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Syllabus
Criminal Investigation
Syllabus Sections
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COURSE REQUIREMENTS
READINGS
COURSE SUBJECTS
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES/LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Publish Date
08/31/2010 13:24:51
Criminal Investigation
CRIJ-2314
Fall 2010
08/23/2010 - 12/12/2010
Course Information
Section 002
Distance Learning
ONL CYP
Gerald Hildebrand
Office Hours
No office hours have been entered for this term
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Textbook: Criminal Investigation, Current edition Swanson et al.
Description: An introduction to the fundamentals of criminal investigation, including theory, history, crime scenes, and
evidence matters.
Requirements: Each student must have basic computer skills for this course. The instructor will not be able spend
time with students on computer use, techniques or systems. This course is not a correspondence course or a workat-your-own-pace format. This course is dynamic and requires attention and participation. We hope to facilitate a
course that will offer you a challenge and an opportunity to meet your educational goals. Therefore, we require that
each student visit (and participate) the class site (announcement page and discussion board) at least three times per
week for announcements,information and for discussion of specific topics listed. If you have a personal question or
comment you may email me direct or post it on the question discussion board thread.
All homework assignments must be completed by 10 P.M. on the date listed in the assignment section. You must be
able to produce a document in Microsoft Word and submit it as directed in this course. You may submit your
homework anytime prior to the deadline. Each Homework assignment will be worth (25) points. At the end of the term
the final combined homework score will be factored as a major exam score. See homework submission instructions.
No extra credit is allowed to substitute missed assignments or discussion board grades.If homework assignments are
submitted late they will not be graded and a zero score will be posted.
In the event a student needs to drop the course it is their responsibility to do so. Failure to drop this course, if one
chooses to stop participating, will result in an "F" on their transcript. Each student must complete the exam
requirements during the dates listed. If the test date is not met, as required, the student will receive a zero for that
exam.
Preparation: It is expected and required that each student will read each chapter, study the chapter notes provided,
submit homework assignments, properly and on time, and take the examinations within the time period listed. It has
been our experience that many students wait until the last day, of the stated dates, to take the exam. This is not
advisable because many things can happen to thwart your best intentions. We allow one full week to take the exam
so it is believed that is sufficient time to get it done. Be sure to know, understandand abide by the testing certer rules
and times they are open.
It is required that each student will participate in the discussion board topics. Read all questions from all students and
all responses given back by each classmate and your instructor. I will not respond to every entry but will select a few
from time to time for clarification and comment. The number and quality of your activities on the discussion board will
be the basis for your grade. The designated discussion board threads will be worth 20 points unless otherwise
declared. A minimum of three entries is erquired but will be a baseline for points. The more you are participating the
better score you will receive.
Be ready for new material as presented. The discussion board allows each student to express and defend their ideals
which will create a positive atmosphere for learning and will enhance our collective experience. You will be graded by
the manner (quality) and quantity of discussion board participation. If you fail to respond to discussion board topics at
least three times, at different times and dates at minimum, your grade will be reduced or if you exceed this minimum
expecatation your score will increase. Postings must be meaningful (not just "I agree" I disagree" or some short
response without supporting data or information, you will lose points from the 20 maximum. I will be looking for
mature and thoughtful discussions on a professional level. See discussion board grading criteria tab.
Grading method: This course will have three examinations. In addition, the homework assignments will combine for
an additional grade equal to an exam. Participation (discussion board) will be worth an exam score and will be figured
with the homework and examinations. The exams are worth 100 points. The homework assignments are worth 25
points each and the discussion board participation is worth 20 points each for a total of 525 points for the course. At
the end of the term you can divide your total points by five to figure your alpha grade as listed below.
If you desire to review your examination you must make an appointment with me and physically visit my office to do
so.
90-100=A, 80-89=B, 70-79=C, 60-69=D, Below 60=F
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Chapter assignments must be read and the homework problems completed and submitted by the dates listed under
the assignment tab.
CHECK FOR ANNOUNCEMENTS each week. Work the problems listed. I require full sentence answers and more
than one paragraph per response. Use lists only when the question asks for a list but always elaborate. I require
college level work on these problems. I seek answers that are loaded with information. This is your only opportunity to
convince me that you understand the question and the subject behind the question. This is the only means I have to
judge your progress other then with the exams and the discussion board. I do not want you to copy answers from the
text. Make the point using proper English and grammar. Use outside resources or material, experience and examples
to augment and support your answers. Merely copying a response from the text will negatively affect your assignment
score acutely. See the homework grading criteria tab for more information.
ASSIGNMENTS See Assignments tab/homework
READINGS
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Course covers investigative theory; collection and preservation of evidence; sources of information;
interview and interrogation; uses of forensic sciences; case and trial preparation.
REQUIRED TEXTS/MATERIALS
Current edition of “Criminal Investigation” by Swanson, Chamelin, & Territo, Publisher: McGraw Hill
Tentative Schedule- Spring 2010
CRIJ-2314 Criminal Investigation
Introduction, Orientation, Syllabus
Chapter 1
Introduction to criminal investigation
Chapter 2
Legal aspects of criminal investigation
Chapter 3
Investigators/Processes/Crime Scene
Chapter 4
Physical evidence
Examination #1 over chapters 1- 4
Chapter 5
Interview & Interrogation
Chapter 6
Field notes
Chapter 7
Follow-up/Invest. Resources
Chapter 8
Crime Lab and crime reconstruction
Examination #2 over chaps. 5- 8
Chapter 9
Death
Chapter 10
Sex offenses
Chapter 20 terrorism
Examination #3 over chapters 9,10 & 20
***Instructor can change, modify, and adjust this schedule as needed!
COURSE SUBJECTS
Tentative Schedule- Fall 2010
CRIJ-2314 Criminal Investigation
Chapter 1
Introduction, Orientation and Syllabus
Chapter 2
Legal Aspects
Chapter 3
Crime Scene
Chapter 4
Physical evidence
Chapter 5
Interview & Interrogation
Chapter 6
Field Notes
Chapter 7
Follow-up and Investigative Resources
Chapter 8
Crime Lab and crime reconstruction
Chapter 9
Death
Chapter 10 Sex offenses
Chapter 20 Terrorism
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES/LEARNING OBJECTIVES
(Attachment #2)
CRIJ 2314 CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION
TCLEOSE STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1.
Field Notetaking
Unit Goal: 15.1 The student will understand the principles, uses, and the application of taking proper field
notes.
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Define and identify use of field notes.
Select and organize types of information that should be entered into officer’s field notebook.
Compile questions that should be answered in field notes in order to complete report.
Identify and describe the two systems of field notetaking and the mechanics of keeping field notes.
List the advantage of proper field notes.
List the rules for complete notetaking.
1.
Criminal Investigation – Introduction
Unit Goal: 33.1.The student will have a working knowledge of the goals and objectives of criminal
investigation.
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9.
Define Criminal Investigation
Identify the tools of the criminal investigator.
List the goals of criminal investigation.
Identify the duties of the officer in conducting the preliminary investigation.
Identify the elements of the continuing or follow-up investigation.
Define corpus delicti and discuss its significance in the criminal investigative process.
Define evidence and discuss its legal significance.
Define reasonable doubt and discuss its significance in criminal cases.
List five qualifications of an investigator.
Unit Goal: 33.3.The student will obtain a working knowledge of basic preliminary investigatory procedures
associated with various crimes.
1.
Identify and discuss general preliminary investigatory procedures to be followed when dealing with crimes
against property.
2.
Identify and discuss general preliminary investigatory procedures to be followed when dealing with crimes
against persons.
Unit Goal: 33.4.The student will obtain a working knowledge of forensic procedures and terminology related
to homicide investigation.
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Define autopsy and discuss its value in homicide investigations.
Define the following terms as they relate to homicide investigation and discuss their significance.
Unit Goal: 33.5.The student will obtain a working knowledge of laboratory and other procedures of value in
the criminal investigative process.
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Identify typical laboratory and other procedures useful in furthering criminal investigations.
1.
Criminal Investigation – Protection of and Crime Scene Search
Unit Goal: 33.6.To increase the student’s understanding of, respect for , and actual application of the tasks
required in conducting a criminal investigation.
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List and describe procedures to be taken upon arrival at the scene.
Describe procedures for identifying victim in case of serious injury or death.
Identify the available special units which may be called to the scene.
Identify information which should be made known to other officers.
Discuss the legal authority to protect the crime scene and establish the perimeters.
Describe procedures for securing the crime scene.
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Criminal Investigation – Interviewing Techniques
Unit Goal: 33.9.To recognize the components of and the differences between interviewing
complainants/witnesses, victims and suspects.
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Explain the legal requirements for conducting interviews.
Describe and practice the techniques used in conducting an interview.
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Criminal Investigation – Case Management
Unit Goal: 33.12.
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To develop proficiency in the case management process.
Describe and list reasons for case preparation or management.
Discuss the value of a properly prepared case folder.
Identify and prepare the type of documentary information included in a case folder and in a prosecution
summary.
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