CJS 101: Introduction to Criminal Justice Sciences
COURSE SYLLABUS
Summer Online Offering
Professor: Jason Ingram, Ph.D.
Office: Schroeder Hall #415
Office Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. & by appointment
E-mail: jingram@ilstu.edu
Phone: 309.438.7103
Course Web Page: ReggieNet
I will be on campus during the time that this course is in session. If you are around, feel free to
stop by my office!
Course Overview
Welcome to the online offering of CJS 101: Introduction to Criminal Justice Sciences. This
course introduces our criminal justice (CJ) system by focusing on the nature of crime and by
identifying the multiple components of the justice system, including the police, courts, and
corrections. While the course is designed to provide a broad overview of each component, we
will also focus on specific issues that make our system unique. Finally, emphasis is also placed
on how the components of our CJ system actually work and operate as opposed to the system
that is often portrayed throughout the media and popular culture. Hopefully one thing you take
away from this course is that our CJ system often times operates much differently than what is
shown on television!
Course Learning Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, it is my hope that
you…
1. Understand the historical, social, and political contexts in which our criminal justice
system was developed.
2. Explain major criminological theories and identify the policy implications associated
with them.
3. Understand the roles and functions of each of the major components of the criminal
justice system (i.e., police, courts, and corrections) as well as how each component
relates to the other.
4. Be able to think about a criminal justice problem in a manner that demonstrates
thoughtful consideration of all sides of the issue by acquiring and applying information
and assessing the quality of potential solutions.
5. Understand the role that human behavior plays in relation to offending, victimization, and
responses to crime.
6. Appreciate/respect others points of view on criminal justice issues.
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Requirements and Expectations
Technical Requirements: You must have access to a computer and a reliable internet
connection (high speed preferably!) for this course. The course is run through ReggieNet so you
will also need to familiarize yourself with ReggieNet if you have not used it for your other
classes at ISU. If you are not familiar with ReggieNet, there are a few resources that you might
find helpful provided at the following link.When visiting the link's website, II would recommend
reviewing the following as they will be important for this course:
ReggieNet Overview for Students
Submitting Assignments in ReggieNet
Taking Tests and Quizzes in Reggienet
Using Discussion Forums
Other Software and Hardware Requirements: In addition, you will need to have access to the
following in order to access course material and submit assignments. Any assignments submitted
throughout the course needs to be in *Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx)*. You will also need
Word and Adobe Reader (for pdf files) to view course assignments and materials. In order to
hear audio content for videos you will need speakers or headphones for your computer. Finally,
if you have problems with online content opening up, you should check your pop-up blocker to
see if that's the problem. Generally speaking, I have noticed that viewing course modules and
online content works best using the Firefox browser.
Questions about the class: I have created two discussion forums to address questions about the
class. *General Class Questions* is a forum for you to post any questions you have about
course material, assignments, etc. *Technical Class Questions* is a forum for you to post any
questions about ReggieNet or "how to" do something in ReggieNet (e.g., access modules, take a
quiz, etc.). Please also help me out by posting info about fixes/edits I should make to the course
here. Students should help each other out by answering each others' questions on these forums.
Please note that if you experience technical difficulties with ReggieNet, you should contact the
University HelpDesk (or click on the ReggieNet Support tab in the course ReggieNet page on the
bottom left hand side, and it will take you to the HelpDesk website).
Use of E-mail: For personal questions that you might not want the entire class tod see, e-mail is
the preferred method of communication. With respect to e-mail, I do ask the following:
1. Please check the syllabus, course calendar, assignment instructions and/or the two question
discussion forums on ReggieNet before sending an e-mail. Often-times the answer to your
question can be found here!
2. Please be professional in your use of e-mails. This means including a subject line &
identifying yourself in the body of the e-mail!
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3. Please follow the 24 hour rule. While I will check my e-mail every morning and afternoon
during the semester, please allow 24 hours for a response. If you have not received a reply, then
send a follow-up.
Required Textbook: Lab, Steven P., Marian R. Williams, Jefferson E. Holcomb, Melissa W.
Burek, William R. King, and Michael E. Bueger. (2013). Criminal Justice: The Essentials. 3rd
Edition. New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN# 9780199935895. (Image of cover is below.)
Most of the content that is presented throughout this course comes from two sources: this book
and the online modules. This book provides a basic overview of many of the topics covered in the
course. Later on in this module, we will go over the course schedule and reading assignments.
You will notice that not every topic has a reading assignment. When this is the case, the online
module serves as the primary course content.
Professionalism: Criminal justice issues are often controversial and not everyone may hold the
same views regarding these issues. I ask that each of you be respectful and tolerant of others'
viewpoints and to communicate with each other as well as myself in a courteous manner. We
will engage in frequent discussion (via online discussion boards) in this course and I expect
everyone to act professionally.
Time Management: It is expected that all students enrolled in the course will stay current with
course material and participate in all discussion questions, activities, exercises, quizzes, and take
exams at their designated times. Given the nature of this course it is imperative that you stay
current. Please refer to the course schedule for a list and due dates for scheduled tasks. It is
difficult to determine the exact amount of time that it will take you to complete weekly course
tasks as it will likely vary by student. It is my estimation that you will probably need to put in 58 hrs of work per week to complete all required tasks (i.e., readings, modules, assignments,
quizzes). When possible I have put estimated time commitments at the beginning of each
module. For example, if a module asks that you view a video, I'll note the length of the video in
the module instructions so that you can plan accordingly.
Students with Disabilities: Students with documented disabilities that require assistance should
contact me privately as soon as possible. You should also make arrangements with the Disability
Concerns Office located at 350 Fell Hall (309.438.5853 or ableisu@ilstu.edu).
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How will I be graded?
Course grades are based on the following types of assignments:
Graded Work
Points Percentage of Total Points
Midterm Exam
100
30.8%
Final Exam
100
30.8%
50
15.4%
25
7.6%
Discussion Post Journal 1
20
6.2%
Discussion Post Journal 2
30
9.2%
Totals
325
100%
Discussion Posts
(5 @10 pts. each)
Module Quizzes
(5 @ 5 pts. each)
Final grades are based on the following grade scale:
Total Points (Sum) Grade
292-325
A
260-291
B
227-259
C
195-226
D
194 and less
F
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Description of Graded Work:
Exams: The class will consist of 2 exams, a midterm and a final. Exams cover assigned
readings, learning modules, and course activities. Refer to the course calendar for exam dates.
They will show up in the "Tests & Quizzes" tab in ReggieNet on the date of administration.
Once you access an exam through ReggieNet, a time limit is imposed (based on the exam's
length). As you can see the bulk of your points are established by your performance on the
exams. It is very important that you prepare well for these and that includes reading the book
chapters and working your way through these modules.
Discussion Posts: Participation in *five* graded discussion forums will occur during the course.
For each corresponding module, students are required to post *one* response to the discussion
question(s) posed. Students should then reply to *two* other student's posts for each discussion
forum. A total of 50pts of your final grade will be based on effort and participation in these
discussions.Note that there are actually 6 discussion post forums throughout the semester. I will
drop your lowest discussion post score.
Grading for discussion posts is as follows:
10 points: includes one post and two responses, sufficiently addresses all questions, posts reflect
thoughtful consideration of the questions and reactions.
7 points: missing one post requirement, does not sufficiently address all questions, posts mostly
reflect thoughtful consideration.
5 points: missing one post requirement, does not address questions, lacks thoughtful
consideration.
0 points: missing more than one post requirement, answers questions incompletely, response
does not indicate any though put into it.
This is intended to be an interactive, fun part of class where you get to express yourself a bit and
share with your classmates and me!!! Please participate!!!
Quizzes: *Five* quizzes will be given for corresponding modules. Each quiz will be worth 5
points, totaling 50 points of your final grade. Each quiz contains 5-10 T/F and/or multiple choice
questions randomly selected from a larger question bank. Quizzes can be taken anytime during
the course after the corresponding module has been made available. All quizzes are located in the
"Assessment" tab in ReggieNet. Once opened each quiz must be completed within 7 minutes.
Each student has only 1 attempt to take the quiz!!!
Reflection Assignment: One of the major objectives of this course is for students to "be able to
think about a criminal justice problem in a manner that demonstrates thoughtful consideration of
all sides of the issue by acquiring and applying information and assessing the quality of potential
solutions." In order to accomplish this students will work on two (2) journal reflection papers
based on student discussion forum posts throughout the semester. *Please see the Reflection
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Paper Assignment module in ReggieNet* for a more detailed description and assignment
expectations. This assignment is worth 50 points of your final grade.
Course Policies on Graded Work:
With the exception of discussion posts, all work in the class is to be done independently, without
help from anyone else. Assignments and exams are to be completed individually. Papers are to
reflect original work by the student and must appropriately give credit to others' thoughts and
ideas. Working too closely with other students or failure to appropriately cite others' work may
result in academic dishonesty. According to University regulations (p. 57, Undergraduate
Catalog), the following constitute forms of academic dishonesty: cheating on quizzes or exams,
computer dishonesty, plagiarism, grade falsification, and receiving unauthorized assistance from
others.
The Bottom Line: violations of academic integrity will not be tolerated. Students who engage in
any of the above behaviors will receive a failing grade for the assignment and possibly the
course. The student's name will also be turned over to the Dean of Students Office for
appropriate action.
Make-up exams will only be given in cases of extreme illness, medical emergency, death in the
family, or conflict with a religious holiday. In the case of illness or death in the family,
documentation may be required, and I MUST be notified within twenty-four hours of the exam
date. If these requirements are not met, you will receive 0 points for that exam. Make-up exams
will be comparable but not identical to the original exam. Quizzes must be completed by the time
they are due.
Late assignments will lose points (half-credit) if they are not turned in at the time they are due.
Furthermore, assignments will not be accepted after 24 hours from its original due date.
Course Content & Schedule
Students are expected to stay up to date on class material and complete tasks by scheduled due
dates. While I realize that one of the benefits of taking online classes is their flexibility, there
must be some structure and deadlines in order for the class to "flow" smoothly. The course is set
up as 13 modules that will be broken up into 2 sections. First, modules and activities will be
released for the first three weeks, which coincides with the midterm exam. The second set of
modules and activities will be released after the midterm and will take you through to the final
exam. Below is the outline for how the course modules are to be completed along with important
due dates for exams and assignments.
If it helps, think of the modules as class lectures--instead of attending class you are attending and
working through an online module. Each module contains some combination of content,
weblinks, videos, self-quizzes, and activities to assist you in learning the material. At the
beginning of each module there will be an instructions page listing all of the required tasks
associated with that module. You should pay close attention to these instructions as you work
through the course. It is also *VERY* important that you are completing any assigned readings
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before completing the modules. Exams and quizzes will come from a combination of the
modules and the book. If you have any questions on the class schedule please post them to the
*General Class Questions* discussion forum on ReggieNet.
WEEK #1: Types of Crime and Theories of Crime (Opens May 19th)
Module 1-1: Course Introduction (you should complete this module ASAP so that you know
how the course works, how to take quizzes, discussion posts, etc.)
Module 1-2: Crime & Justice (Read text, Ch1, take Quiz 1 by 5/25 @ 11:55 p.m.)
Module 1-3: Theories of Criminal Behavior and Victimization (Discussion Post 1 completed by
5/25 @11:55 p.m.)
WEEK #2: The CJ System (Opens May 19th)
Module 2-4: American CJ System (Read text, Ch2, take Quiz 2 by 6/1 @ 11:55 p.m.)
Module 2-5: Juvenile Justice System (Read text, Ch7, Discussion Post 2 by 6/1 @11:55 p.m.)
WEEK #3: Police (Opens May 19th)
Module 3-6: Police Functions and Operations (Read text, Ch3, take Quiz 3 by 6/8 @ 11:55 p.m.)
Module 3-7: Police & Constitutional Law (Discussion Post 3 by 6/8 @ 11:55 p.m.)
Discussion Post Journal 1 is due by 6/8 @ 11:55 p.m.
MIDTERM EXAM: OPENS ON FRIDAY, JUNE 6th @ 8:30 a.m.
& CLOSES ON SUNDAY, JUNE 8th @ 11:55 p.m.
WEEK #4: Courts (Opens June 9th)
Module 4-8: Court Structure & Functions (Read Text, Ch4, pgs. 82- top of 103, Take Quiz 4 by
6/15 @ 11:55 p.m.)
Module 4-9: Court Processes and Sentencing (Read Text, Ch4, pgs. bottom of 103-113,
Discussion Post 4 by 6/15 @ 11:55 p.m.)
WEEK #5: Corrections (Opens June 9th)
Module 5-10: Correctional Institutions (Read Text, Ch5, Take Quiz 5 by 6/22 @ 11:55 p.m.)
Module 5-11: Community Corrections & Reentry (Readt Text, Ch6, Discussion Post 5 by 6/22
@11:55 p.m.)
WEEK #6: Course Wrap-up (Opens June 9th)
Discussion Post Journal 2 is due by Wednesday 6/25 @ 11:55 p.m..
Module 6-12: Comparative CJ Systems
Module 6-13: Course Summary (Discussion Post 6 by 6/27 @11:55 p.m.)
FINAL EXAM: OPENS ON THURSDAY, JUNE 26th @ 5 p.m. &
CLOSES ON SUNDAY, JUNE 29th @ 11:55 p.m.
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Summary of Important Due Dates for Assignments
The previous page provided an overview of the schedule for entire course. Again in order to stay
up to date on the content of the course, it is recommended that you follow the course schedule.
As you saw highlighted in yellow, there are deadlines (which are strictly enforced) for every
quiz, discussion post, assignment, and exam. Below is a summary of every graded activity for
the course along with it's due date and time.
Note that there are certain weeks, such as Week 3 and Week 6 where there are a number of
deadlines (e.g., quizzes, discussions, assignments, and exams). Remember that, except for
exams, you can complete/work on quizzes, posts, and assignments at any time during each 3
week period. Do not wait until the last minute to try and do everything.
In other words, please be sure to plan your next 6 weeks accordingly in order to meet these
deadlines!
Assignment
Due Date & Time
Exams
Opens on Friday, June 6th @ 8:30 a.m.
Midterm Exam
Closes on Sunday, June 8th @ 11:55 p.m.
The exam must be COMPLETED during this time
frame.
Opens on Thursday, June 26th @ 5:00 p.m.
Final Exam
Closes on Sunday, June 29th @ 11:55 p.m.
The exam must be COMPLETED during this time
frame.
Quizzes
Quiz 1
Due by Sunday, 5/25 @ 11:55 p.m.
Quiz 2
Due by Sunday, 6/1 @ 11:55 p.m.
Quiz 3
Due by Sunday, 6/8 @ 11:55 p.m.
Quiz 4
Due by Sunday, 6/15 @ 11:55 p.m.
Quiz 5
Due by Sunday, 6/22 @ 11:55 p.m.
Discussion Posts
Note: Your lowest score (1) is
dropped
Discussion Post 1
Due by Sunday, 5/25 @ 11:55 p.m.
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Discussion Post 2
Due by Sunday, 6/1 @ 11:55 p.m.
Discussion Post 3
Due by Sunday, 6/8 @ 11:55 p.m.
Discussion Post 4
Due by Sunday, 6/15 @ 11:55 p.m.
Discussion Post 5
Due by Sunday, 6/22 @ 11:55 p.m.
Discussion Post 6
Due by Friday, 6/27 @ 11:55 p.m.
Discussion Post Journals
Discussion Post Journal 1
Due by Sunday, 6/8 @ 11:55 p.m.
Discussion Post Journal 2
Due by Wednesday, 6/25 @ 11:55 p.m.
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