NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE COURSE SYLLABUS

 

Course Title:	Criminal Investigation
Course Prefix & Number:		CJSA1342	Section Number:	340	Semester/Year:	SP21
Semester Credit Hours:		3	Lecture Hours:	3	Lab Hours:	0
Course Description (NCTC Catalog): Investigative theory; collection and preservation of evidence, sources of information, interview and interrogation, uses of forensic sciences, case and trial preparation.
Course Prerequisite(s): NONE
Required Course Materials: Criminal Investigation 11th edition with MindTap.  Authors: Hess, Orthmann, and Cho.  You will need MindTap to complete some of the required assignments.

 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of Instructor:	Cliff Downey
Campus/Office Location:	Gainesville/2107
Telephone Number:	940-668-3313 (Office)
E-mail Address:	cdowney@nctc.edu  (This will  be our primary method of communication.)

 

OFFICE HOURS

Monday	1Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
1pm– 5pm Phone or Webex	1pm - 5pm Phone or WebEx	1pm – 5pm Phone or Webex	1pm - 5pm Phone or Webex

 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (Workforce Education Course Manual/NCTC Catalog)

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

 

GRADING CRITERIA

# of Graded Course Elements	Graded Course Elements	Percentage or Point Values
5	Exams	15%
8	Quizzes	10%
14	Video Scenarios	10%
5	Discussion Forums	10%
1	Mid-Term	20%
1	Final Exam	20%
1	Final Project	15%

 

COURSE SUBJECT OUTLINE

Chapter 1	Criminal Investigations; An overview
Chapter 2	Documenting the Crime scene; Note Taking, Sketching, Photographing
Chapter 3	Writing Effective Reports
Chapter 4	Searches
Chapter 5	Forensics/Physical Evidence
Chapter 8	Death Investigation
Chapter 9	Assault, Domestic Violence, Stalking and Elder Abuse
Chapter 10	Sex Offenses
Chapter 11	Crimes Against Children
Chapter 12	Robbery
Chapter 13	Burglary
Chapter 14	Larceny/Theft, Fraud and White Collar Crimes
Chapter 17	Computer Crime
Chapter 20	Terrorism and Homeland Security

 

PROGRAM PURPOSE STATEMENT

NCTC seeks to implement its goal of providing quality freshman and sophomore level courses in arts and sciences that parallel the lower division offerings of four-year colleges and universities by offering a coherent sequence of courses with appropriate breadth and depth to prepare student for transfer to a university.

 

DEPARTMENTAL PURPOSE STATEMENT

The Law Enforcement department prepares students for careers in every aspect of criminal justice, (police, courts and corrections), and for advanced degrees.

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Regular and punctual attendance is expected of all students in all classes for which they have registered.  All absences are considered to be unauthorized unless the student is absent due to illness or emergencies as determined by the instructor.  It is the student responsibility to provide documentation as to the emergency for approval and judgement by the faculty member.  Approved college sponsored activities are the only absences for which a student should not be held liable and only when provided by a college official ahead of the absence.  Valid reasons for absence, however, do not relieve the student of the responsibility for making up required work.  Students will not be allowed to make up an examination missed due to absence unless they have reasons acceptable to the instructor.  A student who is compelled to be absent when a test is given should petition the instructor, in advance if possible, for permission to postpone the exam.  Student will be dropped from a class by the Registrar upon recommendation of the instructor who feels the student has been justifiably absent or tardy a sufficient number of times to preclude meeting the course’s objectives.    Persistent, unjustified absences from classes or laboratories will be considered sufficient cause for College officials to drop a student from the rolls of the College. From Board Policy FC (LOCAL)

In an online class, attendance is taken by the completion of assignments. Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is April 5.

DISABILITY SERVICES (Office for Students with Disabilities)

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides support services for students with disabilities, students enrolled in technical areas of study, and students who are classified as special populations (i.e. single parents).

Support services for students with disabilities might include appropriate and reasonable accommodations, or they may be in the form of personal counseling, academic counseling, career counseling, etc.  Furthermore, OSD Counselors work with students to encourage self-advocacy and promote empowerment. The Counselors also provides resource information, disability-related information, and adaptive technology for students who qualify.

If you feel you have needs for services that the institution provides, please reach out to either Wayne Smith (940) 498-6207 or Yvonne Sandman (940) 668-4321.  Alternative students may stop by Room 170 in Corinth or Room 110 in Gainesville.

CORE CURRICULUM FOUNDATIONAL COMPONENT AREA (For classes in the Core)________     

 

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 (For classes in the Core)

 

o            Critical Thinking

o           Communication

o           Empirical and Quantitative

 

o           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

x        WECM Course

 

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the student handbook and published online.

 

 

 

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, academic falsification, intellectual property dishonesty, academic dishonesty facilitation and collusion.  Faculty members may document and bring charges against a student who is engaged in or is suspected to be engaged in academic dishonesty.  See Student Handbook, “Student Rights & Responsibilities: Student Conduct ([FLB(LOCAL)]”. 

 

Consequences for academic dishonesty may include:

• First time warning and a zero on the assignment.
• An F in the class.

 

 

 

QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, or COMPLAINTS

Name of Chair/Coordinator:	Dr. Cherly Furdge
Office Location:	Corinth Campus Suite #239 Office 234
Telephone Number:	940-498-6238
E-mail Address:	cfurdge@nctc.edu
Name of Instructional Dean:	Debbie Huffman
Office Location:	Gainesville Campus Bldg. 2100 Office #2106
Telephone Number:	940-668-3357
E-mail Address:	dhuffman@nctc.edu