Course Syllabus
COURSE SYLLABUS
Spring 2022
COURSE TITLE: Introduction to Criminal Justice - AJS 101 Section 27549
PREREQUISITES: None
INSTRUCTOR: Benjamin Hoster
TIME/LOCATION: Monday/Wednesday 7:30 A.M. – 8:45 A.M. ROOM-SC 28W
EMAIL: benjamin.hoster@mesacc.edu
OFFICE HOURS: By appointment
TEXTBOOK: Peak, K. J. & Madensen, T. D. (2020). A Brief Introduction to Criminal Justice: Practice and Process (1st ed.). Los Angeles, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: An examination of the organization and jurisdiction of local, state, and federal law enforcement, judicial and corrections systems; their history and philosophy; career opportunities and qualifying requirements, terminology and constitutional limitations of the system.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this course the student will
be able to:
- Define crime and its relationship to the law.
- Identify instruments for measuring crime.
- Describe the governmental structure and its relationship to criminal justice.
- Describe the components of the criminal justice system.
- Define the criminal justice process.
- Describe the historical development of police agencies and their jurisdiction.
- Describe the role of the prosecution and defense.
- Identify the role of the state and federal courts.
- Describe the criminal trial and the legal right of the accused at trial.
- Describe the history and philosophy of corrections.
- Define and describe the role of probation and parole.
- Define delinquency and status offenses.
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
An advantage of the in-person experience (as opposed to an online course) is the ability for students to hear about the material, ask questions, discuss your thoughts, and clarify any areas of confusion you might have. Students are expected to attend all classes and be on time. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class. Students not in class at the taking of attendance will be marked absent. If tardy, students are responsible for ensuring that their attendance is noted. Tardiness is disruptive to the class and excessive tardiness can affect your final grade. Special circumstances will be handled on an individual basis.
As such, regular attendance is strongly recommended; missing classes will result in a loss of 5 points per missed class.
Action = Result
One class missed = No effect on grade
Two classes missed = 15 points deducted from total grade
Three or more classes missed = 30 points deducted from total grade (and so on)
EXAMS, QUIZZES, DISCUSSION POSTS, and BOOK REVIEW PAPER:
There will be a mix of Discussion Posts, Quizzes, a Book Review Paper, and a Final Exam this semester. Six quizzes will be administered throughout the semester. The quizzes will consist of multiple-choice and true/false questions. Questions for the exams will come from assigned readings and lectures. 70% of the questions will come from lecture/discussion and 30% will come from the assigned reading in the textbook.
GRADING:
Discussion Post #1 25 points
Discussion Post #2 25 points
Discussion Post #3 25 points
Discussion Post #4 25 points
Quiz #1 50 points
Quiz #2 50 points
Quiz #3 50 points
Quiz #4 50 Points
Quiz # 5 50 Points
Quiz # 6 50 Points
Book Review Paper 200 points
___________________________________________
TOTAL 600 points
ACADEMIC SUPPORT:
Brainfuse Online Tutoring
All MCC students have access to 10 (ten) hours of prepaid online tutoring in multiple sessions through the semester by choosing one of four options below: Enjoy 10 (ten) hours of prepaid online tutoring in multiple sessions throughout the semester by choosing one of the four options below:
- Writing Center – Have your writing reviewed by a tutor
- Drop-in Tutoring – Chat now with a live tutor
- Scheduled Tutoring – Schedule to meet with a live tutor in the future
- Offline Questions – Send a tutor an academic question.
- Login: https://www.mesacc.edu/students/tutoring/brainfuse
LEARNING ENHANCEMENT CENTER:
Many students find that college coursework provides new academic challenges. Students who wish to deepen their understanding of course concepts, extend their skills, and improve their performance in their course(s) are encouraged to use the free tutoring and other support services in the Learning Enhancement Center. Tutoring is available at 10 campus locations (including two at Red Mountain). Visit or call the LEC office to learn how they can help you. It is located on the 1st floor of the Elsner Library.
Phone: 480-461-7678 Red Mountain: 480-654-7735
WRITING CENTER:
The Writing Center provides one-on-one appointments to help students during any phase of the writing process: brainstorming, prewriting, researching, drafting, and revising. The Writing Center is located on the 1st floor of the Elsner Library. Phone: 480.461.7513.
Web: https://www.mesacc.edu/departments/english/writing-center
CLASSROOM ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) and its associated colleges are committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities to students with documented disabilities (e.g. mental health, attentional, learning, chronic health, sensory, or physical). Each class/term/semester that a student needs academic adjustments/accommodations, the qualified student is required to work with the Disability Resources and Services Office (DRS) at their individual college(s). College DRS offices may only offer accommodations/academic adjustments for their own college. Contact with the DRS should be made as soon as possible to ensure academic needs are met in a reasonable time. New and returning students must request accommodations each semester through DRS Connect online services. To learn more about this online service process, please contact your local DRS office.
If you have not yet established services through DRS, but have a temporary health condition or permanent disability that requires accommodations, you are welcome to contact DRS by using the information listed on the following webpage: https://district.maricopa.edu/consumer-information/disability-resources/contacts. The DRS office offers resources and coordinates reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities and/or temporary health conditions qualifying for accommodations/academic adjustments. Reasonable accommodations are established through an interactive process between you, your faculty, and DRS; and only those academic adjustments/reasonable accommodations granted by the DRS are recognized by the college and MCCCD. It is the policy and practice of the MCCCD to create inclusive and accessible learning environments consistent with federal and state law.
ADDRESSING INCIDENTS OF Title IX SEXUAL HARASSMENT:
In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the MCCCD prohibits unlawful sexual harassment against any participant in its education programs or activities. Sexual harassment includes quid pro quo (this for that) harassment, hostile environment, sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, and stalking. This prohibition against sexual harassment - including sexual violence - applies to students, MCCCD employees, and visitors to campus.
The policy of the MCCCD is to provide an educational, employment, and business environment free of sexual violence, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct or communications constituting sexual harassment as prohibited by state and federal law. Incidents of Sexual Misconduct should be reported to the college Title IX Coordinator, as outlined in policy. MCCCD will provide on its Title IX and Preventing Sexual Harassment webpage a link to all Title IX Coordinators at the MCCCD. Reports may be filed anonymously at: https://district.maricopa.edu/consumer-information/reporting.
EARLY ALERT (EARS):
Mesa Community College is committed to the success of all our students. MCC has adopted an Early Alert Referral System (EARS) to aid students in their educational pursuits. Faculty and Staff participate by referring students to campus services for added support. Students may receive a follow up call from various campus services as a result of being referred to EARS. Students are encouraged to participate, but these services are optional.
http://www.mesacc.edu/students/ears.
STATEMENT OF STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:
It is your responsibility to understand the policies listed in this syllabus as these are the guidelines that your instructor will follow for grading, attendance, etc. It is also your responsibility to read and understand the college policies included in the student handbook as they may apply to you in the case of an incomplete grade, withdraw for failure to attend, etc.
TUITION CHARGES AND REFUNDS:
Students who officially withdraw from credit classes (in fall, spring, or summer) within the withdrawal deadlines listed below will receive a 100% refund for tuition, class and registration processing fees. Deadlines that fall on a weekend or a college holiday will advance to the next college workday except for classes fewer than 10 calendar days in length or as specified by the college. Calendar days include weekdays and weekends. Refer to individual colleges for withdrawal and refund processes. Never attending is not an allowable refund exemption or an excuse of the debt incurred through registration.
|
Length of Class |
Official Withdrawal Deadlines for 100% Refund |
|
1-9 calendar days |
Prior to the class start date |
|
10-19 calendar days |
1 calendar day including the class start date |
|
20-29 calendar days |
2 calendar days including the class start date |
|
30-39 calendar days |
3 calendar days including the class start date |
|
40-49 calendar days |
4 calendar days including the class start date |
|
50-59 calendar days |
5 calendar days including the class start date |
|
60-69 calendar days |
6 calendar days including the class start date |
|
70+ calendar days |
7 calendar days including the class start date |
*Course fees and registration processing fees will be refunded only if the student qualifies for a 100% refund. Debts owed to any MCCCD college must be satisfied before any refunds are paid to the student. Refunds for students receiving federal financial assistance are subject to federal guidelines. Requests for exceptions to the refund policy must be filed within one year from the semester in which the course was taken.
CANVAS: LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM:
MCC and other Maricopa Colleges use Canvas, an online learning management system. Whether your class is face-to-face, hybrid, or entirely online, course materials should be accessed by students in Canvas.
STUDENT EMAIL:
You will need a student email account so that your instructor can communicate with you regarding course work and performance in this class. This is available to all MCC students at no charge. Contact your instructor through your Maricopa email or through Canvas. Emails from accounts other than Maricopa (Yahoo, msn, Hotmail) will go into spam and will delete immediately.
Setting Up Your Maricopa Email
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:
Academic misconduct and dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, excessive absences, use of abusive or profane language, and disruptive and/or threatening behavior. All instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Chair of the Administrative Justice Department and other appropriate authorities. Students displaying acts of academic dishonesty are subject to grade adjustment, course failure, probation, suspension, or expulsion. See the student handbook for more information regarding cases of academic misconduct.
BEHAVING RESPONSIBLY AND COOPERATIVELY IN AN AJS 101 CLASS:
Part of becoming a better student is learning to appreciate the ideas and critiques of others. Part of our purpose in this class is to come together as a community of learners in which ideas are shared and we learn by doing and explaining, not just by watching. Often, you will find that your classmates have different perspectives than you and can offer tips or techniques that can enhance your learning and understanding. You have a lot to learn from the instructor, but you also have a lot to learn from each other. Students are expected to come to class prepared to participate. Remember, none of us is as smart as all of us! Everyone has something to offer. You will be asked to work cooperatively with others and you are expected to be a contributing member to your group.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS:
For every hour you spend in class, you should spend at least two (2) hours outside of class studying the material and completing your assignments. For example, if you take a class one (1) hour a day, three days a week, you should devote at least 6 hours a week outside of class.
Students do not fail at the end of the semester. If a student is failing in the last week, it is because of what he or she has done throughout the semester. Keep up with the work. Keep track of your points and percentage in the class. Keep track of assignment due dates on the course calendar. Remember, you cannot complete all the assignments in the last few days of the semester.
F-1 STUDENTS:
If you are an F-1 student, I'm so glad that you're in my class! You bring diversity and a world perspective to the classroom, and that helps me to fulfill one of MCC's student outcomes: Cultural and Global Engagement. Please know that you must adhere to the attendance policy that is set for this class and is listed in this syllabus. If you are withdrawn by me for the class for non-attendance, I will not place you back into the class. If you earn a W or Y (for non-attendance) and this brings you below the required 12 credits that you need to maintain your F-1 status in the USA, I will not change your grade to an F. You are given the grade that you earn. If you fall out of status, you can go through a process called "F-1 Reinstatement" with the International Education (IE) Office located in Building 36N. IE regularly sends you messages to your MCC email regarding immigration matters. Be sure to check it regularly! They also check attendance reports for all F-1 students on a weekly basis. You are here in the USA to be a student on your F-1 full time study visa, and we'll help you to maintain that status.
COLLEGE-WIDE ONLINE STUDENTS COURSE SURVEY:
Near the end of this course, you may receive an invitation to complete a course survey via Canvas and your MCC email. Your constructive feedback plays an important role in shaping quality education at MCC. All responses are completely confidential, and your name is not stored with your answers in any way. In addition, instructors will not see results from the survey until after final grades are submitted. Your participation is greatly appreciated. The course survey is only given in some MCC courses, so you may not receive a survey in all courses.
INSTITUTIONAL LEARNING OUTCOMES: MCC’S 4 Cs:
Our goal at MCC is to excel in teaching and learning. We are here to empower individuals to succeed in their local and global community. As part of this commitment, Institutional Student Learning Outcomes (iSLOs) have been created with the goal of embedding educational experiences in all MCC courses. ISLOs are skills and knowledge students attain through courses and experiences. Students who complete a degree, program or certificate will know they leave MCC with these skills or knowledge. MCC’s iSLOs are known as MCC’s 4Cs. They are Critical Thinking, Communication, Civic Engagement, and Cultural and Global Engagement.
Visit Student Learning Outcomes for more information.
LEARN AND EARN: DO YOU HAVE A 3.25 GPA? READ ON!:
Learn and Earn! Do you have a 3.25 GPA? Read on! The Honors Achievement Award is open to students who have completed 12 college-level credits within the Maricopa Colleges and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25. If this is you, apply to the Honors Program at Mesa Community College, enroll in at least 6-graded credits, including one 3-credit honors course for the semester. To be awarded funds, you must complete the honors course with at least a “C” grade and participate in one co-curricular activity during the semester. Any students who qualify for this award should contact the Honors Office at either Southern and Dobson or Red Mountain or ask me about it! More information can be found at: https://www.mesacc.edu/honors/honors-achievement-award-scholarship
COUNSELING SERVICES:
The Counseling Department at Mesa Community College provides a variety of counseling services to assist students in addressing their personal, academic, career development, prevention, and intervention challenges. Confidential services are offered free of charge to students. Counseling faculty support and empower students in the process of setting and attaining their academic, career, and personal goals. To schedule an appointment to meet with a counselor call:
MCC S&D (480) 461-7588
MCC Red Mountain (480) 654-7720
Visit www.mesacc.edu/departments/counseling for more information
INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE
READING, ASSIGNMENT, AND EXAM SCHEDULE
Spring 2022
Introduction – (Syllabus and Instructor/Student Introductions)
Discussion Post – Recent Event Video X2
Chapter 1 – Fundamentals of Criminal Justice
Chapter 2 – Foundations of Law and Crime: Nature, Elements, and Measurement
Quiz #1
Discussion Post – Recent Event Video
Chapter 3 – Ethical Essentials: Doing Right When No One is Watching
Chapter 4 – Police Organization: Structure and Functions
Quiz #2
Chapter 5 – Police Training, Patrolling, Investigating: Forming, Reforming, and Solving
Chapter 6 – Expounding the Constitution: Laws of Arrest, Search, and Seizure
Quiz #3
Chapter 7 – Court Organization: Structure, Functions, and the Trial Process
Chapter 8 – The Bench and the Bar: Those Who Judge, Prosecute, and Defend
Quiz #4
Chapter 9 – Court Methods and Challenges: Sentencing and Punishment
Chapter 10 – Prisons and Jails: Structure and Function
Quiz #5
Chapter 11 – Corrections in the Community: Probation, Parole, and Other Alternatives to Incarceration
Chapter 12 – On the Crime Policy and Prevention Agenda: Drug Abuse, Sex Trafficking, Terrorism, and Immigration
Quiz #6
Guest Speakers
Book Review Paper
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|