AJ001
Introduction to the Administration of Justice
Classroom Course Syllabus

 

Instructor : Jim Smith

Telephone : 408 741-2553
Email : jim_smith@westvalley.edu
Website : http://instruct.westvalley.edu/smith
Required Text : Criminal Justice in Action: The Core, 5th edition by Gaines-Miller
   

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
   
 

The history and philosophy of administration of justice in America; recapitulation of the system; identifying the various subsystems, role expectations, and their interrelationships; theories of crime punishment, and rehabilitation' ethics, education and training for professionalism in the system.

COURSE GOALS:
 

  • To provide a knowledge of the various agencies encompassing the administration of justice system and the inter-relationships between them.

  • To develop the ability of the student to recognize the administration of justice agency best suited to his or her talents and aspirations.

  • To develop an appreciation of the complexity of the criminal justice system and the many sub-systems that supports its overall effectiveness.

GENERAL PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES:
   
 

  • The student completing this course of instruction will be able to demonstrate his knowledge of the evolution of the administration of justice system, it's objectives, role expectations, and trends through class participation and written examinations.

  • Completion of this course of instruction will develop an awareness of the crime problem. The student will demonstrate his knowledge of causal theories, criminal behavior, and the implications of crime statistics thorough written examination.

  • Instruction shall provide the student with an overview of the organization and operation of administration of justice agencies. The student may be required to demonstrate his knowledge of the various agency organizational structures through oral presentation or written examination.

  • The student completing this course of instruction will develop an appreciation of education, training, and professionalism in the administration of justice system. Competency in this area may be demonstrated thorough class participation and individual research projects.

EVALUATION METHODOLOGY:
   
  1.  Written Examinations

Point Value
     
        A.  Seven Chapter Tests       (Handouts/PowerPoint/Text)

 
         

 
              Test #1     Chapter 1 25
              Test #2     Chapter's 2 & 3 25
              Test #3     Chapter 4 25
              Test #4     Chapter 5 25
              Test #5     Chapter 6 25
              Test #6     Chapter 7 25
              Test #7     Chapters 8 & 9 25
     
        B.  Attendance  
            
Those that have perfect attendance will be awarded 25 extra credit points at the end of the semester.

Those that miss more than 3 classes will be dropped.  (Pursuant to WVC Student Attendance Policy, WVC catalog, page 181).

An absence includes leaving class early.  You must advise the instructor prior to the start of class that you need to leave early to avoid being marked absent.  Never have anyone else sign the attendance sheet for you.
 
     
       C.  3 Internet Research Assignments @ 25 pts. each 75
     
         D.  3 Homework Assignments @ 50 pts. each 150
     
        E.  Final Examination  (Comprehensive)  Including Chapters 12 & 13. 100
     
  2.  Total Points Possible  (Excluding Extra Credit) 500
     
  3.  Grading Evaluation  (Final Grade)  
     
  450 - 500 = A 400 - 449 = B 350 - 399 = C  
  300 - 349 = D 000 - 299 = F    
         
 

Items of Interest

      
   
 
A.  All tests will be administered online using the Angel software management program.  You can use your class notes and book to take the test.  If you have trouble taking a test online and let me know before the test deadline passes, you may take a hard copy of the test the next class session without the use of notes or your text.  Any makeup test is not open notes!  Forgetting to take a test during the time it is available online is not a valid reason to take a make up test.

B.  Office hours for evening classes are from 5:00 to 6:00 PM on the same day as class.  All information regarding missed assignments must be conducted during office hours.

C.  Final grades will be posted on the class website.

D.  A major portion of course materials will available only through the internet.  You will need access to a computer, internet connection and printer.

E.  Homework and other assignments are due as assigned and will be collected at the beginning of class.  Work may be turned in up to one week after the due date with a 25% late penalty.  No homework, extra credit or tests will be accepted the week before finals (dead week) or the week of final examinations.

F.  Computers are available for student use in the Technology Lab.  A $5 lab card is available for purchase at the West Valley College Bookstore.

G.  Due to the content of criminal justice instruction, no children under the age of 16 are permitted in the classroom.  Please do not ask for exceptions to this policy.

H.  Be a professional student.  Do not show contempt for the class or other students by using the time to visit with friends, do homework for other classes or engage in discourteous behavior.

I.  You are required to check the class website twice per week to be prepared for your classes.  Checking it the day before class would benefit you most.  Some assignments will only be posted and available on the website.

J.  You must check your grades regularly to ensure your homework and tests have been credited.  I will not change a grade if you wait more than a week after I update and post the online grading sheet.  In other words, don't wait until the last week of class to let me know of any possible grading problems.

K.  The instructor may make changes to the syllabus during the semester.  It is the student's responsibility to stay informed of these changes.  Students may contact the instructor during office hours and before/after class, time permitting.  Students may also wish to have a study partner whom they can contact if they miss class.

I.  West Valley College makes reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities.  Students should notify DESP (Disability & Educational Support Program) located in the Learning Services building (408-741-2010) of any special needs.