Fall 2014 - Texas A&M University Central Texas
CJK425-110 Advanced Investigation
Course Meeting Online
_______________________________
Instructor:
Gerald Piechocki
Office:
Online (No office on campus)
Contact:
Blackboard messages (preferred method of contact)
Email:
piechocki@tamuct.edu - Always use the course (CJK425) in the subject line and include your
name in the email.
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enroll today at TAMUCT.edu/UNILERT
1.0
COURSE INFORMATION:
1.1 Course Description
"Advanced criminal and civil investigation topics will be covered. An examination of frequently used,
yet special investigative techniques will also be introduced. Emphasis will be placed on crime scene
processing, crime scene analysis, forensic evaluations, investigative techniques, and investigative
surveys."
1.2 Prerequisites
CJ235 Criminal Investigation
1.3 Course Format and Method of Instruction
This course is 100% online and delivered via Blackboard Online Learning. Log in at
https://tamuct.blackboard.com. It is essential that you know how to use the Internet, email, electronic
discussion boards, and check the course website on a regular basis.
This course is presented in 16 weekly modules. Each module begins on Monday and ends the
following Sunday. Each module contains learning objectives and all necessary resources (reading
assignment, mediated instruction, student interaction, application) to permit you to achieve the
objectives. Each student is required to complete the assigned readings on their own. Interaction takes
place through asynchronous online threaded discussions and email. Assessment, is accomplished
through graded discussions, written assignments and tests. Assessments are described in greater
detail under Course Requirements below. Keeping up-to-date is crucial to each student doing will in this
course.
2.0
COURSE OBJECTIVES
2.1 Learning Outcomes:
Demonstrate an understanding of the duties and responsibilities of the investigator.
Demonstrate knowledge of the nature of physical evidence.
Demonstrate an understanding of acceptable techniques involving crime scene processing.
Demonstrate knowledge of crime scene documentation and reconstruction.
Demonstrate knowledge of important legal decisions affecting crime scene activities.
3.0
REQUIRED TEXT(S)
Ross M. Gardner, Practical Crime Scene Processing and Investigation, 2nd Ed., 2012, Taylor & Francis
(CRC Press, Inc), (ISBN: 978-1-4398-5302-3)
You are under no obligation to purchase this book form the campus bookstore. The same textbook may
also be available from an independent retailer. Not having the required text is no excuse for not
completing requirements or for late submissions. For those students receiving financial assistance, a
book voucher is available as part of any short term loans.
4.0
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Detailed weekly requirements are contained and specified in weekly folders accessed through the
Weekly Module link on the Course Menu in Blackboard. Required course elements include the
following:
4.1 Course Orientation and Quiz (10 points)
There is a mandatory course orientation that must be completed the first week of the semester. This
beginning activity is very important and designed to familiarize you with the course requirements and
expectations as well as introduce you to the rest of the class. It focuses your attention on how the
course will be delivered and important course policies; providing a preview of course expectations and
what is to come. The Course Orientation can be found in the Week 1 Module. You must receive
100% on the orientation quiz to complete the orientation. You have unlimited opportunities to
successfully complete the orientation quiz.
4.2 Announcements (Home Page)
Announcements will be used as the course home page and is the first area you will see when entering
the course. A new weekly announcement will be posted every Monday with information for week
ahead. Announcements will also be used to update you on any changes in the schedule, due dates,
etc., as we move through the semester. Therefore, it is important for you to check the
Announcements page on a regular basis (at least two or three times a week).
4.3 Reading Assignments
Reading assignments can be found in the course schedule and again in each weekly folder. You must
complete the assigned weekly readings to be fully prepared for the remaining weekly
requirements. Begin by reviewing the learning objectives and chapter contents. Read the chapter
carefully, going over each section for its central thought. Take some notes by paraphrasing in your own
words what the author has conveyed. Think about what you read and answer the review questions at
the end of each chapter. This is the key to understanding the material presented and preparing for the
midterm and final exam.
4.4 Question Sets (110 points)
Each week you are expected to respond to two sets of questions. These are designed to further
develop your understanding of the topics and/or issues under study by engaging in a meaningful
exchange with others in the class. Specific instructions will be provided with each question set.
With each set of questions, you are responsible for making an initial response by 11:59 p.m. Thursday
addressing all questions and then following-up with at least one substantive response to two other
student's initial responses by 11:59 p.m. Sunday.
There will be a total of 26 question sets. Question sets are graded on a point system associated with
the quality/acceptability of the responses submitted. Each question set is worth 5 points. Late
postings will not be awarded credit. This means there are no valid excuses for missing the
posting deadlines. In order to accommodate unanticipated events such as illness, work schedule
conflicts, etc., the four lowest question set scores will be dropped.
0-2 points
3 points
Incomplete/Unacceptable
Satisfactory/Weak
Does not meet requirement
Lacks detail/specifics
4 points
5 points
Good
Very Good
Demonstrates understanding
Well expressed/exceeds requirement
4.5 Exams (80 points)
There will be two exams, a midterm and a final. Each exam will cover material from the assigned
readings and will consist of True/False, multiple choice, matching and/or short answer questions. Each
exam will be timed, closed book and taken on the scheduled dates. The final will cover only the
material covered since the midterm. A make-up exam will only be permitted for preapproved university
or military absences with documentation or for emergencies within 24 hours of the exam period with
documentation.
5.0
GRADING
5.1 Calculations and Point Posting
A rubric is provided to evaluate and help clarify your performance on question sets. The Gradebook in
Blackboard will be used to post points together with a running total of all assigned requirements.
Question set points will normally be posted within one week of the due date. Monitor your status
through this tool.
The following chart reflects the individual requirements and total possible points.
ACTIVITY
POINTS
Orientation
10
Question Sets
110
Midterm
40
Final
40
Total
200
5.2 Point Score Appeals
Disputes regarding points posted for course requirements must be submitted through the message
function in Blackboard specifically describing what you believe the disagreement to be. I will respond by
return message. All appeals must be received no later than one week after the score has been
posted in Blackboard. After one week, no appeals will be considered.
5.3 Semester Grades
My grading philosophy includes both student performance and percentages in assigning course grades.
Your overall performance (final course grade) will be based on 90%, 80%, etc. of the highest student
point total rather than total possible points. Using this criteria, if the highest student point total was
188, the cutoff for an "A" would be 169 (90%of 188) instead of 180 (90% of 200).
6.0
Course Schedule
Week/
Topics
Dates
Week 1
Activities/Assignments Due
- Course Orientation (syllabus, content,
25-31 requirements, expectations and selfAug introductions)
- Ch1, Introduction
1. Course Orientation
2. Orientation Quiz
3. Read Chapter 1
4. Ch 1 Questions Set
(Practice/Rubric)
Week 2
1-7 Sep
Ch 2, Understanding the Nature of
Physical Evidence
Read Chapter 2
Question Sets
Ch 3, Actions of the Initial Responding
Officer
Read Chapter 3
Question Sets
Week 3
8-14
Set
Week 4
15-21
Ch4, Processing Methodology
Sep
Read Chapter 4
Question Sets
Week 5
22-28
Ch 5, Assessing the Scene
Sep
Read Chapter 5
Question Sets
Week 6
29 Sep
Ch 6, Crime Scene Photography
- 5 Oct
Read Chapter 6
Question Sets
Week 7
6-12
Oct
Ch 7, Crime Scene Sketching and
Mapping
Read Chapter 7
Question Sets
Week 8
13-19
Midterm Exam (Chapters 1-7)
Oct
Midterm Exam (15-17 Oct)
Week 9
20-26 Ch 8, Narrative Descriptions: Crime Scene Read Chapter 8
Oct Notes and Reports
Question Sets
Week 10
27 Oct Ch 9, Basic Skills for Scene Processing
2 Nov
Read Chapter 9
Question Sets
Week 11
3-9 Nov
Ch 10, Shooting Scene Documentation
and Reconstruction
Read Chapter 10
Question Sets
Week 12
19-16 Ch 11, Applying Bloodstain Pattern
Nov Analysis in the Crime Scene
Read Chapter 11
Question Sets
Week 13
17-23
Ch 12, The Body as a Crime Scene
Nov
Read Chapter 12
Question Sets
Week 14
24-30
Ch 13, Special Scene Considerations
Nov
Read Chapter 13
Question Sets
Week 15
1-7 Dec
Week 16
Ch 14, The Role of Crime Scene Analysis Read Chapter 14
and Reconstruction
Question Sets
8-12
Dec
Final Exam (Chapters 8-14)
Final Exam (10-12 Dec)
6.1 Important Dates to Remember:
September 10
Last day to drop 16-wk courses with no record
October 31
Last day to drop 16-wk course with a "Q" or "W"
November 21
Deadline Spring 2015 Graduation Application (commencement)
December 10
Deadline Fall 2014 Degree Conferral (w/o commencement)
December 12
Last day to withdraw from the university 16-wk session
7.0
TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS AND SUPPORT
7.1 Technology Requirements
This course will use the TAMUCT Blackboard Learn learning management system for class
communications, content distribution, and assessments. If you do not have frequent and reliable
access to a computer with Internet connection, please consider dropping this course or contact me
(your email and phone number) to discuss your situation.
Blackboard supports the most common operating systems:
PC: Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista
Mac: Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks), 10.8 (Mountain Lion), and 10.7 (Lion)
NOTE: Computers using Windows XP, Windows 8 RT and OS X 10.6 or lower are NO longer
supported
Check browser and computer compatibility by following the “Browser Check” link on the TAMUCT
Blackboard logon page. This is a critical step as these settings are important for when you take an
exam or submit an assignment.
Upon logging on to Blackboard Learn, you will see a link to Blackboard Student Orientation under My
Courses tab. Click on that link and study the materials in this orientation course. The new Blackboard is
a brand-new interface and you will have to come up to speed with it really quickly. This orientation
course will help you get there. There is also a link to Blackboard Help from inside the course on the
left-hand menu bar. The first week of the course includes activities and assignments that will help you
get up to speed with navigation, sending and receiving messages and discussion posts, and submitting
an assignment. Your ability to function within the Blackboard system will facilitate your success in this
course.
Technology issues are not an excuse for missing a course requirement – make sure your computer is
configured correctly and address issues well in advance of deadlines.
7.2 Technology Support
For technology issues, students should contact Help Desk Central. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
Email: helpdesk@tamu.edu
Phone: (254) 519-5466
Web Chat: http://hdc.tamu.edu
When calling for support please let your support technician know you are a TAMUCT student. For
issues related to course content and requirements, contact your instructor.
8.0
UNIVERSITY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
8.1 Drops and Withdrawals
If you discover that you need to drop this class, you must go to the Records Office and ask for the
necessary paperwork. Professors cannot drop students; this is always the responsibility of the student.
The record’s office will provide a deadline for which the form must be returned, completed and signed.
Once you return the signed form to the records office and wait 24 hours, you must go into Duck Trax
and confirm that you are no longer enrolled. Should you still be enrolled, FOLLOW-UP with the records
office immediately? You are to attend class until the procedure is complete to avoid penalty for
absence. Should you miss the deadline or fail to follow the procedure, you will receive an F in the
course. See Important Dates to Remember in Section 6.1 above.
8.2 Academic Integrity
You are expected to be honest and ethical in all your academic work, avoiding even the appearance of
misconduct or dishonesty. Academic misconduct or dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating
on examinations or other academic work, misrepresentation, plagiarism, collusion, and the abuse or
misuse of records, documents, or resource materials. Regardless of the source, you must give credit to
someone else's ideas, words, and phrasing in all your academic writing. This includes information and
material found on the Web. Never take credit for someone else's work.
Academic misconduct or dishonesty will result in a failing grade on the assignment and possibly a
failing grade in the class or expulsion from the university. All cases will be referred to the Associate
Director of Student Conduct. More information can be found
at http://www.tamuct.edu/departments/studentconduct/academicintegrity.php.
8.3 Disability Services
If you have or believe you have a disability and wish to self-identify, you can do so by providing
documentation to the Disability Support Coordinator. Students are encouraged to seek information
about accommodations to help assure success in their courses. Please contact Vanessa Snyder at
(254) 501-5831 or visit Founder's Hall 114. Additional information can be found at
http://www.tamuct.edu/departments/disabilitysupport/index.php.
The Disability Support Coordinator is responsible for reviewing documentation provided by students
requesting accommodations, determining eligibility for accommodations, helping students request and
use accommodations, and coordinating accommodations.
8.4 Tutoring
Tutoring is available to all TAMUCT students, both on-campus and online. Subjects tutored include
Accounting, Finance, Statistics, Mathematics, and Writing. Tutors are available at the Tutoring Center
in Warrior Hall, Room 111. Visit www.ct.tamus.edu/AcademicSupport and click "Tutoring Support" for
tutor schedules and contact info. If you have questions, need to schedule a tutoring session, or if you're
interested in becoming a tutor, contact Academic Support Programs at 254-501-5830 or by emailing
tutoring@tamuct.edu.
Chat live with a tutor 24/7 for almost any subject on your computer! Tutor.com is an online tutoring
platform that enables TAMUCT students to log-in and receive FREE online tutoring and writing support.
This tool provides tutoring in Mathematics, Writing, Career Writing, Chemistry, Physics, Biology,
Spanish, Calculus, and Statistics. To access Tutor.com, log into your Blackboard account and click
"Online Tutoring."
8.5 Library Services
Library distance education services aims to make available quality assistance to A&M-Central Texas
students seeking information sources remotely by providing digital reference, online information literacy
tutorials, and digital research materials. Much of the TAMUCT collection is available instantly from
home. This includes over half of the library's book collection, as well as approximately 25,000 electronic
journals and 200 online databases. Library Distance Education Services are outlined and accessed at:
http://www.tamuct.edu/departments/library/deservices.php
Information literacy focuses on research skills which prepare individuals to live and work in an
information-centered society. Librarians will work with students in the development of critical reasoning,
ethical use of information, and the appropriate use of secondary research techniques. Help may
include, but is not limited to: the exploration of information resources such as library collections, the
identification of appropriate materials, and the execution of effective search strategies. Library
Resources are outlined and accessed at: http://www.tamuct.edu/departments/library/index.php
9.0
COURSE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
9.1 Communication
The preferred method of communication is through Blackboard Messages. If using my university
e-mail address, please use the course (CJK425) in the subject line and include your name. You can
expect a reply to messages within 24 hours, or 48 hours over a weekend.
9.2 Preparation/Participation
You should complete all assigned readings and be fully prepared to actively contribute in our sessions.
This means having studied the assigned materials and being prepared to offer commentary, ask and
answer questions. You will place yourself at a significant disadvantage if you do not prepare for our
sessions or if you do not participate.
9.3 Due Dates and Late Submissions
All requirements are due at the assigned time and date. Late submissions will not be awarded
credit. This means there are no valid excuses for late submissions. There will be no exceptions.
9.4 Extra Credit
Additional course work is not a substitute for learning the assigned material; therefore, extra credit
opportunities are not available.
9.5 Incompletes
An Incomplete (K) is only used in extraordinary circumstances when a student is precluded from taking
a final exam or submitting an assignment due to an emergency situation and the student is otherwise
passing the course. This course relies to a great extent on participation and interaction which is
impossible to make up if missed. In addition, the asynchronous nature of the course requirements
allows for completion and submission of those requirements anytime day or night. Therefore, an
Incomplete for the course will only be given under extraordinary circumstances.
9.6 Confidentiality
Within the educational environment, it is inevitable that discussions of criminal justice issues, problems,
and incidents will be presented that strike a personal chord with some members of the class. You are
never required to discuss personal or work related issues. If you choose to reveal a personal or work
issue, members of the class are requested to respect criminal justice values and honor their fellow
student's privacy and confidentiality; however, you should be aware that information revealed in online
or classroom sessions could be disseminated to others.
9.7 Revisions
Components of this course are subject to revision. If it becomes necessary to revise the course
(structure, syllabus, calendar, etc.) during the semester, all changes will be announced on the course
home page.