Course Syllabus: Criminal Investigation 1 st edition testing Course Title: Criminal Investigation Course Number: CRIJ 2314 Course Schedule: Instructor: Dr. Morrow Phone: 325-486-6687 Email: shawn.morrow@angelo.edu The course outline may be changed at any time at the discretion of the instructor. I. Course Description: This is an introductory course to criminal investigation, which explores the history and scope of investigating crimes including criminalistics of forensic science. This course is designed to provide a basic overview of criminal investigation. Students will get a detailed understanding of evidence, the strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats to conducting a criminal investigation. Students will learn the importance of investigating a crime scene and techniques used. Criminalistics is the application of science to those criminal and civil laws that are enforced by police agencies in a criminal justice system. The scope of this course includes discovery at a crime scene, the most important location of evidence; physical evidence; analytical techniques for organic and inorganic materials; forensic toxicology; firearms, ammunition, unique tool marks, and various impressions (e.g., shoe prints, fabric properties, and bloodstains). Writing assignments such as an essay, reports, research papers, discussions, or other writing assignments, the student must follow APA 6 th edition form & style. Simulation hands on training will occur during the semester to help build usable skills along with the knowledge from the textbook so be ready to participate. An open mind is like a parachute is only works when it s open unknown, please continue to bring motivation into the classroom eager to learn. II. Course Materials Required Textbook: Criminal Investigations Michael D Lyman, University of Missouri ISBN-10: 0-13-358794-0 ISBN-13: 978-0-13-358794-4 2016 Prentice Hall Purchased through VitalSource to be able to use on-line tools in the book. Library Resources: The college online database LIRN is available on campus or off-site to students and faculty. This resource tool provides current scholarly articles and information in all academic subject areas. Visit the library for more information. Computers are available in the college library as well as other references and periodicals. III. Exemplary Educational Objectives At the conclusion of this course: 1. Explain the goal of physical evidence in the criminal justice system. 2. Specify what the field of criminalistics encompasses. 3. Identify the capabilities of crime laboratories with regard to the examination and analysis of various types of physical evidence. 4. Understand the limitations of crime laboratories with regard to various types of physical evidence. 5. Distinguish criminalistics from the other areas of forensic science. 6.Recognize the inter-relationships between criminalistics and criminal investigation IV. STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. It s student s responsibility to attend and be prepared for every class to critically think, contribute, and analyze class topics. Read required articles, chapters, and other readings assigned.
The required reading will provide the basic information and class discussions will enhance, clarify and expand course material. 2. Students shall construct a minds set to learn within the university research driven environment by communicating through investigating, analytical writing, and critical thinking. This mind set is mandatory to achieve employment in the criminal justice system. 3. Please feel free to ask questions at any time during class. If you are unsure of something ask questions. If no one asks questions, the instructor will move on. 4. Participate and have fun! Depending on the extent of the student s commitment will determine the amount of knowledge and understanding they will obtain. 5. Before emailing or calling the professor go to Black-Board read all directions, announcements, and weekly post to locate the information you are seeking. If you do not locate that information AFTER looking at Black-Board then reach out through email to communicate to the professor. Overwhelming students ask other students and get misinformation. Locating the information correctly will build professionalism, as well as saving resources. V. Course Evaluation-Grading: Categories graded are subject to change, depending on participation of students, current events, and if any unforeseen situation occurs such as weather, or university event. Exams (50 points each 200 points) There are three (4) multiple-choice exams. The exams are not cumulative but will be based on the chapters presented immediately preceding each exam. Final exam (100 points) There will be final exam for this class. The format for the exam may consist of some type of multiple choices, fill-ins the blanks, and/or essay questions that pertain to all of the information presented. Instructor assignments (10 points each 70 points) Assignments will be given out throughout the semester. Students are expected to complete each assignment and submit them on the due date. Simulations and Critical Thinking (10 points each for 130 points) Students will complete either a simulation or a critical thinking discussion essay or mock hands on for each chapter. When writing an essay, report, research paper the student will follow APA 6 th edition. Investigation Applications (50 Points each for a total 200 Points) Students will write scientific method investigation research papers over criminal investigation as well as criminalistics. The research topic will be assigned to the student throughout the course. The paper will be in APA format and style containing a title page, introduction, and the body of the research, conclusion, citations, and reference page. The paper must contain in-text citations from at least four sources. Two of the sources must be research articles and the other must be our textbook. See Investigation Applications below for more. 1. VI. Assignments (Discussions, Quizzes, Applications) Technical issues or computer problems are NOT considered valid reasons for late assignment submissions. NO EMAILED Assignments will be accepted. NO late work accepted. If the instructor cannot open an assignment in the drop box area, it will be considered a ZERO. If
your assignment opens as a blank document, it will also be considered a grade of ZERO. Given these rigorous grading policies, please utilize your time wisely. To avoid any unforeseen circumstances, it is always good practice to complete & submit assignments and discussions posts as early as possible. Failure to follow directions within any of assignments including not following APA 6 th edition form and style will be considered a ZERO. VII. Investigation Applications: There will be Research APA style 6 th edition Investigation Applications The Investigation Application are REQUIRED to be at least Six double spaced pages following APA 6 th edition form and style. Each of these Investigation applications pulls together your REQUIRED readings from the textbook, case files, peer-to-peer articles, websites, social media sites, and any content given in class by the professor. The paper must include the following in APA format and Style as mentioned above in order to be graded. Failure to comply will be automatic zero. In the criminal justice system there s no such thing as redo s. If we fail to complete a report or case file the criminal case as well as the criminal could have their charges dropped. These skills and knowledge are expected when agencies invest their time and resources hiring. Professional employees who can think, act, and write analytical are one of the major characteristics the criminal justice system is looking for. Each research paper needs the following. 1. Title Page: Title of the paper, your name, and course name using APA 6th. 2. At least 6 Pages written: Title page & Reference page do not count toward 6 pages of original writing. Double-spaced, Times New Roman 12 font. Use 4 or more citations correlated to the references all using APA 6th. 3. Reference Page with Four or More (4) references: APA format 6 th edition. Two references must be peer to peer, or research articles, and the other two from your textbook or more articles within criminal justice system. 4. Saved as a Microsoft Word Document: Save it as.docx or.doc file. Save the document using your last name, first, and the name of the course. Example: MorrowShawn_IntroductionCriminalJustice if not saved correctly it will not be graded. The student is responsible for using the APA 6 th edition. Use the APA 6 th edition template, APA resources provided in writing resources tab on Black Board, and if needed the ASU s Writing Center. Following directions including APA writing is the student s responsibility. The Investigation Applications will be assigned and given ample time for completion. Methods for delivering of Investigation Applications will be on Blackboard Drop box. The Investigation Application must be completed BEFORE the date & time assignment or the assignment is a ZERO. No Emailed assignments accepted. Failure to use APA 6 th edition in any writing assignments will be considered a ZERO. APA Style: Papers that you write in your program of study must follow the guidelines set by the American Psychological Association. (http://apastyle.apa.org/) Long Island University: (http://www2.liu.edu/cwis/cwp/library/workshop/citapa.htm) Purdue Online Writing Lab: (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/) Visit the Online Writing Lab (called OWL) whenever you have an APA question. APA Tutorial (http://www.apastyle.org/learn/) This tutorial teaches how to write using the APA format.
VIII. Academic Dishonesty/Plagiarism In the learning environment, professional attitude begins in the classroom. For that reason, students and faculty will not tolerate or commit any form of academic dishonesty. Any form of deception in the completion of assigned work is considered a form of academic dishonesty. This includes, but is not limited to: Copying work from any source. Assisting, or allowing another to assist you, to commit academic dishonesty. Any attempt to share answers whether during a test or in the submittal of an assignment. Any attempt to claim work, data or creative efforts of another as your own. Resubmitting graded assignments for use in multiple classes (recycling your work). Knowingly providing false information about your academic performance to the college. To avoid plagiarism, do not "copy and paste" into assignments without using quotation marks and citing, in APA format, the source of the material. Plagiarism Papers that you write in your program of study must follow the guidelines set by the American Psychological Association (APA). Using another s intellectual creation without permission or without giving appropriate credit is the academic equivalent of theft. Consequences of Academic Dishonesty/Plagiarism All violations of academic policy are documented and made a part of the student's academic record. When academic dishonesty is confirmed, the student will immediately be notified of the incident, which may result in one or more of the actions listed below: Reduction in grade on the assignment on which the violation occurred No credit on the assignment, paper, test, or exam on which the violation occurred A failing grade for the course Suspension or dismissal from the college Grade Categories Total Points Four quarterly exams 200 Instructor Assignments Misc activities in the lab 70 Simulations, Myths, Critical Thinking, P/CP 130 Investigation Application 200 Final exam 100 Total: 700
Grading Scale Letter Grade Point Scale Interpretation A 630-700 Excellent B 560-629 Good C 490-559 Average D 420-489 Below Average F Below 419 Failed to Meet Course Objectives IX. Class Participation: Class participation consists of being present for EVERY class and providing relevant input into each class discussion, as well as participating in ALL mock hands on projects. Talking for the sake of talking is not considered proper class participation. Please remember to be polite and be respectful of others opinions at all times. If you do not participate in class discussions or hands on activities your grade will be lowered. This portion of the class is one of the major keys to succeed and be apart of the class. X. Class rules Make-ups Students who have scheduling conflicts with an exam are expected to make arrangements with instructor in advance. Students are allowed one make-up on an exam per semester. The make-up date and time will be announced by the instructor. There is no make-up on the final exam. Student Conduct Students are responsible for knowing the regulations of the department, college, and university with regards to topics such as withdrawals, incomplete grades, student conduct, and academic misconduct (those who engage in any form of academic dishonesty will fail this course). Students may review these rules at:. No use of cell phones No use of cell phones will be allowed in the classroom. Unless professor ask to look up information, or to record evidence relating to class. XI. ADA Statement: Any student who requires special accommodations due to a documented disability under the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act should notify the instructor the first week of class. XII. Student absence for religious holidays: A Student who intends to observe a religious holy day should make that intention known in writing to the instructor prior to the absence. A student who is absent from classes for the observance of a religious holy day shall be allowed to take an examination or complete an assignment scheduled for that day within a reasonable time after the absence. XIII. Additional Course Information: Time to time the course subjects, assignments, and discussions may change depending on current events, class participation, and debates. Social
media will be used during the course as icebreakers, open up discussions, and to access documents for class. If the use & investigation of social media sites as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter troubles you then this class and criminal justice may not be for you. This syllabus may be subject to updating and changes & will be done ONLY by the Professor Week 1 Introduction Overview of syllabus and course material Ice breaker: Who are you? Chapter 1: Foundations of Criminal Investigations XIV. Class Schedule Class Schedule During this first week you will be introduced to the course, given your The Case assignment, and walked through the syllabus. You will also be given the first Instructor Assignment (IA). You will also receive clarification on the research paper so you can get started. You will view the first PowerPoint lecture and participate in class exercises and discussions to earn Reading for next week: Ch 2 IA #1 _ Chapter 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Chapter 2: The Crime Scene: Field Notes, Documenting, & Reporting Chapter 3: Processing the Crime Scene Chapter 4: Identifying Criminal Suspects: Field & Laboratory Process #1 & The Case Ch 1. You will chapter 2 & 3 and participate in class exercises and discussions to earn Reading for next week: Ch 3 #2 & The Case Ch 2. You will chapter 3 & 5 and participate in class exercises and discussions to earn Reading for next week: Ch 4 #3. You will view a PowerPoint lecture for chapter 4 and participate in class exercises and discussions to earn Exam #1 IA #2 _ Chapter 2 IA #3 _ IA #4 _ Chapter 4 Week 5 Chapter 5: Legal Issues in Criminal Investigations Reading for next week: Ch 5 #4 & The Case Ch 4. You will IA #5 _
Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 Week 9 PowerPoint Lecture Chapter 6: Interviews and Interrogations Chapter 7: Criminal Intelligence and Surveillance Operations Chapter 8: Informant Management and Undercover Operations Chapter 9: Death Investigations chapter 5 and participate in class exercises and discussions to earn Reading for next week: Ch 6 #5. You will view a PowerPoint lecture for chapter 6 and participate in class exercises and discussions to earn Reading for next week: Ch 7 The Case Ch 6. You will view a PowerPoint lecture for chapter 7 and participate in class exercises and discussions to earn Reading for next week: Ch 8 #6 & The Case Ch 7. You will chapter 8 and participate in class exercises and discussions to earn Exam #2 Reading for next week: Ch 9 The Case Ch 8. You will view a PowerPoint lecture for chapter 9 and participate in class exercises and discussions to earn Chapter 6 IA #6 _ Chapter 7 Chapter 8 IA #7 _ Week 10 Week 11 Chapter 10: Robbery Chapter 11: Assault Related Offenses Reading for next week: Ch 10 #7. You will view a PowerPoint lecture for chapter 10 and participate in class exercises and discussions to earn participation points. Reading for next week: Ch 11 The Case Ch 10. You will view a PowerPoint lecture for chapter 11 and participate in class exercises Chapter 10 IA #8 _
Week 12 Week 13 Chapter 12: Missing and Abducted Persons Chapter 13: Crimes Against Children: Child Abuse and Child Fatalities and discussions to earn Reading for next week: Ch 12 #8. You will view a PowerPoint lecture for chapter 12 and participate in class exercises and discussions to earn participation points. Exam #3 Reading for next week: Ch 13 The Case Ch 12. You will view a PowerPoint lecture for chapter 13 and participate in class exercises and discussions to earn Chapter 12 IA #9 _ Chapter 13 Week 14 Week 15 Chapter 14: Theft- Related Offenses Chapter 15: Arson and Bombings Chapter 16: Terrorism and National Security Crimes Reading for next week: Ch 14 #9 & The Case Ch 13. You will chapter 14 and participate in class exercises and discussions to earn Reading for next week: Ch 15 & 16 The Case Ch 14. You will view a PowerPoint lecture for chapter 15 & 16 and participate in class exercises and discussions to earn Chapter 14 IA #10 _ Chapter 1 Week 16 Exam #4 Exam #4 Exam #4 Grading Rubric
Content and Development 35 Points All key elements of the assignment are covered in a substantive way. Students chose a relevant topic. The body of the paper is at least in length The content is comprehensive, accurate, and persuasive. Major points are stated clearly; are supported by specific details, examples, or analysis; and are organized logically. The introduction provides sufficient background on the topic and previews major points. The conclusion is logical, flows from the body of the paper, and reviews the major points. Readability and Style 7.5 Points Paragraph transitions are present, logical, and maintain the flow throughout the paper. The tone is appropriate to the content and assignment. Sentences are complete, clear, and concise. Sentences are well constructed, with consistently strong, varied sentences. Sentence transitions are present and maintain the flow of thought. Mechanics 7.5 Points The paper, including the title page and reference page follows APA formatting guidelines. Citations of original works within the body of the paper follow APA guidelines. The paper is laid out with effective use of headings, font styles, and white space. Rules of grammar, usage, and punctuation are followed. Spelling is correct. Total 50 Points Overall Comments: Points Earned /35 Additional Comments: Points Earned /7.5 Additional Comments: Points Earned /7.5 Additional Comments:. Points Earned /50