This Syllabus cannot be copied without the express consent of the Instructor
Course Syllabus
CJE 4174 COMPARATIVE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEMS
Department of Criminal Justice
Florida International University
Professor: Dr. Harry M. Rhea
Phone: (305) 348 4892
Email: harry.rhea@fiu.edu
Office Hours: Wednesdays, 12:00pm – 1:30pm, Bldg. PCA 364A
Course Description
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The class will examine issues related to crime throughout the world. The student will
identify, analyze, and compare the criminal justice systems in the U.S. with those of other
countries. The course will explain the basic worldwide philosophies of law and justice, the
arrangements for crime prevention and law enforcement, and the methods of dealing with
convicted offenders throughout the world. This is a global learning course that counts
towards your global learning graduation requirement.
Learning Outcomes
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Students will develop an understanding of the interrelationship between crime and
punishment from a global, comparative perspective.
Students will be able to compare and contrast criminal justice systems in terms of the
major legal traditions used across the world e.g., common law, civil law, socialist law,
Islamic law.
Students will demonstrate a willingness to work on diverse teams to develop solutions to
critical issues confronting global justice systems.
Identify the primary sources of international crime statistics.
Define the functions of modern, worldwide, police forces.
Identify mechanisms to deal with issues of human rights and international crimes and
criminals.
Examine the stages of the criminal process in different countries.
Compare similarities and differences that occur in court structures and procedures in
multiple countries.
Analyze unique correctional practices in different countries.
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Required Readings
Philip L. Reichel, Comparative Criminal Justice Systems: A Topical Approach (6th edn.,
Pearson 2013).
Course Requirements
Exams. There are two (2) multiple-choice/short-answer/essay exams for this course (each
worth 40% of your final grade). All tests will be cumulative. Exams will cover material from
the readings. Make-up exams will not be given.
Grading. Grades will be based on two (2) cumulative exams (80% of final grade) and 10
written assignments (20% of final grade). The assignments are based on one weekly
This Syllabus cannot be copied without the express consent of the Instructor
Course Syllabus
question for each chapter. The assignments are submitted via blackboard by Sunday
evening at 11:59pm.
There are no extra credit opportunities.
The following grading scale will be used to determine your course grades:
Grade
A
AB+
B
BC+
Percent
93-100%
90-92%
87-89%
83-86%
80-82%
77-79%
Grade
C
CD+
D
DF
Percent
73-76%
70-72%
67-69%
63-66%
60-62%
Below 60%
ot
C
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Student misconduct. FIU is a community dedicated to generating and imparting
knowledge through excellent teaching and research, the rigorous and respectful exchange of
ideas, and community service. All students should respect the right of others to have an
equitable opportunity to learn and honestly to demonstrate the quality of their learning.
Therefore, all students are expected to adhere to a standard of academic conduct, which
demonstrates respect for themselves, their fellow students, and the educational mission of
the University. All students are deemed by the University to understand that if they are
found responsible for academic misconduct, they will be subject to the Academic Misconduct
procedures and sanctions, as outlined in the Student Handbook.
Course Schedule
Substance
Covered
Tests
Jan 8
Reichel, ch 1 Assignment 1: Sunday evening
Jan 15
Reichel, ch 2 Assignment 2: Sunday evening
Jan 22
Reichel, ch 3 Assignment 3: Sunday evening
Jan 29
Reichel, ch 4 Assignment 4: Sunday evening
Feb 5
Reichel, ch 5 Assignment 5: Sunday evening
Feb 12
Reichel, ch 6 Assignment 6: Sunday evening
Feb 19
Reichel, ch 7 Assignment 7: Sunday evening
Feb 26
No Readings
Mar 5
Reichel, ch 8 Assignment 8: Sunday evening
Mar 12
No Readings
Mar 19
Reichel, ch 9 Assignment 9: Sunday evening
Mar 26
Reichel, ch 10 Assignment 10: Sunday evening
Apr 2
No Readings
Prep week for Second (Final) Exam
Apr 9
No Readings
Exam 2
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N
Meeting
Date
Exam 1
Spring Break