SYLLABUS Course Number: CJ 100
Course Title: Intro to Criminal Justice
Instructor: Scott Graves, M.A.
Term: Spring I
Resident Center: FTBL
I. COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is an introduction to the history, nature, structure, and function of the criminal justice system in America, with comparison to systems in other nations. An examination of the various aspects of the administration of justice systems, including law enforcement, courts, correctional agencies (including probation and parole), including the increasing role of private entities in the system.
II. GOALS OF THE COURSE
To provide the student with a basic understanding of the inter-relationships and critical issues related to the administration of justice in the United States. The history and functions of each phase of the criminal justice system will be examined to provide a better interpretation of the current state of affairs.
III. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: At the conclusion of the course of instruction each student will be able to:
· Identify and explain the different components of the criminal justice system.
· Apply the concepts of criminal and constitutional law to the operation of the system.
· Relate the theoretical performance of the criminal justice system to real world experience.
· Recognize the strengths and weaknesses associated to the administration of justice in the United States.
IV. COURSE ARRANGEMENT
The course will consist of lecture, class discussion, handouts, an oral presentation regarding a topic approved by the instructor, five quizzes, mid-term and final examinations.
V. COURSE REQUIREMENTS
ALL INDICATED READING ASSIGNMENTS SHOULD BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO CLASS. Students should be prepared to engage in thoughtful and provoking discussions. Mid-term examination and final examination and four quizzes, as well as an accompanying oral presentation with at least one visual aid, that will be conducted by each student regarding a subject relevant to the course and approved by the instructor. Quizzes are administered as time permits.
VI. TEXTBOOK LIST
Senna, Joseph & Siegal, Larry, Introduction to Criminal Justice
VII. SUPPLEMENTAL RESOURCE MATERIALS
Any articles or reference material that is relevant to the subject of study.
Cybrary located at: http://talkjustice.com/files/cybrary.htm
VIII. CLASS MEETING AND EXAMINATION SCHEDULE (all reading assignments should be completed prior to the class meeting).
Week 1 Class administration, discussion of syllabus and class expectations. Chapter 1,
Crime and criminal justice, READ PRIOR TO CLASS. Discuss presentation topics.
Class administration, discussion and selection of presentation topics. Chapter 2 & 3, The nature of crime and victimization: Understanding crime and victimization.
Week 2 Class administration, Chapter 4, Criminal law: Substance and procedure. Selection
of dates for presentations.
Class administration, Chapter 5, Police in society: History and organization.
Week 3 Class administration, Chapter 6 &7, The police: Organization, role, and function:
Issues in policing.
Class administration, Chapter 8, Police and the rule of law.
Week 4 Class administration, Chapter 9, Courts and the judiciary. Presentations.
Class administration, Chapter 10, Review for mid-term examination.
Week 5 Class administration, Mid-term examination. Presentations.
Class administration, Chapter 11 & 12, Pre-trial procedures and The criminal trial.
Week 6 Class administration, Chapter 13, Punishment and sentencing. Presentations.
Class administration, Chapter 14, Probation and Intermediate sanctions. Presentations.
Week 7 Class administration. Chapter 15, Corrections: History, institutions, and
Chapter 16, The prison experience: Living in and leaving prison. Review for Final Examination.
Week 8 Class administration, review chapter 16. Final examination.
Class administration, Chapter 17, Juvenile Justice. Presentations.
IX. CLASS POLICIES
Students are expected to read the assigned textbook chapters and to be familiar with their chapter content before each class session. Plagiarism and unauthorized collaboration on class work, or cheating is considered a serious violation by Park University and is not tolerated. Students may be dismissed or given a failing grade if found cheating or plagiarizing. Absences should be kept to a minimum. If an absence is necessary then students will receive a point deduction for the missed class, unless make up work, to be determined by the instructor, is completed. Make-up work may include detailed written summaries of chapters or completion of review questions or definitions at the end of chapters, or any other class-related assigned task. Late class work will not be accepted. Tardiness over thirty minutes, or failure to attend the entire class will be considered an absence. Two unexcused absences will be reported immediately to the Park University administrative office for appropriate action.
X. GRADING POLICY
Mid-Term Exam 25%
Final Exam 25%
Oral Presentation 25%
Quizzes (five @ 5 pts each) 25%
A = 90-100
B = 80-89
C = 70-79
D = 60-69