Take your Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice course online today!
Home | FAQs | Online Degrees | Certificate Courses | Admission Policies | Class Rooms | Request Info.
Canyon College

COURSE SYLLABUS: Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice

Course Title:	CJ300 - Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice
Department:	Criminal Justice
Instructor:	Phil Braun, MBA, BSCS E-Mail - Vita
Prerequisites:	None

PURPOSE OF THE COURSE:

This course introduces the processes of the criminal justice system. Topics include the foundation, history, structure and functions of the criminal justice system and their relationship to our society. Upon completion, students should be able to understand and evaluate career options in the area of criminal justice, as well as define and describe the major system components of criminal justice.

Instructional Methods: This course occurs in a totally asynchronous on-line environment and will combine lecture and individual assignments.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Readings.
   
   Required Textbook:    Online Bookstore
   
   Introduction to Criminal Justice: Updated (5th) Edition, with Reel Justice Interactive Movie CD-ROM, by Robert M. Bohm and Keith N. Haley. (This package deal has the 5th Edition hardcover textbook with a CDROM.) McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2008.
   ISBN-13: 9780078200496
   
   The package deal may not be listed at the online bookstores, but can be purchased from the publisher at 1-877-833-5524.
   
   Or you can purchase each part separately. Used textbooks/CD's are permissible.
   
   Part A:
   Introduction to Criminal Justice, 5th Edition, by Robert M. Bohm and Keith N. Haley. McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2007/2008.
   ISBN: 007337993X
   ISBN-13: 9780073379937
   
   Part B:
   Reel Justice Interactive Movie CD-ROM, 1st Edition. McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2004/2005.
   ISBN: 0072961201
   ISBN-13: 9780072961201
   
   You will also be required to read all posted lectures or presentations in the classroom.
   
   
2. Homework. Students will be required to complete 2 homework assignments during the term. The first homework assignment will be due after Week 2 and the second homework assignment will be due after Week 6. The homework assignment will consist of questions to which a short concise answer should be completed and submitted to the instructor in a proper grammatical style.
   
   
3. Exams. There will two exams given during the term. The first exam will be given after Week 4 (midterm exam), which will consist of T/F questions and/or multiple choice questions. The second exam will be given at the conclusion of Week 8 (final exam) and will also consist of T/F questions and/or multiple choice questions. The exams can be taken as open-book exams.
   
   
4. Grades. Course work will be weighted as follows:
   Homework: Each homework assignment will be worth 20 points for a total of 40 points.
   Exams: Each exam will be worth 30 points for a total of 60 points.
   
   
5. Grading Scale:
   
   

   90 - 100	= A Excellent
   80 - 89	= B Above Average
   70 - 79	= C Average
   60 - 69	= D Below Average
   59 or less	= F Failing Grade

Course Schedule:

Week 1:	Please email me a brief introduction of yourself and your educational goals. View/Read PowerPoint Lecture for Chapters 1 &2 Read Chapter 1 - Crime and Justice in the United States Read Chapter 2 - Crime and Its Consequences
Week 2:	View/Read PowerPoint Lecture for Chapters 3 & 4 Read Chapter 3 - Explaining Crime Read Chapter 4 - The Rule of Law First Homework Assignment Due (covers Chapters 1, 2, 3 and 4)
Week 3:	View/Read PowerPoint Lecture for Chapters 5 & 6 Read Chapter 5 - History and Structure of American Law Enforcement Read Chapter 6 - Policing: Roles, Styles, and Functions
Week 4:	View/Read PowerPoint Lecture for Chapter 7 Read Chapter 7 - Policing America: Issues and Ethics Mid-Term Examination (covers Chapters 5, 6 and 7 only)
Week 5:	View/Read PowerPoint Lecture for Chapters 8 & 9 Read Chapter 8 - The Administration of Justice Read Chapter 9 - Sentencing, Appeals, and the Death Penalty
Week 6:	View/Read PowerPoint Lecture for Chapters 10 & 11 Read Chapter 10 - Institutional Corrections Read Chapter 11 - Prison Life, Inmate Rights, Release, and Recidivism Second Homework Assignment Due (covers Chapters 8, 9, 10 & 11)
Week 7:	View/Read PowerPoint Lecture for Chapters 12 & 13 Read Chapter 12 - Community Corrections Read Chapter 13 - Juvenile Justice
Week 8:	View/Read PowerPoint Lecture for Chapter 14 Read Chapter 14 - The Future of Criminal Justice in the United States Final Examination (covers Chapters 12, 13 and 14 only)

If at any time you have any questions, problems or concerns, please feel free to contact me at my email. Instructor Phil Braun