INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE CJS 101

INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE CJS 101 COURSE SYLLABUS Semester/Year Instructor: Dr. Milton C. Hill Office Hours: Office: Liberal Arts North, Room 113 Monday-Wednesday Phone: (936) 468-2295 office 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Other Phone: (936) 355-1643 cell and by appointment E-mail: mhill@sfasu.edu Class: CJS 101: Introduction to Criminal Justice CRIJ 1301; Section 001 Time: Monday-Thursday, 08:00 a.m. 09:55 a.m. Location: Ferguson 471 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 (2012-2013 SFASU General Bulletin, CJ section, p. 348). 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 Samaha, J. (2006). Criminal Justice (7 th Ed.). Wadsworth, Cengage Learning: Belmont, CA. Optional Franks, G., R., Jr. (2006). Study Guide for Samaha s Criminal Justice 7th Edition. Wadsworth, Cengage Learning: Belmont, CA. CJS 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice Page 1 of 10

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/or 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 Participation Because attendance and participation are each weighted at 12.5% of the course grade, it is expected that you 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 CJS 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice Page 2 of 10

some point during each class. Class attendance requirements for this course are in accordance with SFA s Class Attendance and Excused Absences Policy in the 2012-2013 General Bulletin (pp. 43-44). I place a strong emphasis upon discussion in ALL of my classes, 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 according to the following schedule: 0-2 absences 100 points earned (no penalty) 3-4 absences 50 points earned 5 or more absences Failure of the course Excused Absences Students have the misconception that excused absences in college are the same as in high school. Unfortunately, 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: healthrelated (hospitalization ONLY); family emergencies (MUST be documented); and universitysponsored 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 up to two absences without penalty, but I strongly urge you to use those absences wisely if you must use them!) Examinations Five examinations will be given during the semester. The exams are not comprehensive; each exam will cover the material studied up to that exam (since the last exam). The exams may have any combination of the following: an objective section (multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, and/or true/false) and/or a subjective section (short-answer and/or essay). If short answer or essay questions are asked, your responses will be graded upon content, critical thinking skills, and grammar. Bluebooks will not be required. Scantrons (Form 882) will be required, and you will need to bring your own Scantron with you. Students must complete all exams for the semester, and no grades will be dropped at the end of the semester. CJS 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice Page 3 of 10

Please keep in mind that material from the textbook may not cover all of the required information on any quiz or examination; any portion of any exam may come from other sources such as lectures, outside readings, guest presentations, etc. Grading Student grades will be earned according to the following table: 90-100 % 720-800 A 80-89% 640-719 B 70-79% 560-639 C 60-69% 480-559 D Below 60% Below 480 F The cumulative semester grade will be based upon the following weights: Exam #1 (0-100 pts) 15% Exam #2 (0-100 pts) 15% Exam #3 (0-100 pts) 15% Exam #4 (0-100 pts) 15% Final Exam (0-100 pts) 15% Attendance (0-100 pts) 12.5% Participation (0-100 pts) 12.5% Total 100% 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 five exams, you will receive a zero for that as well. 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. (Starts on next page) CJS 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice Page 4 of 10

DAY DATE READING / TOPIC class week PROJECT day T 7/9/2013 Introductions & Syllabus Review 1 1 Overview of D2L; Library; Student Services W 7/10/2013 Chapter 1 Criminal Justice in the United States 2 pp. 3-32 Crime Control in a Constitutional Democracy Criminal Justice Decision-making Criminal Justice Models The History of Crime Control and Due Process Research and Criminal Justice Last day to change schedules other than to drop courses and to register Th 07/11/13 Study for Exam Test Review 3 Exam #1 M 7/15/2013 Chapter 2 Crime, Criminals, and Victims 4 2 pp. 36-66 The Types of Crime Measuring Crime Trends in Crime Criminals Crime Victims T 7/16/2013 Chapter 3 Explanations of Criminal Behavior 5 pp. 70-104 Classical Theories Biological Theories Psychological Theories Sociological Theories Criminal Law Theories W 7/17/2013 Chapter 4 Criminal Justice and the Law 6 pp. 108-134 Criminal Law The Law of Criminal Procedure Th 07/18/13 Study for Exam Test Review 7 Exam #2 CJS 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice Page 5 of 10

DAY DATE READING / PROJECT pp. 138-183 TOPIC The History of Police and Policing Police Structure and Organization Police Missions Police Officers class day week T 7/23/2013 Chapter 6 Policing Strategies 9 pp. 186-218 Patrol: The "Backbone" of Policing Criminal Investigation Proactive Policing Community-Oriented (COP) and Problem-Oriented (POP) Policing Law Enforcement Technology W 7/24/2013 Chapter 7 Police and the Law 10 pp. 222-266 Law Enforcement and the Constitution Arrest Searches Interrogation Eyewitness Identification of Strangers Police Use of Force Racial Profiling Police Misconduct Mid-Term (no exam here) Th 07/25/13 Study for Exam Test Review 11 Exam #3 M 7/29/2013 Chapter 8 Courts and Courtroom Work Groups 12 4 pp. 270-293 The Criminal Court Structure Criminal Court Missions The Courtroom Work Group T 7/30/2013 Chapter 9 Proceedings before Trial 13 pp.296-324 The Decision to Charge The First Appearance Testing the Government's Case Arraignment and Pre-trial Motions CJS 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice Page 6 of 10

DAY DATE READING / PROJECT TOPIC class day T 7/30/2013 Chapter 10 Conviction by Trial and Guilty Plea 13 (cont.) pp. 328-360 Disposition by Trial A Fair Trial Disposition by Negotiation week W 7/31/2013 Chapter 11 Sentencing 14 pp. 364-402 The Purposes of Sentencing The History of Sentencing The Types of Determinate Sentencing Disparity and Discrimination in Sentencing The Death Sentence Th 08/01/13 Study for Exam Test Review 15 Exam #4 Fifteenth class day; Last day to drop courses and to withdraw from the University without WP or WF M 8/5/2013 Chapter 12 Community Corrections 16 5 pp. 406-434 Probation and Parole Intermediate Punishments T 8/6/2013 Chapter 13 Prisons, Jails, and Prisoners 17 pp. 438-476 The History of U.S. Prisons The Prison Population Boom The Side Effects of Imprisonment Prisons Jails Prisoners The Length of Imprisonment W 8/7/2013 Chapter 14 Prison Life 18 pp. 480-526 Male Prison Society Life in Women's Prisons Law in Prison Society Leaving Prison CJS 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice Page 7 of 10

DAY DATE READING / TOPIC class week PROJECT day Th 8/8/2013 Chapter 15 Juvenile Justice 19 pp. 530-551 The History of Juvenile Justice Juvenile Justice and the U.S. Constitution Juvenile Delinquency The Juvenile Justice System: Law Enforcement, the Courts, and Corrections Last class day and last day to withdraw from the University F 08/09/13 Study for Exam Review for Final Exam 20 Final Examination (Please see next page and following for additional, and very important, information) CJS 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice Page 8 of 10

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. 8. Each student is expected to routinely check D2L for news, assignments, emails, discussions, etc. Since only electronic syllabi are being issued, it will be the student s responsibility to check D2L regularly to follow, and comply with, the syllabus. 9. Cheating, blatant plagiarism, or any other violation of the University s statement on Academic Integrity will result in IMMEDIATE and irreconcilable removal from the class. If you quote it, cite it; if you paraphrase it, reference it; if you don t know, contact me. CJS 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice Page 9 of 10

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.asp 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. For additional information, go to 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 10 of 10