Bakersfield College
Syllabus
CADM B1
Introduction to Criminal Justice
Spring, 2013 Instructor: Dr. Charles Feer
Wednesdays 6:00pm – 9:10pm Office Hours: By Appointment
Location: RFK Lecture “A” Telephone: 661-330-2746 text/call
E-Mail:
Catalog Course Description: History and philosophy of justice as it evolved throughout the world; an overview of America’s criminal justice system and its sub-systems; roles and role expectations of criminal justice professionals; theories of crime causation, punishment and rehabilitation; ethics, and multicultural awareness and education.
Prerequisites: None. (Reading Level 5 or 6 recommended.)
Text Books: (Required) Schmalleger, Criminal Justice Today (Current Edition)
(Pearson – Prentice Hall)
Available in the B.C. Bookstore)
Class Attendance Policy: Is held in strict observance of the College Attendance policy. If any student misses two weeks of class without explanation, they may be dropped. IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO DROP THE CLASS. Failure to do so, and if I do not drop you, will result in an “F” for the course.
Academic Honesty Policy: Is per the College Catalog and will be strictly enforced.
Note: There will be no class meeting on March 27 (Spring Break)
FINAL EXAM: May 8, 2013, 6:00 pm – 7:50 pm
Grading Policy: Course Grading:
Class Participation = 25% 90 – 100% = A
Tests / Exams = 25% 80 - 89% = B
Final Exam = 25% 70 – 79% = C
Term Paper = 25% 60 – 69% = D
Class Participation and Graded Work:
Students will be evaluated by way of classroom participation, assigned papers, and in-depth Chapter exams. Classroom participation will be evaluated on the quality of arguments, thoughtful questions, creative insight, and critical analysis.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of CRIM 1 with a grade of C or better, students will be able to:
- Discuss and apply the major theories of crime causation (biological, sociological, psychological);
- Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the core concepts of statutory criminal law.
- Articulate the major issues in policing American society;
- Articulate the orderly processing of cases through the justice system from investigation through appeal;
- Recognize and discuss the goals, successes, and challenges of institutional and community corrections;
- Articulate the vital role that American constitutional values of due process, equal protection, and fundamental fairness play in policing, courts and corrections;
- Articulate and discuss recurring public policy issues and basic research findings concerning those issues
- Demonstrate an ability to communicate complex course concepts effectively orally and in writing;
- Recognize and display an appreciation for and tolerance of cultural perspectives and differences in America's diverse society.
- Possess a body of knowledge, skills, recognized as a suitable foundation for further academic study or professional training.
Notice of Invitation
Students with disabilities who believe they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact Disabled Student Programs & Services (661-720-2000 or the Main Campus 395-4334),as soon as possible to better ensure suchaccommodations are implemented in a timely fashion. Please talk with me if I can be of any assistance to facilitate your learning.
Students with disabilities who have been authorized alternate media (Braille, electronic text, etc.) to supplement or in lieu of text books and other printed materials for class may obtain necessary information related to the books that will be used in the classroom. Information needed will include text book information are to provide the name and edition of the text, author, and ISBN, syllabus, handouts, etc. that you will be using for your class. You or I can e-mail the materials to: . The text and other materials will be converted into the student’s preferred format.
INSTRUCTOR EVALUATION
Sometime during the semester, there may be a student evaluation of my teaching. This is brought to your attention now so that you can take note and provide honest and helpful evaluation and feed back. (I welcome your comments anytime.)
COURSE CONTENT
Week 1 Chapter 1 Introduction “3-C’s”
Week 2 Chapter 2 Criminal Justice System
Week 3 Chapter 3 Criminal Law (Quiz 1)
Week 4 Chapter 4 Policing
Week 5 Chapter 5 Legal Aspects of Policing
Week 6 Chapter 6 Trends in Law Enforcement (Quiz 2)
Week 7 Chapter 7 Courts
Week 8 Chapter 8 Criminal Trial
Week 9 Chapter 9 Sentencing (Quiz 3)
Week 10 Chapter 10 Probation / Parole
Week 11 Chapter 11 Prisons / Jails
Week 12 Chapter 12 Prison Life (Quiz 4)
Week 13 Chapter 13 Juvenile Justice (Quiz 5)
Week 14 Homeland Security / Intro to Terrorism
Week 15 Review
Week 16 Final Exam