Mr. Frederick E. Allen
Phone: (619) 644-7158
Fax: (619) 644-7922
Email: fred.allen@gcccd.net
Course Website: www.grossmont.net/fredallen
An overview of the history, philosophy, and practices of the criminal justice system. A study of the origins, concepts, and development of the administration of justice process as well as the typologies and causative theories associated with crime and delinquent behavior. Emphasis is also placed on professional ethics, and the interrelated components of public safety, including law enforcement, courts corrections and private security.
Ortmeier, P.J. (2006). Introduction to Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, 2nd edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Participation on the Discussion Board (80 points)
Due to the nature of this course, participation accounts for 1/4 of your grade. An online course such as this is learner-centered, which means that as the student you must take the initiative and responsibility for engaging in all course activities. In other words, you cannot disappear in the "back" of the classroom, but must participate in each and every discussion and class activity.
Class discussions will be conducted via Discussion Boards. A different Discussion Board will be used for each topic. At the beginning of each discussion I will post an introduction to the topic followed by some questions.
You are expected to post at least two messages per discussion board, although you are encouraged to post more than two. Postings should incorporate what you learned from the assigned readings. At least one of your messages must be a response to another student's posting.
The other posting may be:
a response to the questions posted at the beginning of each discussion; or
how you've been able to apply what you've learned professionally or personally.
Minimum of 2 messages must be posted by the end of the week, Saturday midnight.
Web Exercises - Individual Exercises on the Web (50 points)
Throughout the course are several individual exercises to help enrich your understanding and ability to apply the readings. They will pertain to the week's topic and will be based on the activities and readings for the week.
Web Exercises must be sent by the end of the week, Saturday midnight.
Adherence to student code of conduct, punctuality for class, participation, classroom demeanor, timely completion of assignments, Participation in on-line discussions boards is worth 50 points.
Critical-thinking and problem-solving exercise/group research project:
The ability to: think critically; identify and solve problems; read and comprehend what one reads; communicate effectively, verbally and in written form; get along well with others; maintain personal and professional ethical standards; and possess an awareness/appreciation for the diversity in our society is critical to success in one's personal as well as professional life. The purpose of the group research project is to promote the development of these competencies.
Critical thinking is the commitment and disposition to objectively analyze, interpret, evaluate, and synthesize arguments, information, and experience with a composite of reflective knowledge, abilities, attitudes, and values to guide thoughts, beliefs, and action.
The ability to identify a problem and its causes, gather and analyze data associated with the problem, and develop solutions to the problem is a skill that can be developed. Each student is required to participate in an exercise that will assist in the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills. Problems or issues to be addressed in this exercise may be identified through increased awareness of current events and community needs. Therefore, students are encouraged to view and analyze media reports as well as develop contacts with community groups, businesses and agencies.
In addition, the ability to collaborate with others is identify, critically analyze, and develop solutions to problems is a skill required of employers today. It is a skill, or competency, that can be developed through practice. Therefore, students will "practice" team building and group problem solving in the group research project. Students in the class will be divided into small groups of 4-6 people. Each group will conduct a research project utilizing the steps outlined below and will present the group's findings in writing to the instructor and through an oral presentation to the class during the last two weeks of the course. All written work product, other than in-class writing assignments, must be typed and free of mechanical, spelling, and grammatical errors.
The research process is divided into several steps. Follow these steps for your group research project.
http://www.sannet.gov/police (San Diego Police)
www.sdsheriff.net (San Diego County Sheriff).
a. cover page with the title of your project, your group number, and the full name of each member of your group.
b. introduction (with statement of the problem/issue and research question).
c. review of previous research/literature as well as your research.
d. the group's recommendations.
e. references-cite resources utilizing appropriate bibliographic citations.
f. appendices, if appropriate
| Assignment | Grade Points |
| Discussion Boards | 80 points |
| Exercises | 50 points |
| Professionalism and Ethics | 50 points |
| Chapter Assignments | 100 points |
| Critical-thinking and problem-solving exercise/group research project | 50 points |
| Total | 330 points |
My mission is student success! My goal is to ensure that you get what you enrolled in this course for. Whether you are taking this course for personal enrichment or to acquire new knowledge for career enhancement, your goals are extremely important to me. When you complete this course (and I am committed to your successful completion), I hope you believe the course was worthwhile, that you enjoyed your experience, and that you learned something in the process.
If you are a single parent or displaced homemaker, or are economically disadvantaged, and need tutoring or academic advising, please consult with your instructor.
Students with disabilities who may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to notify the instructor and contact Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSP&S) early in the semester so reasonable accommodations may be implemented as soon as possible. Students may contact DSP&S in person in room 110 or by phone at 619-644-7112(voice) or at 619-644-7119 (TTY for deaf).
Note: No food or drink is allowed in the classroom. (Exception: Water in bottles or sealable containers) as a matter of courtesy, please make sure cell phones and pagers are "off" while in class.
Notebook, pen or pencil. Access to a computer connected to internet. Computers are available for use in the Learning and Resource Center at Grossmont College.