Course Outline: Module #1
What is Criminal Justice
CRJ 100 Introduction to Criminal Justice
The primary goal of this module is to define criminal justice and explore the three components of the
criminal justice system, their respective functions, the impact of evidence based practices, and
multiculturalism. In addition, this chapter takes a historical look at crime in the United States and how the
criminal justice system adapts to change.
Module 1 – What is Criminal Justice?
Introduction
Attitudes about crime in our society do not stay the same. As we experience change, our ideas and
feelings transform. Many times major events are the catalysts to that change. The September 11th attack
on the United States, the downturn in the U.S economy, and the increase in mass shootings like the one
at Sandy Hook Elementary are examples of events that have impacted the criminal justice system. In this
chapter we will explore how the criminal justice system adapts to crime trends and societies changing
expectations.
Learning Objectives
After completing this module, students will be able to:
1. Connect the history of crime in America to the corresponding changes in the American criminal
justice system.
2. Distinguish between the public-order (crime-control) and individual-rights (due-process)
perspectives of criminal justice
3. Identify the three components the American criminal justice system and match their respective
functions.
4. Follow the process of American criminal justice, including the stages of criminal case processing.
5. Define due process of law, including where the American legal system guarantees due process
6. Describe the role of evidence-based practice in contemporary criminal justice.
7. Explain how multiculturalism and diversity present challenges to and opportunities for the
American system of criminal justice.
Due This Week
Assignment
Format
Grading
Read Textbook Chapter 1
Textbook
0pts
Interactive Lecture Module 1
Interactive Lecture
1pt
Individual Rights vs. Public Order
Journal
5pts
Consensus Model vs. Conflict Model
Discussion
10pts
Multiculturalism
Discussion
10pts
*Use this table to fill out the course calendar. Be sure to add dates in the course calendar.
Learning Activities
The learning activities section is a way for you to sequence your students learning. Consider this as
your way of guiding them to understanding and scaffolding their learning. Be creative, use the right
tool for the right objectives and whenever possible integrate knowledge checks with feedback and/or
reflection. Be sure to provide an overview of each activity in the sequence and how it will help the
learner achieve the learning objectives. Add learning activities as necessary.
Reading
Read chapter 1 in the textbook. What is Criminal Justice
©2012 Gateway Community College
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Chapter 1 introduces the criminal justice system and provides a brief history of crime in the United States.
This chapter explores how the three components of the criminal justice system interact and adjust to
changes in society while balancing individual rights with public order.
Chapter 1 illustrates how a typical criminal case proceeds through the criminal justice system and looks at
how evidence based practices and multiculturalism affect the system.
Interactive Lecture
“What is Criminal Justice?”
The interactive lecture directly addresses each of the 7 learning objectives within chapter one. The lecture
is broken up by sections. After each learning objective section, students will be given an opportunity to
answer a “knowledge check” question(s). Answering these questions allows the student to practice
his/her understanding of the material covered in the chapter.
Journal
Assignment Name
Individual Rights vs. Public Order Journal Entry
Graded Assignment
Yes
Points Possible
5pts
Privacy Settings
Individual
Individual Rights vs. Public Order Journal Entry
For this assignment you are to write a journal entry where you reflect on how you see yourself, as an individual rights
advocate or as a public order advocate? In your journal entry, explain why you are an individual rights advocate or a
public-order advocate and why you are not an individual rights advocate or a public-order advocate. You may include
current event example(s) to explain your position. Site the source of any outside information you reference. If you
use a news article as an example, include a link to that article so that I can reference the article.
Your journal entry should be between 150 – 250 words. The assignment is due by Sunday at 11:59 pm EST.
Grading and Feedback
Standard Journal rubric will apply.
You can expect this assignment to be graded 5 to 10 days after the assignment due date. Check “My
Grades” for your grade and feedback.
Discussion board
Assignment Name
Graded Assignment
Points Possible
Consensus Model vs. Conflict Model
YES
10pts
Consensus Model vs. Conflict Model
Do you think that the criminal justice system is operating under the consensus model or the conflict
model?
©2012 Gateway Community College
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Grading and Feedback
Each student should post his/her response to the question by Wednesday at 11:5pm EST. Each student
will respond to at least 2 of their peers post by Sunday 11:59pm EST. Students are encouraged to
respond to more than 2 posts.
Standard Discussion Board rubric will apply.
You can expect this assignment to be graded within 5-10 days of your submission. Check “My Grades”
for your grade and feedback.
Discussion board
Assignment Name
Graded Assignment
Points Possible
Multiculturalism
YES
10pts
Multiculturalism
Explain how multiculturalism and diversity present challenges to the American criminal justice system.
Choose one component of the criminal justice system; law enforcement, courts, or corrections and give a
specific example of a challenge a professional working in that component might face. In addition to
identifying the challenge, include how it might successfully be dealt with by those involved.
Grading and Feedback
Each student should post his/her response to the question by Wednesday at 11:5pm EST. Each student
will respond to at least 2 of their peers post by Sunday 11:59pm EST. Students are encouraged to
respond to more than 2 posts.
Standard Discussion Board rubric will apply.
You can expect this assignment to be graded within 5-10 days of your submission. Check “My Grades”
for your grade and feedback.
©2012 Gateway Community College
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