Introduction to Criminal Justice
INSTRUCTOR
Dominic Cortinas
509-301-1329
Email: dominic.cortinas@wwcc.edu
SYLLABUS DEFINITION: This syllabus is a summary outline of this course. It
includes the expectations I have of the student, and what the student can expect from me
for the duration of the course.
TEXT
The American System of Criminal Justice, 11 ed. George F. Cole,
ISBN: 0495006017
COURSE OBJECTIVES: Introduction to Criminal Justice is a ten-week course that
provides a snapshot into the ever evolving world of crime and justice in the United
States. This course covers topics ranging from the victim to the incarceration of the
offender.
This course is an introduction into Criminal Justice, and provides basic understanding in
order to lay the groundwork for future classes.
CLASS TIME, LOCATION & DATES: Introduction to Criminal Justice will begin
on Thursday January 7th and conclude on Wednesday March 17, 2010.
This is a 10 week online course. The course will be broken down into 10 one-week
sessions. The weeks will begin on a Thursday and end on the following Wednesday.
COURSE STRUCTURE: The text consists of 17 chapters with one to two chapters
assigned per week. There are weekly quizzes that make up a large portion of the overall
grade. The entire class is conducted on-line at www.waol.org. Students will need to
complete weekly reading assignments, chapter quizzes, and discussion topics. This
class is designed to be student friendly and will provide the flexibility to fit within a
busy lifestyle.
COURSE GOALS: The main goal of this course is to introduce students to the
fundamental concepts, theories, methods, data, and references in the field of criminal
justice in a fresh, exciting, and contemporary manner. This course introduces students
to the dynamics of the American criminal justice system without overwhelming them
with information. It provides students with the knowledge to better understand the laws
and issues affecting society today and is descriptive and informative without being
overly theoretical. In addition to the text's comprehensive emphasis, the integration of
hot topics and late-breaking news in each chapter allows students to discover the
important issues behind real-world trends and problems.
STUDENT EVALUATION
LESSON CHECKLIST: Every lesson has a prescribed checklist of activities required
to successfully complete the lesson. Follow this checklist, in the specified order, to
complete each lesson.
LEARNING OBJECTIVE DEFINITION: A fact or outcome that a student is
expected to learn or demonstrate at the end of assigned class assignments. This can be
judged through weekly quizzes, discussion forums, and class participation.
ACTIVITIES: Introduction to Criminal Justice is made up of numerous graded and
ungraded activities listed below.
Graded Assignments




Discussion Forums
Writing Assignments
Quizzes
Exams
PARTICIPATION: Students will be required to participate in class discussions and
group work. This is not an option. The instructor will be checking to make sure that
everyone is fulfilling his/her requirements in this area. I encourage all students to
communicate in a respectful manner. Disagreement is fine, but disrespect has no place
in this course
TEXTBOOK READINGS: This course will require that students read the required
chapters as assigned. The instructor will identify the chapters that correspond with the
lecture material.
GRADING: Grading is based on quiz scores and student participation in on-line
discussions. There may also be opportunity for students to earn extra credit. This will
be explained when offered. Overall grades are based on a curve.
A
4.0 points per credit
A-
3.7 points per credit
B+
3.3 points per credit
B
3.0 points per credit
B-
2.7 points per credit
C+
2.3 points per credit
C
2.0 points per credit
C-
1.7 points per credit
D+
1.3 points per credit
D
1.0 points per credit
F
0.0 points per credit
I
Incomplete
POLICIES: Classroom policies are outlined under the Course Information tab. If
there are any questions or concerns, please contact the instructor as soon as possible.
MINIMUM TECHNOLOGY SKILLS:



Be able to use a web browser compatible for the Angel Learning Management
System (Windows Explorer, Firefox, etc.).
Be able to create, edit, and save documents compatible with MS Word.
Be able to conduct internet searches using Google, Yahoo, or a similar search
engine.
INSTRUCTOR RESPONSE TO EMAIL AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS:
I will respond to student emails and other communications within 24 hours of receipt
during normal school business days. I will reply to emails received on weekends and
holidays within 72 hours, or the next regular college business day. Please email me
again if I do not reply within this time frame in case the college email system
mistakenly filtered out your original message as spam.
COURSE PARTICIPATION: Unlike a traditional, instructor-led course, you do not
need to show up to class at a specific time every day to earn your class participation
grade. This is built in to the activity types listed above. Instead, you need to make a
constant effort to complete the online course lectures, complete ungraded assignments,
and participate in the class discussions. Although some of your activities will be
ungraded, your instructor will keep track of whether you have completed them and will
assign you participation grades based on your completion of these assignments.
ONLINE ETIQUETTE: The objective in an online discussion is to be
collaborative, not combative. Please, proofread your responses carefully before you post
them to make sure that they will not be offensive to others. Use discussions to develop
your skills in collaboration and teamwork. Treat the discussion areas as a creative
environment where you and your classmates can ask questions, express opinions, revise
opinions, and take positions just as you would in a more "traditional" classroom setting.
DEFINITION OF CHEATING: To deceive or defraud. To intentionally make false
representation of academic knowledge or ability. To intentionally make use of tricks,
devices or deceptions in the pursuit of higher education, academic letters or degrees. To
deprive another of property or other academic right. To utilize any unauthorized
person, tool, book, and notes or like item when called upon to perform on academic
examinations from memory. To present the academic work or knowledge of another as
your own.
PENALTY FOR CHEATING


The student will receive a 0.00 grade on the assignment or examination in
question.
A second offense may result in the student receiving a failing or grade for the
course.
INSTRUCTOR SUMMARY: All students are encouraged to contact their professor
by e-mail or phone if they require assistance, encounter problems, or experience other
difficulties. We are always willing to help our students resolve legitimate problems or
academic issues. We look forward to knowing each of you better as the year
progresses.
Disability Identification and Accommodations
If you have a disability for which you are or may be requesting and accommodation, you
are encouraged to contact both your instructor and Claudia Angus, the Disabilities
Coordinator, in the Student Development Center, 509-527-4258, as early as possible in the
quarter. Note that the special testing arrangements must be scheduled with the Testing
Center in Advance, and must be initiated by you, the student.