CCCOnline LogoCourse Snapshot for CRJ110 - Introduction to Criminal Justice

The information listed below is subject to change. Please review the course syllabus within your online course at the start of class.

Course Competencies

The competencies you will demonstrate in this course are as follows:

  1.  Develop an informed understanding of the basic components of justice processes
  2.  Compare the various goals and perspectives of the criminal justice system
  3.  Recognize the major sources of crime data, including their uses and limitations
  4.  Explain the major theories of crime and criminal behavior
  5.  Describe victimization and victim precipitation
  6.  Discuss the historical foundation, sources and current interpretation of criminal law, including substantive and procedural law.
  7.  Examine the historical evolution and the current role of policing in a modern society
  8.  Identify criminal court systems and the process of an adversarial system
  9.  Evaluate correctional systems, sentences, and the purposes of punishment
  10. Explore future trends in law enforcement, criminal court and correctional processes
Learning concepts for this course are enchanced using illustrative models, video, and online discussions.

Module Outcomes Mapped to Competencies

The module objectives that will permit students to demonstrate course competencies are:

Module 1
  Objectives Competencies
1 Describe the American criminal justice system in terms of the three major components I
2 Analyze the steps taken in a case from crime through corrections I
3 Discuss crime control and due process perspectives II
4 Compare/Contrast the different reporting methods III
5 Describe the historical foundations of the law in the US VI
Module 2
  Objectives Competencies
1 Explore the development and social research in relation to criminological theories IV, VI
2 Discuss the historical development of policing in the US VII
3 Examine the challenges police face in modern society X
Module 3
  Objectives Competencies
1 Explore the development of American courts and the associated structures and work groups I
2 Describe the criminal trial process as well as the pretrial steps and activities VIII
3 Describe the five goals of contemporary sentencing and the importance of victims’ rights and alternative sentencing V
4 Explain the sources of law including substantive and procedural VI
Module 4
  Objectives Competencies
1 Compare/Contrast the differences between probation and parole IX
2 Investigate the difference between private and public prisons and the role of corrections IX
3 Describe major issues that prisons/prisoners face today X
4 Analyze the different types of sanctions and apply them to a case IX
Module 5
  Objectives Competencies
1 Compare and contrast the adult and juvenile system and the different perspectives and goals of system I, II
2 Discuss the legal impact of court decisions in relation to the juvenile justice system I, VI
3 Discuss the history of drug abuse and anti-drug legislation and its impact on society VI
4 Summarize various efforts throughout history to respond to the drug program and an assessment of each VII
5 Analyze the current and future roles of technology and the impact on the criminal justice system X

Course Time Commitment and Expectations

Course Activity Hours and Student Learning Hours
Course Credit Hours Course Format (Duration) Pace Relative to a 15 Week Course Course Activity Hours Student Learning Hours Per Week
3 15 Weeks - 135 8.5 to 9.5
3 10 Weeks 1.5x faster 135 12.5 to 14.5
3 6 Weeks 2.5x faster 135 21 to 24

For every credit hour, students should plan to spend an average of 2-3 hours per week for course-related activities in a 15-week course. For example, a 3 credit hour course would average an average 6-9 hours per week to read/listen to the online content, participate in discussion forums, complete assignments, and study the course material. For 10  and 6-week courses, the amount of time per week will be higher so all course competencies, module outcomes, and assignments will be covered.

Aside from typical reading assignments, this course has the following (Please Note: This list is subject to change based on the discretion of the instructor facilitating this course.):

Summary of Grading
Assignment Points %
Discussions (10 @ 25 points each) 250 25%
Assignments (6 @ 75 points each) 450 45%
Field Experience (1 @ 100 points) 100 10%
Midterm and Final (1 each @ 100 points each) 200 20%
TOTAL 1,000 100%

 

Grading Scale
A = 90-100% B = 80-89% C = 70-79% D = 60-69% F = 59%-below

 

CCCOnline Course Quality Commitment

CCCOnline goes to great lengths to assure the quality of your online learning experience. You can expect the following from our courses: