Spring 2023 Course Syllabus
Course: CRIJ-1301 (Section: 71Z, CRN: 10047)
Introduction to Criminal Justice 		LSCPA Logo Image
Instructor Information
Instructor Trazarra Stelly
Email stellytn1@lamarpa.edu
Phone (409) 984-6102
Office Educational I - Room: 131
Office Hours
Virtual Office Hours by appointment only. Monday - Thursday (Flexible Times)
Additional Contact Information Email is preferred and recommended.
Course Information
Description This course provides a historical and philosophical overview of the American criminal justice system, including the nature, extent, and impact of crime; criminal law; and justice agencies and processes.
Required Textbooks Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

Introduction To Criminal Justice A Brief Edition John Randolph Fuller Oxford University Press, 2019 ISBN 978-0-19-029817-3
Additional Materials/Resources None.
Corequisites/Prerequisites TSIA complete in reading. 
Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

  • Describe the history and philosophy of the American criminal justice system.
  • Explain the nature and extent of crime in America.
  • Analyze the impact and consequences of crime.
  • Evaluate the development, concepts, and functions of law in the criminal justice system.
  • Describe the structure of contemporary federal, state, and local justice agencies and processes.
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.
  • 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.
  • Personal Responsibility: Students will demonstrate the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making.
Lecture Topics Outline

Lectures will cover all 14 Chapters:

PART I: CRIME: PROBLEMS, MEASUREMENT, AND LAW

Chapter 1: Crime and Criminal Justice

Chapter 2: How Crime is Measured and Who it Affects

Chapter 3: Criminal Law

 

PART II: ENFORCING THE LAW

Chapter 4:The History and Organization of Law Enforcement

Chapter 5: Police Organization, Operation, and the Law

Chapter 6: Policing: Innovations and Controversies

 

PART III: THE ROLE OF THE COURTS

Chapter 7: The Courts

Chapter 8: The Courtroom Work Group

Chapter 9: The Disposition: Plea Bargaining, Trial, Sentencing

 

PART IV: FROM PENOLOGY TO CORRECTIONS AND BACK

Chapter 10: The History of Control and Punishments

Chapter 11: Prisons and Jails

Chapter 12: Community Corrections

 

PART V: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES

Chapter 13: Juvenile Justice

Chapter 14: Criminal Justice in the Future: issues and Concerns
Major Assignments Schedule

Week 1  (Jan 17th-Jan 21st): Syllabus Quiz & Getting to Know Your Professor and Peers Discussion Post 

 

Part 1: Crime: Problems, Measurement, And Law

Week 2 (Jan. 22nd- Jan. 28th): Read Chapter 1, Discussion Post

Week 3 (Jan. 29th- Feb 4th): Read Chapter 2, In Your Own Words Writing Assignment

Week 4 (Feb. 5th- Feb. 11th): Read Chapter 3,  Quiz: Chapter 1-3

 

Part 2: Enforcing The Law

Week 5 (Feb. 12th- Feb. 18th ): Read Chapter 4, Discussion Post

Week 6 (Feb. 19th- Feb. 25th):Read Chapter 5, In Your Own Words Writing Assignment

Week 7(Feb. 26th - Mar. 4th): Read Chapter 6, Quiz: Chapter 4-6

 

Part 3: The Role of The Courts

Week 8 (Mar. 5th- Mar. 11th): Read Chapter 7-9
Week 9 ( Mar.12th - Mar. 18th) SPRING BREAK
Week 10 (Mar. 19th- Mar. 25th): Watch or attend a Live Local Court Proceeding,  Complete In Your Own Words Writing Assignment/PowerPoint Presentation

 

Part 4: From Penology to Corrections and Back

Week 11(Mar. 26th- Apr. 1st): Read Chapter 10, Discussion Post

Week 12 (Apr. 2nd- Apr. 8th): Read Chapter 11, In Your Own Words Writing Assignment

Week 13 (Apr. 9th- Apr. 15th): Read Chapter 12,  Quiz: Chapter 10-12

 

Part 5: Contemporary Issues

Week 14 (Apr. 16th- Apr. 22nd) Read Chapter 13, Work on your Contemporary Issue in Criminal Justice Paper
Week 15 (Apr. 23rd- Apr. 29th) Read Chapter 13 & 14, Quiz: Chapter 13-14, Work on your Paper
Week 16 (Apr. 30- May 6) Work on your Contemporary Issue in Criminal Justice Paper

****There is NO FINAL EXAM! Your Contemporary Issue in Criminal Justice Paper will count as your FINAL. The Contemporary Issue Paper is due by Monday, May 8th at 11:59 p.m. You will be able to submit your Paper beginning April 30th, 2023. ****
Final Exam Date May 7, 2023 - 8:00 AM   Through  May 8, 2023 - 11:59 PM
Grading Scale  90 - 100=A 80 - 89=B  70 - 79=C   60 - 69=D  Below 59 = F
Determination of
Final Grade

Discussion posts- 15%

Assignments- 25%

Tests/Quizzes- 30%

Final Project- 30%
Course Policies
Instructor Policies I DO NOT accept late work. All assignments are due as scheduled. There are a few exceptions but those will only be discussed on a case by case basis. (ex. Medical situations such as COVID -19 hospitalization) 

Plagiarism is NOT tolerated at Lamar State College Port Arthur. Therefore, plagiarism is NOT tolerated in this class. If plagiarism is discovered, all previously graded work is subject to regrading.

The best way to reach me is by email. I'm not on the campus full time, therefore virtual appointments are best.

I will respond to emails within 24-48 hours depending on the day.

You must email from your LSCPA email account. I will not respond to personal email accounts.

If you would like to discuss your grades a virtual or face to face appointment is necessary. I will not discuss grades over email or telephone.
Attendance Policy Active participation in this online class is important to your success in this class. You are expected to log into your Blackboard at least 3 times weekly, complete your discussion posts and required assignments. 
Additional Information

"Preparation is the key to success." - Alexander Graham Bell

"Success is the sum of small efforts being repeated day in and day out." -Robert Collier

"Success looks different for everyone but it feels good to all us." - Trazarra Stelly

"Procrastination is the enemy of success." - Unknown

If you want to be successful in this class you must: read your book, take notes, watch the videos, and complete your assignments on time. Always ask for help if you need it! NO QUESTION is a dumb question. If I can't answer it when you ask... I'll get back with you in a timely manner. Here's to an awesome and successful semester in CRIJ-1301!!
Institutional Policies
MyLSCPA Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.
Academic Honesty Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
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.
COVID 19 Information The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition directly to their local health department. Students should also contact their course faculty to report their quarantine status. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings when directly exposed to COVID 19 in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website.
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.
HB 2504 This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.
Clery Act Crime Reporting For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.
Grievance / Complaint / Concern 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.
Department Information
General Education and Developmental Studies
Chair:Christina Wilbur
Email:wilburca@lamarpa.edu
Phone:(409) 984-6394