Syllabus

 

 

NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE COURSE SYLLABUS

 

Course Title: 

Contemporary Issues in Law Enforcement

Course Prefix & Number:  

CJSA2334

Section Number:  

360

Semester/Year: 

F18

Semester Credit Hours: 

3

Lecture Hours: 

0

Lab Hours: 

0

Course Description (NCTC Catalog): A series of lectures and class participation exercises presenting selected topics currently confronting criminal justice personnel and the public they serve.

Course Prerequisite(s): None

Required Course Materials: No textbook needed.  Readings are in the modules

             

 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of Instructor:

Velton Lenn Carter

Campus/Office Location:

No Office

Telephone Number

940-390-7469

E-mail Address:

vcarter@nctc.edu

 

OFFICE HOURS

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

 

 

 

 

 

6-9

 

6-9

 

 

 

 

 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (From Academic Course Guide Manual/NCTC Catalog)

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

1

Explore an assigned contemporary topic in criminal justice.

2

List specific problems within the topic and suggest solutions.

 

 

Course Competencies

 

 

  1. Discuss various contemporary topics in the field of criminal justice.

GRADING CRITERIA

# of Graded Course Elements

Graded Course Elements

Percentage or Point Values

1

Course Competency Pre-test

No points but required

6

Module Pre-test

If you score an 80 or higher on the pre-test, you may skip to the next module

6

Module Post-Test

Must score 80 or higher on all module post-test to pass the class.  See Module post-test instructions.

1

Competency Project Assignment

Must score an 80 or higher on the project to pass the class

6

Practice Quizzes

Does not count as a grade.  Used as a tool to test your knowledge

 

Squad meeting discussion forms

(Part of the learning Communities)

No Points

 

COURSE SUBJECT OUTLINE 

 

Let’s get started

Please read all course information in the let’s get started section which includes the syllabus.

Course Competency Pre-Tests

You must take the course competency pre-test.  Once the exam is grade, you will have a face to face meeting, phone conference, or online conference with the instructor.  This exam will be graded within 24 hours after you take it.

Module 1 

 

1.      Take Pre-test (required)

2.      Read leaning outcomes

3.      Reading Assignment

4.      Take practice quiz

5.      Take Post-test

Module 2 

 

1.      Take Pre-test (required)

2.      Read learning outcomes

3.      Reading Assignment

4.      Take practice quiz

5.      Take Post-test                  

Module 3 

1.      Take Pre-test (required)

2.      Read learning outcomes

3.      Reading Assignment

4.      Take practice quiz

5.      Submit Project Draft 1

6.      Take Post-test

Module 4

1.      Take Pre-test (required)

2.      Read learning outcomes

3.      Reading Assignment

4.      Take practice quiz

5.      Submit Project Draft 2

6.      Take Post-test

Module 5

1.      Take Pre-test (required)

2.      Read learning outcomes

3.      Reading Assignment

4.      Take practice quiz

5.      Submit Project Draft 3

6.      Take Post-test

Module 6

1.      Take Pre-test (required)

2.      Read learning outcomes

3.      Reading Assignment

4.      Take practice quiz

5.      Submit Project Draft 4

6.      Take Post-test

 

Module 7

Work on finalizing Paper/Project

Week 8

Submit Competency Project

 

 

 

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 judgment 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)

ATTENDANCE POLICY and Drop

This is an online class. Your attendance is documented by the completion of assignments. It is important that you log in regularly and stay on task for this course.  If you feel you cannot complete the course, it is your responsibility to drop.  If you do not complete the work successfully and fail to drop this course, you will receive an F.

 

 

 

Dropping a course(s)

 

The last day to dropis September 27, 2018 with a W.  If you feel you need to drop schedule an appointment with Sarah Morrow, First Start IV Grant Coordinator, or Mallory Batts, Fast Start IV Success Coach, to discuss your concerns.  Sarah can be reached at 940-668-7731 ext. 4957 or email smorrow@nctc.edu. Mallory and be reached at 940-668-7731ext. 4965 or email mbattas@nctc.edu. After meeting with Sarah or Mallory, if you feel you still need to drop, please complete the necessary paperwork with the registrars’ office.

 

Again, the last day to withdraw from this course with a “W” is February 22, 2018.

 

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

ox      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 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 offense you will receive a written warning.
  • Second offense you will be dropped from the course.

 

 

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 Career and Technical Education Center

Telephone Number:

940-668-3357

E-mail Address:

dhuffman@nctc.edu

 

Course Information

This course begins August 27, 2018 and ends October 19, 2018. This course is designed as a self-paced course.  There are no weekly deadlines.  However, it is highly encouraged that you log in at least four-five times a week to work on assignments.  To assist with being successful and completing assignments in a timely manner, you can follow the example below: 

COURSE Progress Example

 

Week 1

August 27-September 2

Let’s Get Start

Please read all course information in the let’s get started section which includes your syllabus.

Week 1

August 27-September 2

Course Competency Pre-test (Required before moving to the next module)

You must take the course competency pre-test.  Once the exam is grade, you will have a face to face meeting, phone conference, or online conference with the instructor.  The exam will be graded in 24 hours. 

Week 1

August 27-September 2

Module 1       

6.      Take Pre-test (required)

7.      Read learning outcomes

8.      Reading Assignment

9.      Take practice quiz

10.  Take Post-test

Week 2

September 3-September 9

Module 2

6.      Take Pre-test (required)

7.      Read learning outcomes

8.      Reading Assignment

9.      Take practice quiz

10.  Take Post-test                  

Week 3

September10-Sept 16

 

Module 3

7.      Take Pre-test (required)

8.      Read learning outcomes

9.      Reading Assignment

10.  Take practice quiz

11.  Submit Project/Paper Draft 1

12.  Take Post-test

Week 4

September 17- Sept 23

 

 

 

Module 4

7.      Take Pre-test (required)

8.      Read learning outcomes

9.      Reading Assignment

10.  Take practice quiz

11.  Submit Project/Paper Draft 2

12.  Take Post-test

Week 5

September 24-Sept 30

 

 

 

 

Module 5

7.      Take Pre-test (required)

8.      Read learning outcomes

9.      Reading Assignment

10.  Take practice quiz

11.  Submit Project/Paper Draft 3

12.  Take Post-test

Week 6

October 1- October 7

 

 

 

Module 6

7.      Take Pre-test (required)

8.      Read learning outcomes

9.      Reading Assignment

10.  Take practice quiz

11.  Submit Project/Paper Draft 4

12.  Take Post-test

Week 7

October 8- October 14

 

Work on finalizing Paper/Project

Week 8

October 15- October 19

 

Submit Competency Project Due By 11:55pon the 18th

 

Instructions for all Assignments

 

Course Grade

Your grade for this course will be A, B, or F.  The course grade will be determined based on the grades from all module competency post-testsand your competency final project.  You must score an 80 or higher on all Module Competency Post Tests and an 80 or higher on the Competency Project.  Read further to learn more about the module competency post-test and the Competency Project.  If you make less than a B in this course, you will not pass

 Course Pre-test

Before gaining access to any modules, you must complete the competency Course Pre-test.  This test does not count as part of your grade but serves as a tool that will allow you to demonstrate what you know prior to starting the assignments for the course. The test will be graded within 24 hours.  After your grade is posted, you will be contacted by your instructor, via email, to schedule a meeting to discuss your response.   The test will have a mixture of questions to include, essay, multiple choice and true and false.  This test grade does not count towards your final grade but is required. 

Module Competency Pre-test

 You will have seven (7) modules pre-test.  You will only have one chance to complete the pre-test and will only see your score afterwards. You must take the pre-test in order to gain access to the module.  If there are essay questions on the pre-test, the questions will be graded within 24 hours.  If you score 80 or higher on the module pre-test, you can skip to the next module. (The pre-test score only counts if you make 80 or higher). The readings associated with the test are listed in each module.  The test will have a mixture of questions to include, essay, multiple choice and true and false.  If you score an 80 or higher on the pre-test, you are still responsible for the section of the project assignment within the module.

 Module Competency Post-Test

 Must score 80 or higher on module post-test

 If you do not pass the pre-test with an 80 or higher, you will need to complete the assignments in the module and take the post test.  Module assignments are used to help you prepare for the post test, they will not count towards your final grade. There will be some assignments in the associated with the competency project. (See Module Competency Assignments). It will be to your advantage to complete all assignments.  It is important that you use all module assignments as tools and read, study and take notes before taking the post test.  You will ONLY have three chances.  If you have not successfully passed the post-test after your second attempt, you MUSTschedule a meeting with your instructor before the third attempt.  Failing to do so may result in you failing that module.  Once the test is submitted, you will only see your score, not the questions you missed.

The readings associated with the test are listed in each module.  The exam questions may be essay, multiple choice, or true and false questions. The format of the exam will be in the exam instruction sections. 

 Again, you will have three chances to complete the post test. If you have not passed the post-test by the second try, you MUST meet with the instructor.  In order to move to the next module, you must score at least an 80 or higher on each module post-test.   You cannot make less than 80 on the module post-test.

 Practice Quizzes (NO GRADE)

You will have six (6) practice quizzes.  The purpose of the practice quizzes is to prepare you for the post test.  The quizzes are used as a tool and will not count as a grade.

 Module Competency Assignments

The module competency assignments are drafts of your papers.  You will have an opportunity to submit your paper in parts or in full four (4) times to receive feedback from your instructors. 

Respondus Lockdown

You must download the respondus lock down browser in order to access the exams and quizzes.  All exams and quizzes are protected by this browser.  If you have problems downloading it, please contact Canvas support immediately.

 

Learning Community

You will see a module labeled “Learning Community”.  The learning community is designed for you to ask general questions about different topics.  You will see discussion forums in the learning community. One forum will be labeled “Ask the Professor.”  This forum will be used to ask the professor any questions you may have about assignments.  DO NOT ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR GRADE.  Questions about your grade must be discussed privately with the instructor.  The other discussion forums in the learning community will be labeled with specific topics related the readings.  Participating in the discussions about a specific topic may be beneficial when taking your post assessment.

 Course Competency Project

Your competency project has four (parts).  It will benefit you to work on the project as you go to receive feedback from you professor.  Do not submit the project running together.  Once you complete one part, scroll down to the next page to start the next part.  Each section must be labeled, for example:  Part 1 Racial Profiling.  You must score an 80 or higher on this project to pass the class.

 

For the Competency Project you will examine the issues of racial profiling, drug crimes, and immigration/homeland security.

You will write at least a ten (10) page research paper using at least 5 references. The research paper has four (4) parts.

  1. Explain what racial profiling, drug crimes, and immigration/homeland security is. 

To complete this portion of the project it is vital that you define each issue and explain it. In doing so you will need to provide two (2) case studies that demonstrate examples of each concept. This means using an outside source!

  1. To ensure you understand all three topics, the following information should be displayed in your paper:
  2. Explain why the topic is important.
  3. Determine what groups are most impacted by the topic and why.
  4. Explain how the criminal justice system currently deals with each chosen topic.
  5. Explain whether or not there are any emerging trends regarding each topic.
  6. Determine the approximate financial cost of each topic to a country or city.
  7. Find two recent cases covering each topic and give a brief overview of each.

III. What changes would you make to the system regarding racial profiling, drug crimes, and immigration/homeland?  How would you improve the outlook?

Papers should be completed in the form of a research paper.  Do not type the questions and then the answer.  The questions above should be used as a guide to collect information for the paper.  

This paper must be written in APA format. Paper must be typed with a 12 font and double spaced. The paper should be divided into four (4) parts with the very last page of the paper being the conclusion.  Part 1-Racial Profiling Part 2-Drug Crimes Part 3 Immigration/Homeland Security 4. Conclusion There should be a title Page between each section.  The title pages must be centered. 

Remember! You must cite at least five sources. (You can use more)  WIKIPEDIA, Google and blogs are not sources.  Use on books and journal articles.  An example of a journal article will uploaded in the Course Competency Final Project module.

 Instructor’s Information

Office Hours

I will be available in my office during the times listed in the syllabus.  Due to my teaching schedule or meetings, there are times I will not be in the office.  If you need to meet with me during a time that is not listed in the syllabus, please feel free to schedule an appointment.

Contacting the Instructor

You may contact the instructor via email or by calling the numbers listed in this syllabus. Again, do not send a text to the cell phone number asking general questions.  You will not get a response.  Please use the CANVAS email to ask general questions. 

 Texting:The only time you should send a text is when you are attempting to access an exam or quiz and you do not see it or it will not open.

 

Emails

Emails must be sent through Canvas.  You should not email the instructor from your personal email nor should you email the instructor using the instructors NCTC email address.

 

All emails will be responded to within 24 hours.  Again, emails should be used to ask all questions.  Also, if you need to schedule an appointment to meet, please do so by sending an email.

 

Online Conferences

Private online conferences must be scheduled.  If you are having issues understanding the reading assignments, please feel free to schedule a time to meet with the instructor or post your question in the forum located in the module labeled “Ask the Professor.”