CJ 300: Crime, Law & Justice
Fall Semester 2014; 3 credits
Section 1, Schedule #20797
Thursday (‘Hybrid’), 4:00 – 6:40 p.m.
201 Arts & Letters (AL)
Instructor/Course Information:
Instructors:
Desiré J.M. Anastasia, Ph.D., Nicole L. Bracy, Ph.D., & Stuart Henry Ph.D.
Office Location:
101D Professional Studies and Fine Arts Building (Dr. Henry)
Office Hours:
Thursday from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. with Dr. Henry OR by appointment via
phone, chat/Skype, etc. with Dr. Anastasia
E-mail Addresses:
danastas@mail.sdsu.edu (main contact), nl.bracy@gmail.com &
shenry2@mail.sdsu.edu
Telephones:
619.594.4355 (Dr. Henry)
Course Description:
This course will introduce students to the critical cornerstones of the study of criminal justice—and the interplay
among them—deviance, crime, law, behavior, criminal justice operations, and research methods. The aim is to
give students a fundamental understanding of how crime comes to be defined to include certain behaviors and
exclude others; how the law works to control the behavior of both citizens and justice system professionals; why
some people violate the law and others do not; the mechanisms employed to control crime and deal with
criminal offenders; and the research techniques we use to discover what works, what does not, and what is
happening. As criminal justice majors progress through their program at SDSU, they will be able to specialize in
courses that expand their understanding of each of these critical areas. Non-majors will be able to use the
knowledge and skills obtained in this course to make better sense out of the myriad headlines about crime and
criminal justice that saturate the media.
Course Objectives:
The class is designed (1) to accommodate the need to know, the critical thinking skills, and the imagination of
aspiring criminal justice majors who seek a solid understanding of the fundamentals of crime and criminal justice
and (2) to stimulate the curiosity and interest of non-majors who seek to develop an informed appreciation of
the complex problems of crime and society. No matter what your academic orientation or political philosophy, it
is our hope that the course will, at various times, enthuse, frustrate, annoy, enrage, gratify, depress, and excite
each of you.
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Ultimately, the goal of education is to help one to understand complex realities and relationships and to apply
ones understanding to solve problems both within, and beyond, the particular subject matter at issue.
The goals for the course are that students will:
 Understand the complex relationships among deviance, crime, law, human behavior, scientific methods, and
the operation of the criminal justice system
 Understand that law is a social instrument whose content is determined by human judgment
 Understand that the criminal law is but one instrument among a plethora of social control mechanisms
 Understand the operation of the substantive and procedural criminal laws and how they are intended to
control the conduct of both citizens and criminal justice agents
 Understand how crime is defined and that “criminal” is as much a social as a behavioral phenomenon
 Appreciate that human behavior, including “crime,” is a product of a multiplicity of factors
 Understand the structure and operation and police, court, and correctional agents and agencies
 Understand how the complex interrelationships among police, courts, and corrections can inhibit the work
of each of them
 Realize that both the agents and agencies of criminal justice are fallible and often ineffective
 Realize that despite its massive problems, the criminal justice is susceptible to improvement
 Identify specific ways that practitioners can individually contribute to improving the criminal justice system
 Appreciate that every person can play an important role in the effective operation and the reform of the
criminal justice system
 Realize that much of what we learn about the criminal justice system can be applied to larger questions that
extend beyond those of criminal justice
Student Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. * Summarize the relationships among law, crime, and social order.
2. * Analyze the concept of social constructionism and its relevance to law and criminal justice.
3. * Analyze the concept of boundary maintenance and its relationship to punishment.
4. Identify and define the material elements of a crime.
5. Identify and describe the steps in the criminal justice system by which an accused offender is processed
from arrest to release from incarceration.
6. * Identify and describe the strengths and weaknesses of four distinct theories of criminal behavior
7. Define, distinguish, and describe the relevance of concepts of statistical validity and reliability.
8. Explicate the problems of evaluating the effectiveness of criminal justice programs
* Indicates learning outcome that is consistent with GE writing requirement.
Required Text(s):
Crime, Law & Justice by Desiré J.M. Anastasia, Mark M. Lanier & Douglas Klutz. Cognella Academic Publishing,
2013 (ISBN: 978-1-62131-543-8) (NOTE: Referred to in the Schedule of Readings, Lectures, Assignments, Tests &
Exams as CLJ Text)
 Directions on how to purchase this text are included on pages 4-5 of this course syllabus
Social Deviance by Stuart Henry. Polity Press, 2009 (ISBN: 978-0-7456-4304-5)
 This book is available in the SDSU bookstore as well as online from various retailers
Student Evaluation/Grading:
In order to address different ways of learning and abilities of demonstrating the application of knowledge, a
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variety of evaluation methods will be used to assess your performance during this course. A plus/minus grading
scale is also utilized at San Diego State University.
Activity
Short Written Assignments (2)
Online Tests (5)
Online Midterm Exam
Online Final Exam
TOTAL
Points
50 points each (100 points total)
40 points each (200 points total)
100 points
100 points
500 POINTS
Grade as a Percentage
100% to 94%
93% to 90%
89% to 87%
86% to 83%
82% to 80%
79% to 77%
76% to 73%
72% to 70%
69% to 67%
66% to 63%
62% to 60%
59% and Below
Letter Grade
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
Short Written Assignments (2; worth 50 points [100 points total]):
This part of the grade will be determined by students’ ability to reflect on and apply ideas/concepts that have
been discussed in lecture and/or in the readings. Students are required to turn in two short written assignments
on two separate occasions (see the “Schedule of Readings, Lectures, Assignments, Tests and Exams” for due
dates; all assignments are due by 11 p.m. via Blackboard each due date). Assignment topics will relate directly to
the topics of preceding weeks’ readings and discussions and, therefore, completing these exercises will help
students reflect on what has been read and discussed. These topics/questions will be given to you at least 7 days
(1 week) prior to each due date. The grade for these exercises will depend on student’s knowledge of course
material, students’ ability to apply course ideas/concepts, and student’s ability to produce a coherent, wellorganized, and grammatically sound written product. When necessary, any course material as well as outside
sources should be cited within the written text and a formal reference page should be attached at the end of your
exercise.
Online Tests (5; worth 40 points [200 points total]):
Five 40-question, on-line (Blackboard) tests will be due on five separate occasions (see the Schedule of
Readings, Lectures, Assignments, Tests & Exams for due dates and specific chapter/lecture coverage). These test
questions will include those in both Multiple Choice and True/False format. These tests will be timed (2 hours)
and you will only have one chance to take each of them (so you have to take them in one sitting, with no going
back later). PLEASE NOTE: THERE ARE NO MAKE-UP TESTS. PLEASE TAKE THE TEST BY THE DUE DATE. THERE WILL
BE NO EXCEPTIONS.
Mid-Term Exam (worth 100 points):
A 50-question multiple choice/true or false Midterm Exam will be given online (on Blackboard) and will be due
by 11 p.m. on Thursday, October 23rd, 2014. This exam will cover all material from the first half of class
(exact chapters covered are listed in the Schedule of Readings, Lectures, Assignments, Tests & Exams). You will
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NOT have to travel to any testing center or classroom to take this exam. Specific instructions for how to
complete the exam online will be provided separately. This Midterm Exam will be timed (2 hours) and you will
have only one chance to take it. PLEASE NOTE: THERE ARE NO MAKE-UP EXAMS. PLEASE TAKE THE EXAM BY THE
DUE DATE. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS.
Final Exam (worth 100 points):
A 50-question multiple choice/true or false Final Exam will be given online (on Blackboard) on and will be due
by 11 p.m. on Thursday, December 11th, 2014. This exam will cover all material from the first half of class
(exact chapters covered are listed in the Schedule of Readings, Lectures, Assignments, Tests & Exams). You will
NOT have to travel to any testing center or classroom to take this exam. Specific instructions for how to
complete the exam online will be provided separately. This Midterm Exam will be timed (2 hours) and you will
have only one chance to take it. PLEASE NOTE: THERE ARE NO MAKE-UP EXAMS. PLEASE TAKE THE EXAM BY THE
DUE DATE. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS.
MORE INFORMATION:
Course Grades:
Your grade is YOUR GRADE, and your responsibility. Once I have completed grading your tests, exams,
assignments, etc., grades will immediately (as possible!) be posted on Blackboard; you will always be informed
of your progress. It is your responsibility to contact Dr. Anastasia or meet with her during her two scheduled
visits to SDSU about any concerns regarding your grade(s) before the first week of December. EXTRA CREDIT
WILL NOT BE GIVEN IN ANY CASE(S)…
Lectures/Attendance:
Regular attendance is required. Class discussion and participation are very important for learning course
material. You should be aware that material presented during in-person lectures will appear on the quizzes,
tests and exams but may not appear anywhere else (lecture slides, textbook, etc.). If you miss class, you are still
responsible for all announcements made during class, and all material covered in that class session. Please make
contact with a fellow member of your class to obtain a copy of their class notes. Also, a student wanting to
leave class early should clear it with us before the start of that class session.
Course Withdrawals and Incompletes:
Incompletes will only be given in the cases of medical or other verifiable emergencies. If students are not
doing well in this course, they have the responsibility of formally withdrawing from this course. Students who do
not formally withdraw from the course but stop attending class and do not take scheduled exams will receive a
failing grade.
Purchasing the Course Textbook:
The required book for our CJ 300 course, Crime, Law, and Justice (First Edition), is published and distributed by
Cognella, Inc. The book is now available for purchase in both print and digital formats through their student ecommerce store (https://students.universityreaders.com/store/). The print price for this text is $92.95. The
digital price is slightly lower at $83.95. The book includes readings that we will use in class daily, so you should
purchase your own copy. Also, please keep in mind that our institution adheres to copyright law, so any
copyrighted material should not be copied or duplicated in any manner. We strongly encourage you to buy this
textbook directly from the publisher. This will ensure you receive the following benefits:
 Best price available. The publisher offers a 20% discount off of the book’s list price and there are no thirdparty price markups applied.
 Most updated edition. Only the current, most recent edition is available, unlike other vendors who may carry
older editions.
 Immediate access to your own full or partial (FREE 30% PDF) e-book from within your student account. Full ePage 4 of 8
books work with various mobile devices.
To purchase the textbook, please follow the instructions below:
 Step 1: Log on to https://students.universityreaders.com/store/.
 Step 2: Create an account or log in if you have an existing account to purchase.
 Step 3: Easy-to-follow instructions guide you through the rest of the ordering process. Payment can be made
by all major credit cards.
 Step 4: After purchasing, you can access your full or partial e-book by logging into your account and clicking
My Digital Materials to get started on your readings right away.
Orders are typically processed within 24 hours and the shipping time will depend on the selected shipping
method and day it is shipped (orders are not shipped on Sundays or holidays). If you experience any difficulties,
please email orders@cognella.com or call 800.200.3908 ext. 503.
OUR CJ 300 BLACKBOARD GUIDE
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Anything important pertaining to the class lectures, assignments,
exams, etc. will be posted under “Announcements”
FACULTY INFORMATION:
Our names, e-mail addresses, office telephones, and office addresses
can be found under “Faculty Information”
SYLLABUS:
Your CJ 300 Syllabus is posted under “Syllabus”
COURSE DOCUMENTS:
Any handouts or pieces of information we would like you to have/read/
etc. will be posted under “Course Documents.” If it’s not listed in your
Schedule, we will bring your attention to these documents via e-mail,
Blackboard announcement, and/or in-class announcement
LECTURES:
All online lectures will be posted under “Lectures” (NOTE: In-class
lectures/PowerPoint slides will NOT be posted online)
TESTS:
All Tests and instructions will be posted under “Tests”
EXAMS:
Both your Midterm and Final Exam will be posted under “Exams”
ASSIGNMENTS:
Both Short Written Assignments will be posted under "Assignments"
QUESTION GROUPS:
Students will be randomly assigned to groups on Blackboard. The first
person listed in each group is the group leader. Questions about course
material, content, or exams etc., should be first asked of your group
members (after you have checked the syllabus, of course!); if no one has
the answer, group leader should ask the other group leaders; and if that
fails, then ask the instructor (Dr. Anastasia). This will help to ensure the
instructor is available to answer critical questions about the course and
is not bogged down by questions whose answers are available
elsewhere.
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STANDARDS FOR STUDENT CONDUCT *
The following behavior is subject to disciplinary sanctions:
 Dishonesty, including:
o Cheating that is intended to gain unfair academic advantage.
o Plagiarism that is intended to gain unfair academic advantage.
o Other forms of academic dishonesty intended to gain unfair academic advantage.
 Disorderly, lewd, indecent, or obscene behavior at a University related activity, or directed toward a
member of the University community.
 Conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person within or related to the
University community, including
o physical abuse, threats, intimidation, or harassment.
o sexual misconduct.
*
These Standards for Student Conduct are adapted from the full version of SDSU’s Standards for Student Conduct, Center for Student Rights and
Responsibilities: http://www.sa.sdsu.edu/srr/conduct1.html.
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SCHEDULE OF READINGS, LECTURES, ASSIGNMENTS, TESTS, & EXAMS
Week
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Date
Thursday,
August 28th
Thursday,
September 4th
Reading / Lecture / Assignment / Test / Exam
WHAT IS CRIME & DEVIANCE?
Introduction to the Course; Introduction to the CLJ Textbook
Chapter 1 in ‘Social Deviance’: What is deviance?
Chapter 2 in ‘Social Deviance’: Why people ban behavior
Section 1; Chapter 1 in CLJ Text: What is Crime?
 In-class introduction/lecture by Dr. Nicole Bracy
WHY ARE CRIMES COMMITTED?
Section 1; Chapter 2 in CLJ Text: The Definition and Theories of Crime
Section 1; Chapter 3 in CLJ Text: Crime in Society
Section 1; Chapter 4 in CLJ Text: Why Do People Commit Crime?
 In-class lecture by Dr. Desiré Anastasia
WHY DO PEOPLE COMMIT DEVIANT ACTS?
Chapter 3 in ‘Social Deviance’: Why some people break rules
Chapter 4 in ‘Social Deviance’: Neutralizing morality and deviant motivations
Chapter 5 in ‘Social Deviance’: How people become deviants
Thursday,
September 11th Chapter 6 in ‘Social Deviance’: Responding to deviant designations and coping with
stigma
 Online lecture by Dr. Desiré Anastasia
TEST ONE (on material from 8/28-9/4) DUE AT 11 P.M. VIA BLACKBOARD
WHAT IS CRIMINOLOGY?
Section 2; Chapter 5 in CLJ Text: Defining Criminology
Section 2; Chapter 6 in CLJ Text: The Criminal Man
Thursday,
Section 2; Chapter 7 in CLJ Text: What is Criminology: The Study of Crime, Criminals,
September 18th
and Victims in a Global Context
 In-class lecture by Dr. Nicole Bracy
SHORT WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT #1 DUE AT 11 P.M. VIA BLACKBOARD
WHAT IS CRIMINOLOGICAL RESEARCH AND HOW IS IT DONE?
Section 3; Chapter 9 in CLJ Text: Understanding Criminals and Crime Theory and
Research
Thursday,
Section 3; Chapter 10 in CLJ Text: Ethics in Criminal Justice Research
September 25th Section 3; Chapter 12 in CLJ Text: Ethical Issues in Crime Control Policy and Research
 Online lecture by Dr. Desiré Anastasia
TEST TWO (on material from 9/11-9/18) DUE AT 11 P.M. VIA BLACKBOARD
WHAT ABOUT THE VICTIMS?
Section 2; Chapter 8 in CLJ Text: The Scope of Victimology
Thursday,
Handout on Blackboard: What is Victimology?
October 2nd
 In-class lecture by Dr. Nicole Bracy
Thursday,
October 9th
WHAT ABOUT THE VICTIMS OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM?
Section 3; Chapter 11 in CLJ Text: Diversity and the Policy Agenda in Criminal
Justice
Handout on Blackboard: Secondary Victimization of Crime Victims
by Criminal Proceedings
 Online lecture by Dr. Desiré Anastasia
TEST THREE (on material from 9/25-10/2) DUE AT 11 P.M. VIA BLACKBOARD
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Week
Date
Reading / Lecture / Assignment / Test / Exam
8
Thursday,
October 16th
LAW ENFORCEMENT MATTERS
Section 4; Chapter 13 in CLJ Text: Overview of Policing and Law Enforcement in the
United States
Section 4; Chapter 14 in CLJ Text: The Idea of Community Policing
 In-class lecture by Rulette Armstead, Ret. Asst. Chief of SDPD
9
Thursday,
October 23rd
MIDTERM EXAM (on material from 8/28-10/16) DUE AT 11 P.M. VIA
BLACKBOARD
Thursday,
October 30th
ISSUES IN POLICING
Section 4; Chapter 15 in CLJ Text: The Police: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives
Section 4; Chapter 16 in CLJ Text: Ethics and Police in a Time of Change
 In-class lecture by Jeff Vandersip, Criminal Intelligence Analyst, Sheriff’s Dept.
12
Thursday,
November 6th
COURTS IN CONTEXT
Section 5; Chapter 17 in CLJ Text: Overview of Courts and Judicial Process in the
United States
Section 5; Chapter 18 in CLJ Text: Due Process of Law
 On-line lecture by Dr. Desiré Anastasia
SHORT WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT #2 DUE AT 11 P.M. VIA BLACKBOARD
13
LAW ON TRIAL
Handout on Blackboard: Criminal Courts (21st Century Criminology: A Reference
Handbook)
Thursday,
Section 5; Chapter 19 in CLJ Text: Justice Delayed or Justice Denied? A Contemporary
November 13th
Review of Capital Habeus Corpus
 In-class lecture by Mike Semanchik, Attorney, The CA Innocence Project
TEST FOUR (on material from 10/30-11/6) DUE AT 11 P.M. VIA BLACKBOARD
14
WHY DO WE PUNISH?
Section 6; Chapter 20: Overview of Corrections in the United States
Thursday,
November 20th Section 6; Chapter 22: Prison
 On-line lecture by Dr. Desiré Anastasia
10
15
16
18
Note:
Thursday,
THANKSGIVING BREAK
November 27th
PRISONS IN CRISIS
Section 6; Chapter 21: The Scale of Imprisonment in the United States: Twentieth
Century Patterns and Twenty-First Century Prospects
Thursday,
December 4th Section 6; Chapter 23: Community Corrections
 In-class lecture by Dr. Nicole Bracy
TEST FIVE (on material from 11/13-11/20) DUE AT 11 P.M. VIA BLACKBOARD
FINAL EXAM (on material from 10/30-12/4) DUE AT 11 P.M. VIA
Thursday,
December 11th BLACKBOARD
This syllabus and schedule is subject to change as circumstances may change. We have the right to change this syllabus, if
necessary, but such changes will be discussed with plenty of notice to students.
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