Fall 2019 Course Syllabus
Course: CRIJ-1310- Section: 01
Fundamentals of Criminal Law
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Instructor Information
Instructor Doneane Beckcom
E-mailbeckcomde@lamarpa.edu
Phone(409) 984-6548
Office
Location:Student Center - Room: 415
Hours:MWF Noon- 2PM; TTR 9:00AM - 11:00AM; otherwise by appointment
Department
Business and Industrial Technology
Chair:Dr. Michelle Davis
E-mail:davisml1@lamarpa.edu
Phone:(409) 984-6341

If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.
Course Information
Description This course is the study of criminal law including application of definitions, statutory elements, defenses and penalties using Texas statutes, the Model Penal Code, and case law. The course also analyzes the philosophical and historical development of criminal law and criminal culpability.
Prerequisites None
Learning Outcomes Course Learning Outcomes:



1. Describe the History and Philosophy of the American Criminal Justice System.(PSLO 1, 2, 5 Alpha) measured by embedded test questions, project, pre-test/post test.





2. Explain the nature and extent of Crime in America. (PSLO 1, 2, 5) Alpha measured by embedded test questions and project and pre-test/post/test for alpha.





3. Analyze the impact and consequences of crime. (PSLO 3, 2) Measured by embedded test questions.



4. Evaluate the development, concepts, and functions of law in the criminal justice system. (PSLO 1, 2, 5) Alpha measured by embedded test questions and project and pre-test/post/test for alpha.



5. Describe the structure of contemporary federal, state, and local justice agencies and processes. (PSLO 3, 2) Measured by embedded test questions.
Core Objectives
Program Student Learning Outcomes Critical Thinking Skills: Students will engage in creative and/or innovative thinking, and/or inquiry, analysis, evaluation, synthesis of information, organizing concepts and constructing solutions.





Empirical and Quantitative Skills: Students will demonstrate applications of scientific and mathematical concepts.





Teamwork: Students will demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal and consider different points of view.





Social Responsibility: Students will demonstrate intercultural competency and civic knowledge by engaging effectively in local, regional, national and/or global communities.
Textbooks Criminal Law, 12th Edition
Thomas J. Gardner
Terry M. Anderson
ISBN-10: 1285458419 | ISBN-13: 9781285458410
Lecture Topics
Outline
Major Assignments
Schedule
Course Calendar

Week 1 Introduction Read Chapter 1

Week 2 Lecture Chapter 1, Read Chapter 2

Week 3 Lecture Chapter 2, Read Chapter 3

Week 4 Lecture Chapter 3, Read Chapter 4

Week 5 Test 1, Lecture Chapter 4, Read Chapter 5

Week 6 Lecture Chapter 5, Read Chapter 6

Week 7 Lecture Chapter 6, Read Chapter 7

Week 8 Test 2, Lecture Chapter 7, Read Chapter 8

Week 9 Lecture Chapter 9, Read Chapter 10

Week 10 Lecture Chapter 10, Read Chapter 11

Week 11 Test 3

Week 12 Lecture Chapter 11, Read Chapter 12

Week 13 Lecture Chapter 12, Read Chapter 13 and 14

Week 14 Lecture Chapters 13 - 14, Read Chapters 15 and 16

Week 15 Lecture Chapters 15 - 16, Review for final

Week 16 Final Exam



Final Exam Date December 5, 2019 - 11:00 AM   Through  December 5, 2019 - 1:00 PM
Grading Scale  90 - 100=A    80 - 89=B    70 - 79=C     60 - 69=D    Below 59 = F
Determination of
Final Grade
Tests - 60%

Assignments -10%

Discussions (blackboard) - 30%

Your lowest graded non-final test will be dropped from your grade calculation, if you miss a test that grade will be dropped.

Participation in class activities can increase total points by as much as 10%, participation IS NOT merely breathing and taking up space, you must fully and intelligently take part in class activities. To do this it is essential that you do all assigned readings, required research, and pay attention in class.
Course Policies
Instructor Policies The best way to reach me is by email. If you would like to see me in person please schedule an appointment.
Attendance Policy Regular prompt attendance is required. Excessive absences will result in reduced grades and/ or failure. You must enter into discussions, answer questions posed, engage in discourse with the instructor and post information that demonstrates a knowledge of the subject matter being examined when discussions are posted. ANSWERS ARE REQUIRED AND WILL BE GRADED. Answers simply agreeing with or acknowledging the statement, unless followed by an extensive explanation, are not acceptable. In addition you must demonstrate that your answers are academically related to the subject matter.
Academic Honesty Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSC-PA policies (Section IX, subsection A, in the Faculty Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
Facility Policies
  1. No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom.

  2. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission.

  3. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
Important Information
ADA Considerations The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the the Office for Disability Services Coordinator, Room 231, in the Madison Monroe Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
MyLamarPA Be sure to check your campus E-mail and Course Homepage using MyLamarPA campus web portal (My.LamarPA.edu). When you've logged in, click the email icon in the upper right-hand corner to check email, or click on the "My Courses" tab to get to your Course Homepage. Click the link to your course and review the information presented. It is important that you check your email and Course Homepage regularly. You can also access your grades, transcripts, and determine who your academic advisor is by using MyLamarPA.
Other
HB 2504 This syllabus is part of LSC-PA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.