Final Exam TH 5/5/2016 Study Day - No Class Meeting 30 T 5/10/2016 Final Examination 31 16 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. CJS 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice Page 6 of 8
Acceptable Student Behavior Classroom behavior should not interfere with the instructor s ability to conduct the class or the ability of other students to learn from the instructional program (see the Student Conduct Code, policy D-34.1). Unacceptable or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Students who disrupt the learning environment may be asked to leave class and may be subject to judicial, academic or other penalties. This prohibition applies to all instructional forums, including electronic, classroom, labs, discussion groups, field trips, etc. The instructor shall have full discretion over what behavior is appropriate/ inappropriate in the classroom. Students who do not attend class regularly or who perform poorly on class projects/exams may be referred to the Early Alert Program. This program provides students with recommendations for resources or other assistance that is available to help SFA students succeed. Rules of the Classroom 1. No cell phone usage this includes texting. You will be asked to leave so don t do it. 2. The wearing of hats, caps, or other head wear is not acceptable in the classroom. 3. Maturity Certain topics within this course may stir emotional reactions in some. So as not to distract others or derail the lecture, mature behavior is required. Please treat others with respect and courtesy. If you distract my class or if you disrespect others opinions, feelings, or beliefs you will be asked to leave. 4. When others are speaking, you are expected to listen and to be respectful of the person s right to have an opinion that may differ from your own. 5. I do not give grades, I merely report them. You are in complete control of your final grade. Everyone starts with an A; where you go from there depends entirely upon you. Do NOT come to me at the end of the semester asking me to give you anything. 6. The tentative class schedule is a general guide. Coverage of the material may be accelerated, decelerated, rearranged, augmented, diminished, or otherwise modified when the professor believes such change would be to the benefit of the class. 7. This syllabus will act as the final word in the event of a discrepancy, error, or misunderstanding. Make sure you read and understand it completely and make sure you keep a copy for reference during the semester. CJS 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice Page 7 of 8
SFASU Policy Statements Academic Integrity Academic integrity is a responsibility of all university faculty and students. Faculty members promote academic integrity in multiple ways including instruction on the components of academic honesty, as well as abiding by university policy on penalties for cheating and plagiarism. Definition of Academic Dishonesty: Academic dishonesty includes both cheating and plagiarism. Cheating includes but is not limited to (1) using or attempting to use unauthorized materials to aid in achieving a better grade on a component of a class; (2) the falsification or invention of any information, including citations, on an assigned exercise; and/or (3) helping or attempting to help another in an act of cheating or plagiarism. Plagiarism is presenting the words or ideas of another person as if they were your own. Examples of plagiarism are (1) submitting an assignment as if it were one's own work when, in fact, it is at least partly the work of another; (2) submitting a work that has been purchased or otherwise obtained from an Internet source or another source; and (3) incorporating the words or ideas of an author into one's paper without giving the author due credit. Please read the complete policy at http://www.sfasu.edu/policies/academic-integrity.pdf Any occurrences of cheating or plagiarism will be dealt with according to University policy, provided to you in your student handbook. (A 9.1) Specifically, we will first meet together to discuss same in my office where you will be given the opportunity to explain your position. If it is determined that academic dishonesty has occurred, I will then make a decision as to the penalty therefore. Penalties may include reprimand or no credit for the assignment or exam, or re submission of the paper, or make up exam, or failure of the course. I will then refer the incident to the Chair of the Department and the Dean of the College. This Report of Academic Dishonesty form, along with supporting documentation shall be made a part of the student s record and remains on file with the Dean s office for at least four (4) years. A second or subsequent offense shall be referred to the Committee on Academic Integrity pursuant to policy. Students with Disabilities To obtain disability related accommodations, alternate formats and/or auxiliary aids, students with disabilities must contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS), Human Services Building, and Room 325, 468-3004 / 468-1004 (TDD) as early as possible in the semester. Once verified, ODS will notify the course instructor and outline the accommodation and/or auxiliary aids to be provided. Failure to request services in a timely manner may delay your accommodations. Policy: http://www.sfasu.edu/policies/academic-accommodation-for-students-with-disabilities.pdf For additional information: http://www.sfasu.edu/disabilityservices/ Withheld grades Semester Grades Policy (A- 54) Ordinarily, at the discretion of the instructor of record and with the approval of the academic chair/director, a grade of WH will be assigned only if the student cannot complete the course work because of unavoidable circumstances. Students must complete the work within one calendar year from the end of the semester in which they receive a WH, or the grade automatically becomes an F. If students register for the same course in future terms the WH will automatically become an F and will be counted as a repeated course for the purpose of computing the grade point average. CJS 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice Page 8 of 8