Spring 2019 Course Syllabus Course: CRIJ-1310- Section: 01 Fundamentals of Criminal Law

Instructor Information
Instructor	Doneane Beckcom
E-mail	beckcomde@lamarpa.edu
Phone	(409) 984-6548
Office	Location: Student Center - Room: 415 Hours: MWF 12 - 1pm, TTR 9am - 1pm
Department	Business and Technology Chair: Dr. Michelle Davis E-mail: davisml1@lamarpa.edu Phone: (409) 984-6341
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: PSLO ALPHA: Reading skills - Demonstrates comprehension of content-area reading material. Identifies all main ideas, supporting details, and vocabulary in reading material; demonstrates a full understanding of the reading PSLO Alpha measured by pretest/posttest. All CSLOs measured by embedded test questions, in class discussion, and online discussion board. 1. Describe the History and Philosophy of the American Criminal Justice System.(CSLO 1, 2, 6 Alpha) 2. Explain the nature and extent of Crime in America. (CSLO 1, 2, 6) 3. Analyze the impact and consequences of crime. (CSLO 1, 2) 4. Evaluate the development, concepts, and functions of law in the criminal justice system. (CSLO 1, 2, 6) 5. Describe the structure of contemporary federal, state, and local justice agencies and processes. (CSLO 1, 2)
Core Objectives	* Communication skills: Students will demonstrate effective written, oral and visual communication. * 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. * Personal Responsibility: Students will demonstrate the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Textbooks	Criminal Law, The Essentials, 3rd Edition Sue Titus Reid Oxford University Press ISBN 978-0-19-045500-2
Lecture Topics Outline	Introduction to Criminal Law Elements of a Crime Anticipatory Offenses and Parties to Crimes Defenses to Criminal Culpability Criminal Homicide Assault, Robbery, Rape, and Other Crimes Against the Person Property and Related Crimes Crimes Against Public Order and Public Decency Crimes Against the Government and Terrorism Substance Abuse Crimes Sentencing
Major Assignments Schedule	Course Calendar Week 1 Course Introduction; Chapter 1 Week 2 Chapter 2 Week 3 Chapter 3 Week 4 Chapter 4 Week 5 Test 1, Chapter 5 Week 6 Chapter 6 Week 7 Chapter 7 Week 8 Chapter 8 Week 9 Spring Break, Read Chapter 9, Study for Test 2 Week 10 Test 2, Chapter 9 Week 11 Chapter 10 Week 12 Chapter 11 Week 13 Guest Lecturer/DVD Week 14 Guest Lecturer/Video Week 15 Review for Final Week 16 Final Exam
Final Exam Date	May 13, 2019 - 10:00 AM   Through  May 13, 2019 - 12:30 AM
Grading Scale	90 - 100=A    80 - 89=B    70 - 79=C     60 - 69=D    Below 59 = F
Determination of Final Grade	Tests-70% Attendance-10% Chapter exercises - 10% Discussions-10% Your lowest graded non-final test will be dropped from your grade calculation, if you miss a test that grade will be dropped as your only dropped test. It is advisable that if you miss 2 tests that you drop this course. 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 to be sure I am in my office.
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	No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. 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	PLEASE DO NOT USE CELL PHONES DURING CLASS. I understand if you have young children or some other life issue where you need to be available at all times. Please be discreet and respectful of other students and of your instructor. DO NOT USE SOCIAL MEDIA WHILE IN CLASS. If you miss a test it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to request a make up. You will have TWO WEEKS from the original test date to make up the test absent extenuating circumstances. Make up tests will be done in the Student Success Center. It is HIGHLY recommended that you take notes during class. You are allowed to use your written or typed notes on exams, but NOT the text book or electronic devices. There will also be Texas Penal Code sections posted on Blackboard that correspond to the chapters in the text and offense we will be covering, and it is HIGHLY recommended that you print these to use as study guides as well, as this information is NOT in the textbook but may be covered on tests. You can print the PowerPoint slides and these additional aides and use them on tests as well.
HB 2504	This syllabus is part of LSC-PA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.