Syllabus

NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE

COURSE SYLLABUS

 

Course Title: Introduction to Criminal Justice

Course Prefix & Number: CRIJ1301

Section Number:  400

Semester: Spring 2017

Semester Credit Hours: 3

Lecture Hours: 3

Lab Hours: n/a

Course Description (NCTC Catalog): Investigative theory; collection and preservation of evidence; sources of information; interview and interrogation; use of forensic science; case and trial preparation.

 

Course Prerequisite(s): None

Required or Recommended Course Materials:

Textbook: Criminal Justice in America, Eighth Edition,  Cole, Smith and DeJong

Spiral notebook for notetaking

Scantrons for testing

Computer access

 

 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of Instructor:

Cliff Downey

Campus/Office Location:

Gainesville / Room 2107 (Career and Technology Center)

Telephone Number:

(940) 668-3313

E-mail Address:

cdowney@nctc.edu

 

GRADING CRITERIA

# of Graded Course Elements

Graded Course Elements

Percentage or Point Values

3

 Project Assignments

30

6 combined

Chapter Quizzes / Written Assignments

10

3

Regular Exams

40

1

Final Exam

20

 

 

 

 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

 

At the successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

 

1.      Define the goals and objectives of criminal investigation 

2.      Demonstrate ability to conduct proper crime scene investigations

3.      Illustrate the use of forensic science for various statutory offenses

4.      Organize the criminal case including field notes, reports, crime scene activities, and mandatory documentation of statutory warning

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

 

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

Week 1 – Review syllabus, begin studies of chapter 1

Week 2 – Complete chapter 1. Begin studies of chapter 2

Week 3 – Complete Chapter 2 – Field notes, documenting, and reporting

Week 4 – Chapter 3, Processing the crime scene

Week 5 - Exam 1 – Chapters 1-3

Week 5 – Chapter 4

Week 6 – Complete chapter 4

Week 7 - Chapter 5 – Legal Issues

Week 8 - Complete Chapter 5, Begin chapter 6

Week 9 – Complete Chapter 6, Exam 2 – Chapter 4-6

Week 10 – Chapter 9

Week 11 - Complete Chapter 9

Week 12 – Chapter 10

Week 13 – Complete chapter 10, Begin Chapter 11

Week 14 – Complete Chapter 11, Begin Chapter 14

Week 15 – Complete Chapter 14, Exam 3 – Chapter 9 – 11 & 14

Week 16 – Comprehensive Final Exam

 

The Tentative Schedule listed above is to be considered a guideline for our studies. This schedule may be changed at the instructor’s discretion.

 

Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is April 6, 2017.

 

DISABILITY SERVICES (OSD)

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides accommodations for students who have a documented disability. On the Corinth Campus, go to room 170 or call 940-498-6207. On the Gainesville Campus, go to room 110 or call 940-668-4209.  Students on the Bowie, Graham, Flower Mound, and online campuses should call 940-668-4209.

North Central Texas College is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of federal equal opportunity legislation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, ADA Amendments Act of 2009, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-112).   http://www.nctc.edu/StudentServices/SupportServices/Disabilityservices.aspx

 

CORE CURRICULUM FOUNDATIONAL COMPONENT AREA______________________________

 

o         Communication

o         Mathematics              

o         Life and Physical Science

o         Language, Philosophy & Culture

o         Creative Arts

 

o         American History

o         Government/Political Science

o         Social and Behavioral Sciences

o         Component Area Option

 


REQUIRED CORE OBJECTIVES

 

o           Critical Thinking

o           Communication

o           Empirical and Quantitative

 

x          Teamwork

o           Personal Responsibility

o           Social Responsibility

 

COURSE TYPE

o           Academic General Education Course (from ACGM but not in NCTC Core)

o         Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course

o        WECM Course

 

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the student handbook. http://nctc.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2014-2015/Catalog/North-Central-Texas-College-Student-Handbook

 

Name of Chair/Coordinator:

Dr. Cherly Furdge

Office Location:

Suite 331, Office 339 Corinth Campus

Telephone Number:

940-498-6238

E-mail Address:

cfurdge@nctc.edu

Name of Instructional Dean:

Debbie Huffman

Office Location:

Gainesville Campus, Room 2106

Telephone Number:

940-668-3357

E-mail Address:

dhuffman@nctc.edu