CRIJ 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice
Philosophy, history, and objectives and functions of the criminal justice system as a social institution are examined, along with the relationship of this system to society and a general overview of the administration of justice.
General Education Competency
[GE Core type]
CRIJ 101Introduction to Criminal Justice
Please note: This is not a course syllabus. A course syllabus is unique to a particular section of a course by instructor. This curriculum guide provides general information about a course.
I. General Information
Department
Social Science
II. Course Specification
Course Type
Program Requirement
General Education Competency
[GE Core type]
Semester Contact Hours Lecture
48
Grading Method
Letter grade
III. Catalog Course Description
Philosophy, history, and objectives and functions of the criminal justice system as a social institution are examined, along with the relationship of this system to society and a general overview of the administration of justice.
IV. Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:
- Describe the historical development of the criminal justice and how multiculturalism has impacted the systems development.
- Identify the two major crime indexes and explain how crime data is gathered and reported.
- Summarize the five schools of criminological theory and explain the prevailing theories in each school.
- Describe the general nature and purpose of the substantive criminal law and explain the elements that constitute a criminal offense.
- Explain the four categories of affirmative defenses to criminal liability.
- Describe the historical development of policing and law enforcement agencies in the United States.
- Examine how research methodologies have impacted the operation and management of law enforcement agencies.
- Identify and explain the major criminal procedure doctrines and describe how they impact a criminal prosecution.
- Examine the issues and challenges currently impacting law enforcement agencies at both the state and federal level.
- Explain the history and development of the American court system.
- Describe the major steps in the pretrial and trial process.
- Summarize the philosophy and goals in regard to sentencing convicted offenders.
- Examine the advantages and disadvantages of probation, parole and community based corrections.
- Examine the historical development of prisons and jails in America and the current issues facing the state and federal correction systems.
V. Topical Outline (Course Content)
What is Criminal Justice?
The Crime Picture
The Search for Causes of Criminal Conduct
Substantive Criminal Law
Policing: History and Structure
Policing: Purpose and Organization
Policing: Legal Aspects
Policing: Issues and Challenges
The Courts: Structure and Participants
Pretrial Activities and the Criminal Trial
Sentencing of Criminal Offenders
Probation, Parole and Community Corrections
Prisons and Jails
Prison Life
VI. Delivery Methodologies
Required Assignments
Participation in classroom discussion and activity
Chapter readings and written summaries of main topics
Required Exams
Chapter Quizzes
Unit Exams
Required Text
Criminal Justice Today, By Frank Schmalleger (13th Edition, Pearson)
Specific Course Activity Assignment or Assessment Requirements
Participation in classroom discussion and activity
Chapter readings and written summaries of main topics
Chapter Quizzes
Unit Exams