NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE COURSE SYLLABUS

 

Course Title:	Introduction to Criminal Justice – Fall 2021
Course Prefix & Number:		CRIJ 1301	Section Number:	0400	Semester/Year:	FA21
Semester Credit Hours:		3	Lecture Hours:	3	Lab Hours:	0
Course Description (NCTC Catalog): This course provides a historical and philosophical overview of the American criminal justice system, including the nature, extent, and impact of crime; criminal law; and justice agencies and processes. 48 lecture hours.
Course Prerequisite(s): None
Required Course Materials: Criminal Justice in America (9th ED.) by George F. Cole and Christopher E. Smith (With MindTap), V2.0. You must purchase the MindTap access code. You do not have to have the paper copy of the book as the textbook is included digitally with the MindTap access. WARNING – If you choose to purchase a book or rent a book, failure to use this edition is at your own risk. BEFORE PURCHASING BOOK OR ACCESS, VIEW THE REGISTRATION ASSISTANCE FROM CENGAGE-MINDTAP: https://startstrong.cengage.com/mindtap-canvas-ia-no/?channel=eloqua&elq_mid=11375&elq_nm=Tracked%20Email&elq_cid=7113504&utm_medium=email&utm_source=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=

 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of Instructor:	Gary Knight
Campus/Office Location:
Telephone Number:	972-677-8890 – Google Voice Mail
E-mail Address:	geknight@nctc.edu

 

OFFICE HOURS

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
12 PM – 2 PM		12 PM – 2 PM

 

INSTRUCTOR AVAILABILITY

 

I do not have an office on campus. I will be available with specific ‘office hours’ Monday’s and Wednesday’s 12 pm – 2 pm online through Webex. All you do is click on Webex, select a time slot, and accept. It will send me a notification an appointment has been set. All contact must be through the CANVAS email system. All emails will be answered within 24 hours. Emails received after 5pm on Fridays will be answered on Mondays. Under NO circumstances are you to email using your personal email to the instructor’s school email. You may contact me by calling the number listed in this syllabus. However, the only time you should call is if you are attempting to access a quiz or an exam and you do not see it, or it will not open.

 

The instructor is not available on Saturdays or Sundays.

 

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

At the successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
	Describe the history and philosophy of the American criminal justice system Explain the nature (causes) and extent of crime in America Analyze the impact and consequences of crime Evaluate the development, concepts, and functions of law in the criminal justice system Describe the structure of contemporary federal, state, and local justice agencies and processes

 

 

GRADING CRITERIA

# of Graded Course Elements	Graded Course Elements	Percentage or Point Values
14	2 Videos per week, You Decide questions, (part 1 and 2), and Writing Reviews, (5 total)	20%
14	Chapter Exams	20%
1	Critical Thinking Project	10%
1	Professional Communication Discussion	5%
1	Professional Communication Video Assignment	5%
1	Midterm Exam	20%
1	Final Exam	20%

 

COURSE SUBJECT OUTLINE (Major Assignments, Due Dates, and Grading Criteria)

14 Chapter Videos, You Decide Part 1 and 2, and Writing Reviews. These will be completed through MindTap)	Weekly	20%
14 Chapter Exams. These will be completed through MindTap)	Weekly	20%
Professional Communication Discussion	September 20th – September 26th	5%
Professional Communication Video Assignment	October 11th – October 17th	5%
Midterm Exam, 50 multiple choice questions, 60min. This exam will be in Canvas. Covers Ch. 1-6.	September 30th - October 3rd	20%
Critical Thinking Project	October 24th, 2021	10%
Final Exam, 100 multiple choice questions. You have 110 minutes. This exam will be in Canvas. Ch. 7-12, 14, 15.	Finals Week December 6th – 8th, 2021	20%

 

GRADING CRITERIA

90%-100%                   A

80%-89%                     B

70%-79%                     C

60%-69%                     D

59% and below          F

 

 

Regular and punctual attendance is expected of all students in all classes for which they have registered.  All absences are considered 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 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)

Unless prior arrangements have been made (via email or in person, at least a week before the scheduled due date) assignments/tests may not be accepted.  

 

Proof of attendance will be determined by completion of assignments.

 

Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is November 1^st, 2021.

 

 

NOTE: This is a ‘tentative’ schedule and can be altered by the instructor as needed. You will be notified of any changes in advance.

 

Week 1.           August 23 – August 29

Read Chapter 1, The Criminal Justice System

Review Power Point lecture/Class Discussion

Class Agreement, Introduce Yourself Discussion,

Videos, You Decide, (part 1 & 2), Writing Review #1,

and Chapter 1 exam due by 8/29, @ 11:59 pm

 

Week 2.           August 30 – September 5

Read Chapter 2, Crime and Crime Causation

Review Power Point lecture/Class Discussion

Videos, You Decide, (part 1 & 2), and Chapter 2 exam due by 9/5 @ 11:59 pm

 

Week 3.           September 6 – September 12

Read Chapter 3, Criminal Justice, and the Rule of Law

Review Power Point lecture/Class Discussion

Videos, You Decide, (part 1 & 2), and Chapter 3 exam due by 9/12 @ 11:59 pm

 

Week 4.           September 13 – September 19

Read Chapter 4, Police

Review Power Point lecture/Class Discussion

Videos, You Decide, (part 1 & 2), and Chapter 4 exam due by 9/19, @ 11:59 pm

 

Week 5.           September 20 – September 26

Read Chapter 5, Policing: Contemporary Issues and Challenges

Review Power Point lecture/Class Discussion

Professional Communication Discussion

Videos, You Decide, (part 1 & 2), and Chapter 5 exam due by 9/26 @ 11:59 pm

 

Week 6.           September 27 –October 3

Read Chapter 6, Police and Law

Review Power Point lecture/Class Discussion

Videos, You Decide, (part 1 & 2), and Chapter 6 exam due by 10/3 @ 11:59 pm

Midterm exam, chapters 1-6, September 30^th, – October 3^rd, by 11:59 pm.

 

Week 7.           October 4 – October 10

Read Chapter 7, Courts and Adjudication

Review Power Point lecture/Class Discussion

Videos, You Decide, (part 1 & 2), and Chapter 7 exam due by 10/10 @ 11:59 pm

 

Week 8.           October 11 – October 17

Read Chapter 8, Pre-trial Procedures, Plea Bargaining and the Criminal Trial

Review Power Point lecture/Class Discussion

Videos, You Decide, (part 1 & 2), Writing Review #3

and Chapter 1 exam due by 10/17, @ 11:59 pm

Professional Communication Video Assignment

 

Week 9.           October 18 – October 24

Read Chapter 9, Punishment and Sentencing

Review Power Point lecture/Class Discussion

Videos, You Decide, (part 1 & 2), and Chapter 9 exam due by 10/24 @ 11:59 pm

 

Semester Critical Thinking Project Due No Later Than October 24^th, 11:59 pm

 

Week 10.         October 25 – October 31

Read Chapter 10, Corrections

Review Power Point lecture/Class Discussion

Videos, You Decide, (part 1 & 2), Writing Review #4,

and Chapter 10 exam due by 10/31 @ 11:59 pm

 

Week 11.         November 1 – November 7

Read Chapter 11, Incarceration and Prison Society

Review Power Point lecture/Class Discussion

Videos, You Decide, (part 1 & 2), and Chapter 11 exam due by 11/7 @ 11:59 pm

 

Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is November 1^st, 2021

 

Week 12.         November 8 – November 14

Read Chapter 12, Probation, and Intermediate Sanctions

Review Power Point lecture/Class Discussion

Videos, You Decide, (part 1 & 2), and Chapter 12 exam due by 11/14 @ 11:59 pm

 

Week 13.         November 15 – November 21

Read Chapter 14, Technology and Criminal Justice

Review Power Point lecture/Class Discussion

Videos, You Decide, (part 1 & 2), and Chapter 14 exam due by 11/21 @ 11:59 pm

 

Week 14.         November 22 – November 28

Thanksgiving Holiday – No assignments

 

Week 15.         November 29 – December 5

Read Chapter 15, Juvenile Justice

Review Power Point lecture/Class Discussion

Videos, You Decide, (part 1 & 2), Writing Review #5,

and Chapter 15 exam due by 12/5 @ 11:59 pm

 

Week 16.         December 6 – December 11 Finals Week

Final Exam opens December 6 at 8 am and closes December 8 at 11:59 pm.

 

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

o        Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course

o        WECM Course

 

 

Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the student handbook and published online. https://www.nctc.edu/_documents/academics/student-handbook.pdf

 

GRADE APPEALS

If a student wishes to appeal their grade, the procedure to do so is in the Student Handbook located here:

https://www.nctc.edu/catalog/academic-policies/grades-reports/student-grade-appeal.html

 

INCOMPLETE GRADE

Students seeking an incomplete grade can find the procedure here:

https://www.nctc.edu/catalog/academic-policies/grades-reports/incomplete-grades.html

 

CAPSTONE REQUIREMENT FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE MAJORS

 

The capstone for the Criminal Justice Basic Certificate is a comprehensive program exam with a score of 70% or higher.  Exam must be scheduled with the Department Chair upon completion of a certificate.

 

The capstone requirement for the AAS Degree in Criminal Justice is CJSA2388 Criminal Justice Internship.   It should be taken the last semester before graduation. This course may not be substituted.

 

Students seeking a Criminal Justice Certificate can find the capstone requirement here:

https://www.nctc.edu/catalog/curricula-career-technical-education/criminal-justice/criminal-justice-level-1-workforce-certificate.html

 

Students seeking a Criminal Justice AAS, can find the capstone requirement here:

https://www.nctc.edu/catalog/Curricula-Career-and-Technical-Education/Law-Enforcement-Degree.html

 

 

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:

1. First offense – Failure on assignment.
2.  Second offense – fail class.

 

QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, or COMPLAINTS

 

Name of Chair/Coordinator:	Dr. Cherly Gary-Furdge
Office Location:	Suite 239 Office 234 Corinth Campus
Telephone Number:	940-498-6238 or 972-922-7978
E-mail Address:	cfurdge@nctc.edu
Name of Instructional Dean:	Debbie Huffman
Office Location:	Gainesville Career Technology Building
Telephone Number:	940-668-3357
E-mail Address:	dhuffman@nctc.edu

 

 

COVID-19 Specific Syllabi Statements Fall 2021

 

Syllabi statement regarding potential Conversion of Onsite Classes to Online/Remote Format: North Central Texas College students should be aware that in the event of a college closure due to COVID-19 or other health related crisis, onsite classes will be converted to an online/remote format. Students should plan ahead to ensure they have access to the computer equipment (either PC, MAC, or tablet), webcam, and internet connectivity to continue their classes in an online/remote format. Please read all your official North Central Texas College student emails as the transition from onsite to online/remote might require a reorganization in your personal situation. Students will be granted a 72-hour transition and grace period. Online classes will continue as scheduled without disruption. Contact your instructor as the situation arises. These policies and procedures were updated on July 27, 2021, and are subject to change as conditions change.

 

Syllabi Statement Regarding Face Coverings: Per the North Central Texas College guidance on face coverings on campus, in the instructional setting, faculty and students are not required to wear face coverings, such as masks or face shields. In May, Texas Governor Gregg Abbott released an Executive Order prohibiting Government entity from mandating the use of masks. As a political subdivision of the State of Texas, NCTC will follow the Governor’s Executive Order for Government entities and effective immediately NCTC is no longer mandating the use of masks while on campus. This order does not mean that you cannot choose to wear a mask, rather it is no longer allowed to be mandated. These policies and procedures were updated on May 19, 2021, and are subject to change.

 

Return to Standard Attendance Protocol for Face-to-Face Meetings: In spring 2020, we faced an unprecedented situation in which all of us had to be flexible and make prudent decisions in the best interest of our families, our campus, and our community. In light of this, North Central Texas College is temporarily establishing the requirement that faculty keep records of student attendance for face-to-face course meetings as well as a documented seating chart. In addition, students who are sick or need to quarantine should not attend classes. Students will not be required to provide formal documentation from a health care provider and will not be penalized for COVID-19 related absences when proper notification to campus health officials is made in accordance with the guidelines stated below.

 

Faculty will:

 

• Notify students about important course information and delivery changes through Canvas and campus email.

 

Students should:

• Provide notification to campus officials if they have tested positive for COVID-19 or have to quarantine so we can confirm reported absence with instructors, monitor, and assist the campus community.
• Notify instructors in advance of the absence.
• Connect with that class through Webex if the class session is being transmitted in a hybrid fashion.
• Keep up with and/or make up missed classwork or assignments.
• Submit assignments digitally through Canvas or other means as announced by your instructor.
• Work with their instructors to reschedule exams, labs, and other critical academic activities described in the course syllabus.
• Check Canvas and campus email daily to receive important announcements pertaining to the course.

During the fall 2021 semester, faculty with face-to-face meetings will establish assigned seating/workstations to facilitate roll-taking, and, if necessary, contact tracing. Additionally, we ask all members of the College community to be attentive to their health, and safeguard others, by following the CDC’s guideline to “stay home when you are sick.” You should stay home if you have symptoms. More information on what to do if you are sick is available at the CDC’s website.

Additional NCTC information is available at http://www.nctc.edu/coronavirus/index.html