Criminal Justice I Course Syllabus
Criminal Justice I
(Regional Course ID: I265 / Criminal Justice I)
Course Syllabus
I.) Instructor: Craig Williamson, e-mail: cwilliamson@gavc-il.org
Telephone: (815) 942-4390 (Ext.254)
Office Hours: 7:50 a.m. to 8:40 a.m. & 3:10 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
A.) Prerequisites:
1.) There are no prerequisites for Criminal Justice I students.
B.) Textbook:
1. Schmalleger, Frank, Ph.D., “Criminal Justice Today” tenth edition, Columbus, Ohio. Pearson 2009.
C.) Course Description:
Students will be given a broad range of criminal justice studies including, understanding and interpreting the U.S. Constitution, law enforcement, corrections and courts. Practical skills of law enforcement including, hand cuffing, communication and document preparation will also be taught. Students will experience lectures from police officers, coroners, law enforcement administration officials, attorneys and correction officers.
D.) 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 gains 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.
E.) Course Materials
1.) Students will be required to have one (1) three ring notebook, paper, and pen(s) or pencil(s) all other material will be supplied by the school. There is a $20.00 course fee for this class.
F.) Grading Scale:
1.) A: 93 to 100 B: 85 to 94 C: 77 to 84 D: 70 to 77 F: 0 to 69 (Round up above .5)
G.) Grading Plan:
1.) The student’s grades are based on cumulative points obtained through each of four (4) quarters of course work. There will be quarterly exams, as well as semester exams. Nine (9) week grades are calculated for the semester grade, using 50% of each quarter, resulting in a final semester grade.
2.) Late work is accepted with reduced scores, using the following guideline: One (1) day late, reduction of grade by 50%. Two (2) days late reduction of grade by 75%. No work is accepted after being late three (3) or more days and the resulting grade will be a zero.
H.) Controversial Subject Matter:
1.) The very realistic nature of working within, and learning about the Criminal Justice System; presents both instructor and student(s) with some challenges regarding controversial subject matter. No material will be taught that may be used against a law enforcement official or may cause bodily harm.
2.) Issues regarding the potential for profane language, sexually explicit material (photographs and video) and/or sexually discussed subject matter will be handled in a professional manner, using medically recognized terms and court legal verbiage.
3.) A “Parental Advisement Letter” is sent home to the parents of each student recognizing this very possibility and the reality of covering and discussing this type of controversial subject matter.
I.) Articulation/Dual Credit with Joliet Junior College:
1.) Criminal Justice I articulated for dual credit through Joliet Junior College. Students receive three (3) credit hours for Introduction to Law Enforcement and 3 credits for Introduction to Criminal Justice. The first semester the student will receive 3 credits for CRJ 100, Introduction to Criminal Justice, second semester the student will receive 3 credits for CRJ 110, Introduction to Law Enforcement
J.) Careers and Job Market Outlook:
1.) According to the U. S. Department of Labor, all aspects of the Criminal Justice Field should see a significant growth in employment over the next ten (10) years. The estimated projections are for anywhere from an 8% to 13% increase in the law enforcement area; 11% to 34% in the security field, and 8% to 17% in the corrections field. Employment opportunities are described as “excellent” in the Criminal Justice Field. Median wages for the Midwest: Correctional officers, $40,000-$48,000, Police Officers, $45,000-$66,000, Experienced Attorneys, $120,000
