INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE
SYLLABUS
Section Instructor: as assigned/Dr. Tom O'Connor

COURSE DESIGNATION: CRJ 1100 Introduction to Criminal Justice (3 semester hours)

COURSE DESCRIPTION AND PREREQUISITES: This course is a basic study of all components of the criminal justice system in the United States. Topics include concepts of law and crime, the criminal justice process, overview of criminal justice agencies, current criminal justice issues, and interactions and conflicts between criminal justice agencies. (no prerequisites)

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1. To acquire an informed understanding of the basic components of justice processes
2. To recognize the major sources of crime data, and their uses and limitations
3. To examine the historical evolution of the role of policing in a modern society
4. To examine criminal court systems and adversarial concepts
5. To examine correctional systems and the purposes of punishment
6. To appreciate the basic differences between juvenile and adult systems
7. To appreciate emerging and international forms of justice

GENERAL EDUCATION GOALS:

In addition to the above objectives, the more general goals of this course are to provide the student with the following tools to help develop his or her potential:
1. Development of the student's analytical thinking capabilities through comparison and contrast in the application of theories and concepts to social problems
2. Enhancement of the student's literacy skills through assigned readings, discussions, examinations, and other requirements
3. Utilization of the historical perspective which helps with student understanding of evolutionary developments over time
4. Understanding of the scientific method through research requirements and in-depth case studies
5. Improvement in social interaction skills and understanding human behavior through consideration of the impact legal and social systems have on individuals
6. Increased student awareness of cultural and multi-cultural issues through study of how social problems and social movements are related to, and affect, minority groups
7. Preparation for more advanced study in criminal justice/homeland security

CONTENT OUTLINE:

Week 1: Textbook chapters as announced and any Lecture Notes identified for Week 1 under Instructional Supplements for course at Instructor's website along with any other readings or Internet resources assigned.

Week 2: Textbook chapters as announced and any Lecture Notes identified for Week 2 under Instructional Supplements for course at Instructor's website along with any other readings or Internet resources assigned.

Week 3: Textbook chapters as announced and any Lecture Notes identified for Week 3 under Instructional Supplements for course at Instructor's website along with any other readings or Internet resources assigned.

Week 4: Textbook chapters as announced and any Lecture Notes identified for Week 4 under Instructional Supplements for course at Instructor's website along with any other readings or Internet resources assigned.

Week 5: Textbook chapters as announced and any Lecture Notes identified for Week 5 under Instructional Supplements for course at Instructor's website along with any other readings or Internet resources assigned.

Week 6: Textbook chapters as announced and any Lecture Notes identified for Week 6 under Instructional Supplements for course at Instructor's website along with any other readings or Internet resources assigned.

Week 7: Textbook chapters as announced and any Lecture Notes identified for Week 7 under Instructional Supplements for course at Instructor's website along with any other readings or Internet resources assigned.

Week 8: Textbook chapters as announced and any Lecture Notes identified for Week 8 under Instructional Supplements for course at Instructor's website along with any other readings or Internet resources assigned.

REQUIRED LEARNING RESOURCES:

Main Textbook/Required Textbook: Lab, Steven et. al. (2008). Criminal Justice: The Essentials. (1e paperback) NY: Oxford Univ. Press. ISBN 0195332490 or ISBN-13: 978-0-19-533249-0.

Supplemental Reference: American Psychological Association. (1994). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 5e. Washington DC: APA.

Additional Learning Resources at Instructor's website for course at http://www.apsu.edu/oconnort/

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

Students are expected to read and follow the schedule in the course syllabus, to read assigned text chapters, to read assigned Lecture Notes, and to seek and read additional suggested resources as provided by the textbook and Instructor.  In addition, students are expected to be alert and attentive with note taking in class and have a demonstrated desire to participate in any discussion.  Exams are to be completed within the deadlines given by the Instructor, and any special instructions for the paper assignment and/or writing assignment(s) are to be followed precisely.  The Instructor's website for the course contains deadlines and instructions.    

BASIS AND METHODS FOR GRADING:

25% Midterm Examination (M/C mostly)
35% Final Examination (M/C with essay questions)
25% Term Paper (8 pages minimum)/writing assignments
15% Participation and Discussion (Attendance counts)

The grade scale used in this course is a 7-point scale, as follows:

A = 93-100
B = 86-92
C = 78-85
D = 70-77
F = 69/below

ATTENDANCE POLICY: An attendance roster is kept (or not kept, if this is a web-based course), and students are expected to attend all sessions on time and as scheduled. If a session and/or assignment deadline is to be missed for circumstances beyond the student's control, prior permission of the instructor must be obtained, and arrangements made for submission of the work. Regular late submission of work as well as tardiness and absenteeism will result in reduction of the final grade by at least one letter, depending upon severity. An "Incomplete" can only be given if the student has normally completed at least half the coursework, has a reasonable justification, and makes arrangements with the instructor.

DISABILITY POLICY: Any student who has a disability that may affect his/her academic performance is encouraged to make an appointment with me to discuss this matter, or you may contact Disability Services; telephone 221-6230; voice 221-6278; voice tty.

POLICY ON MINORS: Minors (any non-student under the age of 18) accompanying staff, faculty, students, or visitors on campus are not permitted in the classroom.

ACADEMIC AND CLASSROOM MISCONDUCT: Students are expected to conduct themselves appropriately at all times. Academic and classroom misconduct will not be tolerated. Students must read the "Code of Student Conduct" in the new Student Handbook for an understanding of what will be expected of them within the academic setting. Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated, and any student found cheating or plagiarizing will receive an "F" for the work in question, and possibly an "F" for the course, and may be recommended for suspension from the University.  Cheating is defined as not working on exams or assignments alone, and plagiarism is defined as taking the work of someone else's as one's own.  APSU uses software that will identify plagiarism.

The above schedule and procedures are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances.

Last updated: April 28, 2008
Not an official webpage of APSU, copyright restrictions apply, see Megalinks in Criminal Justice
O'Connor, T.  (Date of Last Update at bottom of page). In Part of web cited (Windows name for file at top of browser), MegaLinks in Criminal Justice. Retrieved from http://www.apsu.edu/oconnort/rest of URL accessed on today's date.