SCOTTSDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE Division of Applied Sciences AJS 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice (LEC) Aug 24 Dec 18 Monday and Wednesday, 9 10:15 AM (33109) Aug 24 Dec 18 Monday and Wednesday, 10:30 11:45 AM (35887) Room: AP272 Instructor: Walter Olsen SYLLABUS & COURSE OUTLINE Fall 2015 Revised 81615
I. COURSE DESCRIPTION: An introduction to crime and society's responses to it. Examines the nature and causes of crime, the criminal law, constitutional safeguards, and the organization and operation of the criminal justice system including the police, courts, jails, prisons, probation and parole departments, and community corrections agencies. Covers the history of the criminal justice system, terminology and career opportunities. Prerequisites: None. II. III. COURSE COMPETENCIES: 1. Define the parts of the criminal justice system, describe the principal duties of each and explain how they collectively function as a system. 2. Describe the major steps in the criminal justice process and explain the role of constitutional protections in each step. 3. Explain the role of research in the criminal justice system. 4. Describe how social scientists collect and analyze information about the nature and frequency of crime as well as the characteristics of its perpetrators and victims, and how they use this information to postulate theories of causation and strategies to prevent and control crime. 5. Define criminal behavior and identify the major categories of crime. 6. Identify and describe the common criminal defenses. 7. Describe the history, mission, organization and operation of the police and examine major legal, social and political challenges facing them. 8. Describe the history, mission, organization and operation of the courts at the federal, state and local levels of government. 9. Explain the different types of sentences and compare and contrast the major philosophies of sentencing. 10. Describe the history, mission, organization and operation of probation, parole and community corrections agencies and examine legal, social and political challenges facing them. 11. Describe the history, mission, organization and operation of prisons and jails and examine major legal, social and political challenges facing them. 12. Describe career opportunities in the criminal justice system, including position duties and qualifications. COURSE OUTLINE: 1. The Criminal Justice System A. Parts B. Duties C. Interactions 2. The Criminal Justice Process A. Investigation, arrest and booking B. Adjudication C. Sentencing D. Correctional activities E. Constitutional protections 3. Research in Criminal Justice A. Data collection B. Analysis C. Theory and policy applications 4. Criminal Behavior A. Legal definitions B. Categories 1. Property versus personal 2. Crimes against women 3. Organized crime
4. Hate crime 5. Drug Crime 6. Other 5. Criminal Defenses A. Alibi B. Justification C. Self-defense D. Excuse E. Procedural 6. The Police E. Challenges 1. Excessive force 2. Corruption 3. Racial profiling 4. Multiculturalism 5. Other 7. The Courts 8. Punishments A. Types of sentences 1. Indeterminate 2. Structured 3. Alternative sanctions B. Philosophies of punishment 1. Retribution (Just Desserts) 2. Incapacitation 3. Deterrence 4. Rehabilitation 5. Restoration 9. Community Corrections 10. Jails and Prisons E. Challenges Note: COURSE DESCRIPTION, COMPETENCIES, and OUTLINE are defined on the MCCCD website. Course content or outline may vary to meet the needs of this particular group and/or at the discretion of the instructor.
IV. TIME ALLOTMENT AND PLACEMENT: 1. This course is one full semester. 2. All classes will be held in room AP272. 3. Class times and days are posted on syllabus cover page V. TEACHING METHODS, TOOLS AND LEARNING ACTIVITIES: This class will be taught using a combination of lecture, class participation, reading, assignments and homework. CANVAS will also be used by the instructor to deliver class material and instruction to the student. This is to include but not limited to lecture notes, tests, quizzes, scores and videos. Each student is expected to openly discuss the topic being presented and to provide proof of his or her opinions. Practical exercises may be used in addition to handouts and research conducted on the web. VI. TEACHING FACILITIES: Class will be held in a room that contains tables, chairs, whiteboards, overhead projector, projection screen, and self-contained VCR and monitor. VII. TEACHING PERSONNEL: Instructor Walter Olsen has been a police officer for more than 30 years. He has held the position of patrol officer, motor officer and detective. During the last 10 years of his career he was assigned to the Traffic Education and Safety Unit of the Phoenix Police Department. He coordinated two traffic programs and supervised approximately 40 police volunteers. Olsen completed a six-year assignment as a detective in the Vehicular Crimes (Fatal Crash) Unit. Olsen retired from the police department in 2015 but remains a certified police officer and volunteers 20 hours a month as a Reserve Police Officer for Phoenix. Olsen has a Bachelor of Science Degree (Career and Technical Education Major) from Northern Arizona University and an Associate s Degree in Administration of Justice from Scottsdale Community College. He continued his studies by taking classes from the Institute of Police Technology and Management at North Florida University and Northwestern University (Traffic Institute). Since 2002, Olsen has taught classes at the college level in areas that include Criminal Investigations, The Police Function, Current Issues in Criminal Justice and Introduction to Criminal Justice. He also instructed at the AZ Post Academy and other locations on a variety of police related subjects. The preferred method to reach the instructor is via e-mail at: walter.olsen@scottsdalecc.edu or a message may be left on his office phone at (480) 423-6742. VIII. COURSE ATTENDANCE: Class attendance is expected in accordance with the Scottsdale Community College Catalog (available online). On time attendance cannot be over emphasized it is an important portion of your grade. Any deviation from this policy will require the approval of this instructor and one additional faculty member. This instructor believes if a student misses class it must have been for a good reason. It is not the instructor s business to know why you missed class; it is simple, if you miss class, you do not obtain the attendance points for that day. The only exceptions will be excused absences that meet the specific criteria of the SCC catalog. Here is the specific attendance policy of this class: 5 absences will result in your final grade being lowered by one complete grade, regardless of points earned 6 absences (or more) withdrawal from the course Any student with perfect attendance will be given 25 EXTRA CREDIT POINTS at the end of the semester
IX. REQUIRED TEXTBOOK: Each student must have their own copy of: Criminal Justice A Brief Introduction 10 th or 11 th Edition, by Schmalleger Optional reading material will vary with the student s research and may be from any source agreed upon by the student and the instructor. X. CLASS FORMAT AND REQUIREMENTS: A tentative class schedule / outline will be posted on CANVAS. Additional assignments (and points) may be assigned in the course of the semester. It is possible events will occur which may cause us to deviate from the posted class schedule. Each student will be expected to have access to a computer and regularly check their CANVAS page for announcements and homework. All assignments and tests must be completed by the due dates announced in class. The instructor has the discretion to accept late assignments but points will be deducted. If a test, quiz or any assignment is completed after the due date, the point value will be REDUCED by 25%. Students will bring their text book to class every day. Tape recordings of classroom sessions are not permitted unless you receive specific and prior permission of the instructor. PDA(s) and cellular telephones will be placed on silent mode. The use of text messaging devices during class time is not permitted. This is an adult learning environment; rude or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. The instructor and students will work together to make the class a positive and enjoyable experience. If you have any concerns, please bring them to the instructor s attention. XI. XII. SCC CIVILITY STATEMENT: As implied in the course policies, students are expected to behave in a responsible and proactive manner. Students participating in disruptive activities that interfere with the teaching and learning process will be asked to leave for the balance of the class period. Repeated incursions may result in withdrawal from the course. Specific examples of disruptive activities include: unnecessary talking cell phone usage chronic lateness or early departure/s SEXUAL HARASSMENT Sexual harassment is any unwelcome, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it alters working conditions and creates a hostile environment or reasonably interferes with, limits, or deprives a student of the ability to participate in or benefit from any educational program or activity. Sexual harassment and discrimination in any college education program or activity, is prohibited. Students should report any discrimination and/or harassment they experience and/or observe to the Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs (SCC s Title IX Coordinator); located in the Administration Building (AD), phone (480) 423-6300.
XIII. XIV. DISABILITY STATEMENT: If you have a documented disability, including a learning disability, and would like to discuss possible accommodations, please contact the SCC Disabilities Resources and Services Office at (480) 423-6517 or email: disabilityservices@scottsdalecc.edu. HONOR POLICY and ACADEMIC SANCTIONS: The highest standards of academic integrity are expected of all students. The failure of any student to meet these standards may result in suspension or expulsion from the College or other sanctions as specified in the Scottsdale Community College Academic Integrity Policy. Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to, cheating, fabrication, tampering, plagiarism or facilitating such activities. Your instructor may invoke academic sanctions affecting your grade for this class resulting from, but not limited to, attendance/timeliness records, failure to complete assignments or required activities, failure to meet deadlines, disruptive/inappropriate classroom behavior, and/or inappropriate use of school equipment. As part of your preparation for this class, read the Student Code of Conduct in the General Catalogue. XV. FINAL GRADE: Your final letter grade will be based on a cumulative basis consisting of points earned for attendance, written exams, quizzes, assigned exercises, tests and a final exam. Failure to complete the final exam on the listed date will result in an F for the course. Your final grade will be based using the following scale: 90% or above is an A 80% to 89% is a B 70% to 79% is a C 60% to 69% is a D 59% or less is an F IMPORTANT NOTES: In the course of this criminal justice class there may be discussions and/or material of an adult nature. This might include matters related to violence, race relations, sex crimes, and other criminal justice matters. If at any time a subject matter would be difficult for you, please advise the instructor in advance so arrangements can be made to accommodate your needs. The instructor s goal is not to upset students but to inform them. Anytime during the semester, students are welcome to meet with the instructor and discuss their progress and standing in class. A maximum of 50 extra credit points can be earned in one semester. See attachment for acceptable extra credit projects and possible points. If you have any special needs or concerns, please advise your instructor. The instructor wants you to succeed and enjoy the class.