Syllabus | CRIJ 1310 400 - FUNDAMENTALS OF CRIMINAL LAW

CRIJ 1310 400 - FUNDAMENTALS OF CRIMINAL LAW

Introduction

Fundamentals of Criminal Law - CRIJ 1310

NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE

COURSE SYLLABUS

Course Title: Fundamentals of Criminal Law – Spring 2018
Course Prefix & Number: CRIJ 1310	Section Number: 400	Semester: 172S
Semester Credit Hours: 3	Lecture Hours: 3	Lab Hours: N/A
Course Description (NCTC Catalog): This course is the study of criminal law including application of definitions, statutory elements, defenses, and penalties using Texas statutes, the Model Penal Code, and case law. The course also analyzes the philosophical and historical development of criminal law and criminal culpability
Course Prerequisite(s): None
Required or Recommended Course Materials: *Criminal Law* (12^th Edition), by Joel Samaha (With Mindtap) Warning: Failure to use this book is at your own risk.

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of Instructor:	Gary Knight
Campus/Office Location:	Corinth
Telephone Number:	214-642-6218
E-mail Address:	geknight@nctc.edu

GRADING CRITERIA

# of Graded Course Elements	Graded Course Elements	Percentage or Point Values
13	Exams	20%
13	Scenario Assignments	5%
13	Videos	5%
1	Oral Presentation	10%
2	Case Brief Assignment	10%
1	Semester Project	25%
1	Comprehensive Final Exam	25%

Grading Scale

90-100 A

80-89 B

70-79 C

60-69 D

59 and below F

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

	At the successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
1.	Identify the elements of crimes and defenses under Texas statutes, Model Penal Code, and case law
2.	Classify offenses and articulate penalties for various crimes.
3.	Compare culpable mental states when assigning criminal responsibility.
4.	Assess the impact of history and philosophy on current criminal laws.
5.	Evaluate the application of criminal law to other areas of criminal justice such as law enforcement and corrections.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Successful completion of this course will require you to attend class. It is my belief that classroom discussions and interactions contribute to the learning experience. Therefore, classroom attendance is mandatory and will be monitored. Excessive unexcused absence may lead to a student being dropped from the course. Excessive unexcused absence is defined as missing 10% of the scheduled classes or 5 absences. I will take roll every day. As a final note on attendance, I will use attendance and class participation as the determining factor in cases of borderline final grades.

This course will require classroom discussion and comment. Some discussions may involve contentious issues. Healthy and robust debates are encouraged. The classroom is a ‘safe’ environment where ideas can be shared and discussed without fear. However, rude comments, insults, or demeaning behavior will not be tolerated. If this behavior is observed, that student may be asked to leave the classroom.

No tobacco products, or E-cigarettes will be allowed in the classroom. Electronic devices such as IPODs, cell phones, headphones or computers are to be turned off. Recording devices and computer use may be used with instructor approval.

Activities such as eating, sleeping, talking, use of profanity or other disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Students who fail to comply with behavioral requirements will be removed from the class. Should a student be ejected on more than one occasion, that student may be dropped from the course.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

Week 1. January 16 – January 19

Orientation

Read Chapter 1. Criminal Law and Punishment in U.S. Society