Criminal Justice
2007-2008
Syllabus
Description:
The course in Criminal Justice is
designed to provide students with a survey of the criminal justice system,
including the police, courts and corrections.
It also explores the physical, psychological and social aspects of
criminal behavior and the impact of crime on American society. The course is interdisciplinary in nature.
Purpose:
The purpose for taking this course is provide a
well-informed, rational and as objective as possible understanding of crime,
criminal behavior and the criminal justice system as an entity unto
itself. Criminal justice has been one
of the fastest growing academic areas of study over the past 30 years and
continues to attract many young people to careers in this system. It is also designed to develop an
understanding and better appreciation for the police, courts and correctional
systems, which research tells are most often experienced by young people, both
as offenders and as victims.
Course
Expectations:
Tests & Quizzes- 35%
(Students are
responsible for material covered in class and assigned readings)
Projects & Papers- 30%
Homework 10%
Class Participation/Attendance* 25%
Final Examination represents 10% of
course grade.
·
Students
will be expected to complete one research-based paper on a criminal justice
related topic.
It is
expected that all students will have access to the Internet and a
computer. A class website has been
established at http://www.mrwhittier.net
for the purposes of this class.
Assignments are expected to be turned in by e-mail or through a digital
drop box, whenever possible and/or practicable.
Teacher
Contact:
Michael L. Whittier ext.
4115
Sutton High School e-mail: w@mrwhittier.net
Sutton, Massachusetts 01590 Wed/Thur. by
appointment
Textbook: Criminal Justice, ©2003, Jay S. Albanese, or
Criminal Justice, © 1995, Freda Adler et. Al
Course Outline:
1.
Criminal
Justice Overview
2.
The
Nature of Crime
a.
Defining
Crime
b.
Measuring
Crime
c.
Victimization
d.
Changing
Face of Crime
3.
Criminal
Law
a.
History
and Development of Criminal Law
b.
Crime
Defined
c.
Crimes
Against People
d.
Crimes
Against Property
e.
Crimes
Against Public Policy, Morals and Decency
f.
Other
Crimes
4.
The
Police
a.
History
and Development of Policing
b.
Levels
of Policing
c.
Types
of Police Agencies
d.
Training
and Practice of Policing
e.
The
Police Sub-Culture
f.
Police
Administration
5.
Criminal
Procedure
a.
Rights
of the Accused
b.
Rights
of the Victim
c.
Civil
Liberties
d.
Policy,
Procedure and Practice of Procedural Law
6.
The
Courts
a.
The
History and Development of Our Courts
b.
Roles
and Responsibilities in Justice
c.
Pre-Trial
d.
Adjudication
e.
Sentencing
and Punishment
f.
Probation
7.
Corrections
a.
Purpose
of Incarceration
b.
History
and Development of Corrections
c.
Classification
of Corrections
d.
Prison
Society
e.
Issues
of Modern Corrections
f.
Death
Row and the Death Penalty
g.
Alternative
Corrections
h.
Parole
8.
Forensic
Science Unit (optional unit)
*
Class Attendance Policy: Class attendance is considered to be
integral part of class participation
and is calculated as noted above. Students are provided a quarterly attendance
grade on the basis of the percentage of time they were in class. In essence, this means that they receive a
100 for each day attended and a 0 for each day missed, regardless of the reason. A
single or even five or six absences have very little impact. Excessive absences can have a significant
impact on this grade, not to mention missed work and material. If an extended
illness or matter forces more than 10 days of absence in a term, parents must
contact Mr. Whittier to discuss the possibility of excusing some of the
absences. No adjustment will be made for up to 10 absences. Students are
responsible for making up work after an absence within 3 days, including making
arrangements to take any missed tests or quizzes and extensions on
deadlines. Failure to make arrangements
will result in 0, for the assignment. Make-up assignments and tests submitted
within the last five days before any progress report or grade report may result
in an I, incomplete, being issued on the report card.