SYLLABUS FOR CJSA 1312
Crime in America
Hybrid Course
Semester Hours Credit: 3
Lecture Hours: 48
Location:
Course Dates/Times: 10 Aug- 20 Sep 2015
In Class sessions – Monday: 1730-2130
Wednesday: Blackboard discussions
Instructor: Jerry Pinchinat
Office Hours: Monday: 1700-1730
Instructor Email:
jerry.pinchinat@navsoc.socom.mil
Phone: +973-3845-4448
INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY
Jerry Pinchinat, MACJ/ MPA
Jerry Pinchinat has been an adjunct professor at Central Texas College since 2002, teaching in
both the Criminal Justice and Homeland Security Emergency Management programs. He holds a
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Chapman University and a Master of Public
Administration from National University. Included in his graduate work are courses in both
Criminal Justice and Crime Scene Analysis from California State University at Fullerton.
Pinchinat is also a graduate of the ATF Military Post-Blast Investigator Course.
Chief Pinchinat is currently a Warrant Officer in in the United States Navy with numerous
deployments in the Middle East and Afghanistan. During his time in Afghanistan, Pinchinat has
worked as a Counter-IED investigator with a Joint EOD Unit. .
I. INTRODUCTION
A. This course will introduce students to American crime problems in historical
perspective, social and public policy factors affecting crime, impact and crime trends,
social characteristics of specific crimes, and prevention of crime.
B. This course is required for the Associates of Applied Science degree in Criminal
Justice.
C. This course is occupationally related and serves in preparation for career(s) in
Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, and Corrections.
CJSA 1312 08.14
Page 1 of 14
II. LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of this course, Crime in America, the student will be able to:
A. Explain the psychological, social, and economic impact of crime in society.
B. Identify characteristics of major crimes.
C. Discuss the impact on society and the prevention thereof.
D. List crimes by definition and classification according to major sub groupings.
E. Discuss the basic theoretical and behavioral models, as well as the historical
development of laws and contributions of famous law givers.
F. Define selected terms vital to the understanding of the legal terminology which will be
encountered in numerous Criminal Justice courses.
III. INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
A. The instructional materials identified for this course are viewable through
http://www.ctcd.edu/im/im_main.asp
Student Textbook:
Siegel. J Larry (2015) Criminology The Core. (5th ed.) Publisher City: Belmont, CA
Publisher. (Wadsworth Publishing)
ISBN: (10-1-285-44152-4)
B. References:
1. Black’s Law Dictionary
2. Texas Statutes (e.g., Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, Family Code,
Health & Safety Code, etc.)
3. U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and latest Amendments, and Texas Constitution
4. www.fbi.gov/ucr
IV. COURSE REQUIREMENTS
A.
Your first responsibility is scholarship. The grade you receive for this course will
not be the grade of the instructor, but rather the grade you and you alone make.
B.
You should attend class regularly and be prepared to participate in classroom
discussions and to take unannounced quizzes relating to text assignments and lecture
material presented from the beginning of the course. Please refer to ‘Class
Attendance and Course Progress’ under the Academic Policies section in our current
Central Texas College (CTC) Course Catalog.
CJSA 1312 08.14
Page 2 of 14
C.
You are encouraged to give your best effort throughout the course. From the
beginning, you should plan for a steady, organized, and continuous effort, which in
the long run will prove more effective for your final grade than a last minute crashcram policy. Your course grade is not determined solely by exam grade. Such
factors as class participation, initiative, attendance, and individual research papers or
projects will be considered in grade computation.
D.
From time to time, special library and/or outside assignments will be made to
members of the class individually and/or in groups. You are expected to read all
assignments and fulfill your responsibilities to any group assignment.
E.
You are expected to read all assigned material and bring your textbook/reading
materials to class. Keep informed on all assignments, especially after an absence.
F.
Good class notes are indispensable for earning a good grade, since both the material
assigned and that discussed in class will be the basis for examination material.
G.
Scholastic Honesty: All students are required and expected to maintain the highest
standards of scholastic honesty in the preparation of all coursework and during
examinations. The following are considered examples of scholastic dishonesty:
Plagiarism: The taking of passages from the writing of others without giving
proper credit to the sources.
Collusion: Using another’s work as one’s own, or working together with
another person in the preparation of work, unless such joint preparation is
specifically approved in advance by the instructor.
Cheating: Giving or receiving information on examinations.
H.
V.
Special Work: A term paper or other project, per requirements of the instructor, will
be required. The subject must be appropriate for the course material. Check with
the instructor when you have made a selection. The value is indicated in the
semester grade computation and has considerable weight on your final average.
COURSE FORMAT – Hybrid with BLACKBOARD
This course has been developed as a hybrid course. Hybrid courses combine face-to-face
classroom instruction with assignments and interaction with instructor via CTC
Blackboard. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure that they have access to CTC
Blackboard and that they are familiar with the contents and assignments. It is also the
student’s responsibility to log into CTC Blackboard at least once a week to ‘attend’ the
online class portion and to participate in the online Blackboard discussions and
assignments. Failure to do so will violate the attendance policy and will have a negative
impact on the course grade.
CJSA 1312 08.14
Page 3 of 14
The course will meet for six weeks-- In addition, instructional strategies will include
weekly CTC Blackboard assignments and discussion boards to accomplish the remaining
instruction per week.
VI.
EXAMS
A.
VII.
There will be a minimum of two major examinations and a written paper or project as
follows:
1.
Mid-term exam on (31 August 2015)
2.
Final Exam on (14 September 2015)
3.
Term Paper due on (20 September 2015)
B.
A student must be present for all examinations. Students who know in advance that
they will be absent from an examination due to valid reasons must arrange to take an
early examination. Unexpected absences due to illness or extenuating circumstances
will require the student to see the instructor about individual make-up work.
C.
Students without excused absences will be given a zero for the missed examination.
D.
Examinations will consist of both objective (true/false, multiple choice, fill in-theblank, and matching) and subjective (short answer and essay) questions. Students
must be able to communicate both orally and in written form, thus some questions
requiring the composition and writing of an essay answer will be required.
SEMESTER GRADE COMPUTATIONS
The final grade in this course will be based on the following:
Participation
Assignments & Quizzes
Discussion Boards (mandatory)
Term Paper/Term Presentation
Mid-term Exam
Final Exam
Total possible points:
POINTS
90-100
80-89
70-79
60-69
0-59
10 points
20 points
20 points
20 points
10 points
20 points
100 points
GRADES
A=4 pts/sem hr
B=3 pts/sem hr
C=2 pts/sem hr
D=1 pt/sem hr
F=0 pts/sem hr
.
VIII. NOTES AND ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FROM COURSE INSTRUCTOR
A. Tuition refunds are made only in the case of class cancellation or official and timely
withdrawal from CTC or from a course. Please refer to the current course catalog for
CJSA 1312 08.14
Page 4 of 14
more details.
B. GoArmyEd students should contact their education counselor before withdrawing and
are required to withdraw through the GoArmyEd portal.
Please note: a military withdrawal does not override CTC’s grading policy.
For self-pay students, refunds are computed from the date the Application for
Withdrawal or Refund is filed with the CTC Field Representative or designated Student
Services Officer. Special conditions apply to students who receive federal, state, and/or
institutional financial aid.
Tuition and fees paid directly to the Institution by the Veterans Administration, Title
IV (Financial Aid Programs, a sponsor, donor, or scholarship shall be refunded to the
source rather than directly to the students.
C. Course Withdrawals, Student Responsibilities: It is the student’s responsibility to
officially withdraw from a course. The instructor cannot initiate a withdrawal based upon
a student’s request. Rather, students must initiate the withdrawal with the designated
Education Center Representative, through the CTC Field Representative or the Student
Services Officer for that region.
Applications for Withdrawal will be accepted at any time before the completion of 75%
of the course, after which time the student will be assigned an “FN”- “Failure for Nonattendance.”
D. Incomplete / Course in Progress Grade Policy: An “IP” or “Incomplete” grade may be
assigned by an instructor if a student has made satisfactory progress in a course with the
exception of a major quiz, final exam, or other project. The “IP” grade may also be
assigned based on circumstances beyond a student’s control, such as personal illness,
death in the immediate family, or military orders. Notice of absences, with supporting
documentation, may be required by the instructor. The instructor makes the final decision
concerning the granting of the incomplete grade. With an “Incomplete” grade, students
are required to complete a set amount of work before the instructor will submit an official
letter grade.
E. Cellular phones, beepers, and other electronic devices will be turned off while the
student is in the classroom or laboratory unless the student is using the device for class
purposes. No texting or social networking is allowed during class.
F. Instructor Discretion: The instructor reserves the right of final decision in course
requirements.
G. Civility: Individuals are expected to be cognizant of what a constructive educational
experience is and respectful of those participating in a learning environment. Failure to
do so can result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.
IX. COURSE
Note:
CJSA 1312 08.14
Page 5 of 14
The instructor has the right to change the course schedule. Any changes will be announced in
class. If the student misses a class period and changes are announced, it is the student’s
responsibility to receive the missed information from a classmate or the instructor.
Hybrid courses combine face-to-face classroom instruction with assignments and interaction via
CTC Blackboard. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure that they have access to internet
so that they may communicate, via CTC Blackboard, with the instructor. The class is broken
down into six sessions. See below for course outline.
SESSION #1 - Face-to-Face (10 August 2015) Intro and Lesson One
a) Class will meet face-to-face on 8/10 (1730 to 2130)
- Introduction to the Course
- Syllabus review
- Blackboard Instruction
- Group Assignment
- Reading Assignment Chapter 1-3
Session #1 on-line (13 August 2015)
a) CTC Blackboard Discussion Board posts are due by Sunday at midnight (Bahrain time)
1. CTC Blackboard peer response to Discussion Board posts is due by Sunday
midnight (Bahrain time)
b) CTC Blackboard assignment/project is due Sunday midnight (Bahrain time)
-
A.
Introductions
Blackboard Exploration
Practice Discussion on the concept of Criminal Justice System
Unit One: Chapter One: Crime and Criminology
1. Learning Objectives:
After mastering the content of this chapter, a student should be able to:
1. Explain the various elements of the criminological enterprise.
2. Differentiate between crime and deviance.
3. Discuss the three different views of the definition of crime.
4. Discuss the different purposes of the criminal law.
5. Describe the criminal justice process.
6. Identify the ethical issues in criminology.
2. Learning Activities:
a. Discuss course requirements and activities as contained in the syllabus
b. Classroom lecture/discussion
c. Reading assignment: Chapter 1-3
d. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
CJSA 1312 08.14
Page 6 of 14
B.
Unit One: Chapter Two: The Nature and Extent of Crime
1. LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After mastering the content of this chapter, a student should be able to:
1. Discuss the various forms of crime data.
2. Analyze recent trends in the crime rate.
3. Be familiar with the factors that influence crime rates.
4. Identify the gender and racial patterns in crime.
5. Know what is meant by the term aging-out process.
6. Be familiar with the concept of chronic offending and know its causes.
2. Learning Activities:
a. Classroom lecture/discussion
b. Reading assignment: Chapter 2
c. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
SESSION #2 - Face-to-Face (17 August 2015) Criminal and Civil Procedure / Lesson 2
b) Class will meet face-to-face on 8/17 (1730 to 2130)
- Review of Week 1 topic
- Quiz #1
- Overview of criminal behavioral theory
- The Victimization process
- Group discussion - Debate over Mala se v. Mala Prohibita
Session #2 on-line (20 August 2015)
c) CTC Blackboard Discussion Board posts are due by Sunday at midnight (Bahrain time)
1. CTC Blackboard peer response to Discussion Board posts is due by Sunday
midnight (Bahrain time)
d) CTC Blackboard assignment/project is due Sunday midnight (Bahrain time)
C.
-
Blackboard discussion thread – Crime data methodology
-
Assignment #1: Do you think the American Criminal Justice System reflects a
consensus or conflict model of law? Write a 1 page paper to explain and defend your
judgments.
Unit Two: Chapter 3: Victims and Victimization
1.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After mastering the content of this chapter, a student should be able to:
1. Describe the victim’s role in the crime process.
2. Know the greatest problems faced by crime victims.
CJSA 1312 08.14
Page 7 of 14
3. Know what is meant by the term cycle of violence.
4. Be familiar with the ecology of victimization risk.
5. Describe the most dominant victim characteristics.
6. Be familiar with the most important theories of victimization.
2. Learning Activities:
a. Classroom lecture/discussion
b. Reading assignment: Chapter 3
c. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
SESSION #3 - Face-to-Face (24 August 2015) Criminal Theory / Lesson 3
c) Class will meet face-to-face on 8/17 (1730 to 2130)
- Review of Week 2 topic
- Review of Assignment #1
- Crime Reduction Model – Role play
- Crime reduction / over policing
- Behavioral theory
- Movie – Criminal minds
Session #3 on-line (27 August 2015)
e) CTC Blackboard Discussion Board posts are due by Sunday at midnight (Bahrain time)
1. CTC Blackboard peer response to Discussion Board posts is due by Sunday
midnight (Bahrain time)
f) CTC Blackboard assignment/project is due Sunday midnight (Bahrain time)
-
D.
Blackboard discussion thread – Media Bias
Unit Four: Chapter 4: Rational Choice Theory
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After mastering the content of this chapter, a student should be able to:
1. Describe the development of rational choice theory.
2. Explore the concepts of rational choice.
3. Explain what is meant by the term seductions of crime.
4. Discuss the elements of situational crime prevention.
5. Analyze the elements of general deterrence.
6. Discuss the basic concepts of specific deterrence.
2. Learning Activities:
a. Classroom lecture/discussion
b. Reading assignment: Chapter 4
CJSA 1312 08.14
Page 8 of 14
c. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
E.
Unit Five: Chapter 5: Trait Theory
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After mastering the content of this chapter, a student should be able to:
1. Be familiar with the development of trait theory.
2. Discuss some of the biochemical conditions that have been associated with
crime.
3. Describe the link between genetics and crime, according to trait theory.
4. Discuss the elements of the psychodynamic perspective.
5. Show why behavior theory is linked to crime.
6. Understand the controversy surrounding the link between intelligence and
crime.
2. Learning activities:
a. Classroom lecture/discussion
b. Reading assignment: Chapter 5
c. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
SESSION #4 - Face-to-Face (31 August 2015) Social Structure Theory / Lesson 4
d) Class will meet face-to-face on 8/31 (1730 to 2130)
- Review of Week 3 topic
- Mid-Term Exam
- Overview of Watch Video- Hard Times Generation- Homeless Kids
- Discuss the causes and consequences of homelessness
- Imagine your group represents the City Council Chamber of Seattle, WA, how would
you deal with the homeless population and reduce child poverty.
-
Assignment #2: What are some of the basic concepts of the classical school of
criminological theory? What is your opinion of the pros of con of this theory? Write
a 3 pages paper to explain and defend your judgments. Illustrate your points by giving
some examples.
Session #4 on-line (03 September 2015)
a) CTC Blackboard Discussion Board posts are due by Sunday at midnight (Bahrain time)
1. CTC Blackboard peer response to Discussion Board posts is due by Sunday
midnight (Bahrain time)
b) CTC Blackboard assignment/project is due Sunday midnight (Bahrain time)
-
Blackboard discussion thread – Discuss the relationship of institutional anomie and
theory of crime
CJSA 1312 08.14
Page 9 of 14
F.
Unit Six: Chapter 6: Social Structure Theory
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After mastering the content of this chapter, a student should be able to:
1. Describe the association between social structure and crime.
2. Know the elements of social disorganization theory.
3. Be familiar with the views of Shaw and McKay.
4. Know the various elements of ecological theory.
5. Discuss the concept of strain.
6. List and compare the elements of cultural deviance theory.
2. Learning Activities:
a. Classroom lecture/discussion
b. Reading assignment: Chapter 6
c. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
SESSION #5 - Face-to-Face (07 September 2015) Social Process Theory / Lesson 5
e) Class will meet face-to-face on 0/07 (1730 to 2130)
- Review of Week 4 topic
- Quiz #2
- Class discussions – Good and bad parenting
- Peer pressure as it related to juvenile delinquency
- Labeling factor
- Educational experience
Session #5 on-line (10 September 2015)
c) CTC Blackboard Discussion Board posts are due by Sunday at midnight (Bahrain time)
1. CTC Blackboard peer response to Discussion Board posts is due by Sunday
midnight (Bahrain time)
d) CTC Blackboard assignment/project is due Sunday midnight (Bahrain time)
-
G.
Blackboard discussion thread – Design a program for recreational drug users applying
the restorative model
Unit Seven: Chapter 7: Social Process Theory
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After mastering the content of this chapter, a student should be able to:
1. Be familiar with the concepts of social process and socialization.
2. Discuss the effect of family relationships on crime.
CJSA 1312 08.14
Page 10 of 14
3. Understand how the educational setting influences crime.
4. Be aware of the link between peers and delinquency.
5. Contrast social learning, social control, and social reaction (labeling) theories.
6. Link social process theory to crime prevention efforts.
2. Learning Activities:
a. Classroom lecture/discussion
b. Reading assignment: Chapter 7
c. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
H.
Unit Eight: Chapter 8: Social Conflict, Critical Criminology, and Restorative Justice
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After mastering the content of this chapter, a student should be able to:
1. Be familiar with the ideas that underpin critical criminology.
2. Link globalization to crime and criminality.
3. Define the concept of state (organized) crime.
4. Know the goals and findings of critical research.
5. Know some of the basic ideas of critical feminism
6. Discuss how restorative justice is related to peacemaking criminology.
2. Learning Activities:
a. Classroom lecture/discussion
b. Reading assignment: Chapter 8
c. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
I.
Unit Nine: Chapter 9: Developmental Theories: Life-Course, Propensity, and Trajectory
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After mastering the content of this chapter, a student should be able to:
1. Trace the history of and influences on developmental theory.
2. Know the principles of the life course approach to developmental theory.
3. Explain the term problem behavior syndrome.
4. Articulate the principles of Sampson and Laub’s age-graded life course theory.
5. Be able to define the concept of the latent trait and assumptions of the general
theory of crime (GTC).
6. Know the principles of trajectory theory.
2. Learning Activities:
a. Classroom lecture/discussion
b. Reading assignment: Chapter 9
c. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
CJSA 1312 08.14
Page 11 of 14
J.
Unit Ten: Chapter 10: Violent Crime
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After mastering the content of this chapter, a student should be able to:
1. Be familiar with the various causes of violent crime.
2. Define rape and be familiar with why men commit rape.
3. Discuss the issues involving rape and the law.
4. Recognize that there are different types of murder.
5. Understand the nature and patterns of robbery.
6. Be able to discuss newly emerging forms of violence, such as stalking, hate
crimes, and workplace violence.
2. Learning Activities:
a. Classroom lecture/discussion
b. Reading assignment: Chapter 10
c. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
SESSION #6 - Face-to-Face (14 September 2015) Social Process Theory / Lesson 6
f) Class will meet face-to-face on 09/14 (1730 to 2130)
- Test Review
- Final Exam
- Class discussions – White collar & economic crime
- Political Crime – causes and effect
- Cyber Crime
Session #6 on-line (17 September 2015)
e) CTC Blackboard Discussion Board posts are due by Sunday at midnight (Bahrain time)
1. CTC Blackboard peer response to Discussion Board posts is due by Sunday
midnight (Bahrain time)
f) CTC Blackboard assignment/project is due Sunday midnight (Bahrain time)
-
K.
Blackboard discussion thread – Design a program for recreational drug users applying
the restorative model
Unit Eleven: Chapter 11: Political Crime and Terrorism
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After mastering the content of this chapter, a student should be able to:
1. Define the term political crime.
2. Identify the causes of political crime.
CJSA 1312 08.14
Page 12 of 14
3. Compare espionage and treason.
4. Distinguish among terrorists, insurgents, guerrillas, and revolutionaries.
5. List and identify the various forms of terrorism.
6. Know the supposed causes of terrorism and what motivates the terrorist.
2. Learning Activities:
a. Classroom lecture/discussion
b. Reading assignment: Chapter 11
c. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
L.
Unit Twelve and Thirteen: Chapter 12: Economic Crimes: Blue-Collar, WhiteCollar, and Green-Collar
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After mastering the content of this chapter, a student should be able to:
1. Be familiar with the history of theft offenses.
2. Recognize the differences between professional and amateur thieves.
3. Understand the various forms of shoplifting.
4. Know what is meant by the term Ponzi scheme.
5. Be familiar with the various forms of white-collar crime.
6. Discuss efforts to control white-collar and green-collar crime.
2. Learning Activities:
a. Classroom lecture/discussion
b. Reading assignment: Chapter 12
c. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
M.
Unit Fourteen: Chapter 13: Public Order Crimes
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After mastering the content of this chapter, a student should be able to:
1. Be familiar with the term social harm.
2. Discuss the activities of moral crusaders.
3. Be aware of the various forms of outlawed deviant sexuality.
4. Distinguish among the different types of prostitutes.
5. State the arguments for and against legalizing prostitution.
6. Discuss the causes of substance abuse.
2. Learning Activities:
a. Classroom lecture/discussion
b. Reading assignment: Chapter 13
c. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
CJSA 1312 08.14
Page 13 of 14
N.
Unit Fifteen: Chapter 14: Crimes of the New Millennium: Cybercrime and
Transnational Organized Crime
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After mastering the content of this chapter, a student should be able to:
1. Be familiar with the concept of cybercrime and why it has become important.
2. Distinguish among cyber-theft, cyber-vandalism, and cyberterrorism.
3. Know the various types of cybercrimes, such as computer frauds, illegal
copyright infringement, and identity theft.
4. Discuss efforts to control cybercrime.
5. Trace the evolution of organized crime.
6. Be familiar with the activities of transnational organized crime.
2. Learning Activities:
a. Classroom lecture/discussion
b. Reading assignment: Chapter 14
c. Homework and other assignments designated by the instructor
O.
Unit Sixteen:
1. Review for final exam
2. Final exam
Term Paper – Group Assignment








Your Team will consist of every key components of the Criminal Justice System of
an urban society. Your goal is to draft a comprehensive plan of what you have learned
in this course to mitigate and reducing the crime rate by utilizing meta-data available
from the DOJ website. Each group will be assigned a certain geographic location of
the United States and compare it to another city with similar demographics. Explain
why the data is so high in your area.
You must cover all aspects of criminological theory
UCR
Crime Theory
Criminal Justice Process
Cycle of violence
Theories of victimization
Social disorganization
Your paper must be a minimum of 6 pages coupling with a 15 minutes presentation.
CJSA 1312 08.14
Page 14 of 14