Criminal Justice II Course Syllabus
by Craig Williamson
Course title: Criminal Justice II
(Regional Course ID: I266 / Criminal Justice II)
Instructor: Mr Craig Williamson
Office Hours: M-F 0750-0830, 3:10PM-4:00PM
Contact information: Phone 815-942-4390, ext 254 e-mail: cwilliamson@gavc-il.org
Prerequisites: Student has to have passed Criminal Justice I with a passing grade. Student needs to have expressed interest in the criminal justice field to participate in job shadowing. Also the student needs to have a 3.0 grade point average or the recommendation of the instructor in order to participate in the job shadowing. Students are also subject to a records check by the participating agency before approval for job shadow.
Course description: Criminal Justice II is a continuation of Criminal Justice I. The course is for a full year and meets M-F for approximately 110 minutes. There is an overall examination of the Criminal Justice System. Problems of the parts of the system are analyzed and discussion of current trends in correcting problems in the system are covered. Also discussed in the class is an in depth examination of the philosophical background and operational aspects of the department of corrections. An analysis of Federal, State and local correctional agencies are examined and also a possible career in the field of corrections is discussed, with current correctional officers coming to class and discussing their profession, which also includes a tour of the local correctional facility. Also discussed in the class is the juvenile delinquency and juvenile justice system. A look at the difference in the underlying behavioral patterns of juveniles, compared to adults; the study of preventive methods and techniques, analysis of juvenile case studies, and also the difference in the court system in dealing with juvenile offenders compared to adult offenders. The Criminal Law is also examined in the class, where the students learn the elements of the criminal act, preparing criminal complaints, and also participating in a Mock Trial. The class also covers crash investigation, taught by an accident reconstruction specialist. Another component of the class is the organization of a police department from budgeting, distribution of manpower, crime statistics, etc. A two week job shadowing program is also incorporated in this class working with police officers, attorneys, corrections, or probation. It exposes the students to the actual workings of the criminal justice system. Also students should receive CPR certification during this second year.
Course objectives: To make the student aware of the various careers available in the Criminal Justice field is a priority. The knowledge that the student will gain will assist in the analysis of why criminals act as they do. The student will be aware of the trends in Criminal Justice and analyze if these trends are successful.
Articulation/Dual Credit through Joliet Junior College: Criminal Justice II is articulated for dual credits through JJC. Students receive 3 credit hours for Criminal Law and 3 credits for Juvenile Delinquency. The Fall semester the student will earn 3 credits for CRJ 120 Juvenile Delinquency, and the Spring semester will earn 3 credits for CRJ 130 Criminal Law
Textbooks: Textbooks currently used:
Juvenile Delinquency: Theory, Practice, and Law, by Siegel and Welsh
Criminal Justice Today, 10th edition, by Schmalleger
Essentials of Criminal Law, 10th edition, by Chamelin and Thomas
Required student material: 1 three ring notebook, paper and pen or pencils, all other material will be supplied by the school. There is a fee of $20.00 for the course.
Grading scale: GAVC grading scale is as follows:
93-100=A 70-76=D
85-92=B 0-69=F
77-84=C
Grading plan: The grades are based on cumulative points which also includes a quarterly comprehensive examination. Each 9 week grade accounts for the semester with 50% from each quarter making the total semester grade with the exception of Morris High School. Late work is accepted, but with a penalty for the scores such as 1 day late, 50% off total score, 2 days late, 75% off score, 3 days late, no credit, or after a conference with a parent or other school personnel advising why the work was late.
Controversial subject matter: Since the nature of the work in Criminal Justice does cover subject matter that may be controversial, there is a parent permission letter sent out to advise of the same. Our goal is to represent the Criminal Justice field in a positive, but realistic matter which means that occasionally there may be some graphic language or photographs presented to show real scenarios. Although this is rare, it does occur and is treated as adults should treat this type of information. Nothing is taught that can be used against a police officer.
Careers and job outlook: According to the US Dept of Labor, all aspects of the Criminal Justice Field should see a significant growth in employment over the next 10 years. The projections are for anywhere from an 8%- 13% increase in the law enforcement area, 11%-34% in the security area, and 8%-17% in the corrections area. Employment opportunities are described as excellent. Starting salaries in the local area for Police Officers are in the $45,000-$50,000 range. Other areas of Criminal Justice range from $38,000-$60,000.
